King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:27 Mean?

Matthew 26:27 in the King James Version says “And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;”

Matthew 26:27 · KJV

Context

25

Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

26

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. blessed it: many Greek copies have gave thanks

27

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

28

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

29

But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

Read Matthew 26 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it. After the bread, Jesus took 'the cup' (τὸ ποτήριον/to potērion), likely the third cup of the Passover Seder, called the 'cup of redemption.' How fitting that Jesus used this cup to institute the sacrament of His redeeming blood.

'And gave thanks' (εὐχαριστήσας/eucharistēsas)—from which we get 'Eucharist,' a name for the Lord's Supper. Again, even facing the cross, Jesus gave thanks. This demonstrates perfect submission to the Father's will and confidence in redemption's accomplishment.

'Drink ye all of it' (πίετε ἐξ αὐτοῦ πάντες/piete ex autou pantes)—all disciples are to partake. Unlike medieval practice that restricted the cup to clergy while laity received only bread, Jesus commanded all believers to drink. This egalitarian instruction emphasizes the priesthood of all believers; we all equally need Christ's blood and equally share in its benefits.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Passover meal included four cups of wine, each with symbolic meaning. The third cup, taken after the meal, was the 'cup of redemption' or 'cup of blessing' (1 Corinthians 10:16). Jesus imbued this with new meaning: redemption not from Egypt but from sin; blessing not of temporal deliverance but eternal salvation.

Early church practice included both bread and wine for all communicants. The medieval restriction of the cup to priests contradicted Jesus's command and was corrected during the Reformation, which restored the cup to all believers.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is it significant that Jesus commanded all disciples to drink from the cup, and what does this teach about equality in the body of Christ?
  2. How does Jesus giving thanks before instituting the Lord's Supper challenge us to approach Communion with gratitude rather than casual familiarity?
  3. What does it mean that the cup is specifically called the 'cup of redemption' in Jewish tradition, and how does this illuminate Christ's use of it?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λαβὼν2 of 13

“he took”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

τὸ3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ποτήριον4 of 13

“the cup”

G4221

a drinking-vessel; by extension, the contents thereof, i.e., a cupful (draught); figuratively, a lot or fate

καὶ5 of 13

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὐχαριστήσας6 of 13

“gave thanks”

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

ἔδωκεν7 of 13

“and gave”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῦ8 of 13

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

λέγων,9 of 13

“saying”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Πίετε10 of 13

“Drink ye”

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ἐξ11 of 13

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτοῦ12 of 13

“it”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πάντες13 of 13

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 26:27 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 26:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:16Isaiah 25:6Psalms 116:13Luke 22:20Song of Solomon 5:11 Corinthians 11:28

Test Your Knowledge

Matthew 26 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterMatthew Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Matthew 26 with CommentaryAll Matthew ChaptersComplete Matthew QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes