King James Version

What Does Matthew 26:29 Mean?

Matthew 26:29 in the King James Version says “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 i... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 26 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Matthew 26:29 · KJV


Context

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.

30

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. hymn: or, psalm

31

Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine (οὐ μὴ πίω ἀπ' ἄρτι ἐκ τούτου τοῦ γενήματος τῆς ἀμπέλου, ou mē piō ap' arti ek toutou tou genēmatos tēs ampelou)—This follows institution of the Lord's Supper. The Passover seder included four cups; Jesus declares He will abstain from the final cup(s) until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

This stunning promise transforms the meal from memorial to prophecy: the Messianic Banquet is coming (Isaiah 25:6, Luke 22:30, Revelation 19:9). New (καινόν, kainon)—qualitatively new, not merely neos (chronologically new). Christ promises reunion and celebration in the consummated Kingdom, giving hope amid imminent crucifixion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The four Passover cups represented God's four promises in Exodus 6:6-7: redemption, deliverance, adoption, and covenant. Jesus's vow likely occurred at the third or fourth cup. His abstinence and forward-looking promise would have signaled to the disciples that Passover was being fundamentally transformed and not yet consummated.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's promise of the future Messianic feast sustain you through present suffering?
  2. What does the transformation of Passover wine into the Lord's Supper teach about Old Testament fulfillment in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
λέγω1 of 31

I say

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

δὲ2 of 31

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν3 of 31

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 31

not

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὐ5 of 31
G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μὴ6 of 31
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πίνω7 of 31

I drink

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

ἀπ'8 of 31

henceforth

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

ἄρτι9 of 31
G737

just now

ἐκ10 of 31

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

τούτου11 of 31

this

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

τοῦ12 of 31
G3588

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

γεννήματος13 of 31

fruit

G1081

offspring; by analogy, produce (literally or figuratively)

τῆς14 of 31
G3588

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

ἀμπέλου15 of 31

of the vine

G288

a vine (as coiling about a support)

ἕως16 of 31

until

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

τῆς17 of 31
G3588

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

ἡμέρας18 of 31

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐκείνης19 of 31

that

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ὅταν20 of 31

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

αὐτὸ21 of 31

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

πίνω22 of 31

I drink

G4095

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

μεθ''23 of 31

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ὑμῶν24 of 31

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καινὸν25 of 31

new

G2537

new (especially in freshness; while g3501 is properly so with respect to age

ἐν26 of 31

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ27 of 31
G3588

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

βασιλείᾳ28 of 31

kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ29 of 31
G3588

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

πατρός30 of 31

Father's

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

μου31 of 31

my

G3450

of me


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 26:29 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 26:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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