New Testament
Luke 22:17
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Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and said, 'Take this and share it among yourselves.'
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And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
What Luke 22:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is sharing a cup with his disciples during the Last Supper, a significant moment before his crucifixion. By giving thanks, he acknowledges God's provision and the importance of the moment. The instruction to share the cup among themselves emphasizes community and unity among the disciples. This act symbolizes the new covenant that Jesus is establishing through his impending sacrifice. The cup represents his blood, which will be shed for the forgiveness of sins. Sharing it signifies that all believers are invited to partake in this new relationship with God, highlighting the importance of fellowship and mutual support within the Christian community. This moment sets the stage for the institution of the Lord's Supper, a practice that continues in Christian worship today, reminding believers of Jesus' sacrifice and the unity they share in faith.
How to apply Luke 22:17 to your life
This verse encourages believers to practice gratitude and share their blessings with others. It reminds us of the importance of community in our faith journey. By participating in communal acts of worship, like communion, we strengthen our bonds and remember the sacrifice of Jesus together.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Last Supper (Luke 22:7–23)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Luke 22:17
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 22:17 mean?
In Luke 22:17, Jesus shares a cup with his disciples during the Last Supper, symbolizing the new covenant he is establishing through his sacrifice. His act of giving thanks highlights the significance of the moment and the importance of community among believers.
What is the significance of sharing the cup in Luke 22:17?
Sharing the cup in Luke 22:17 emphasizes unity and fellowship among the disciples. It represents the invitation for all believers to partake in the new relationship with God established through Jesus' sacrifice.
What does the cup represent in Luke 22:17?
In Luke 22:17, the cup represents Jesus' blood, which will be shed for the forgiveness of sins. It signifies the new covenant and the communal aspect of faith among believers.
How does Luke 22:17 relate to communion?
Luke 22:17 is foundational for the practice of communion, as it describes Jesus instituting this ritual during the Last Supper. It reminds Christians of Jesus' sacrifice and the unity they share in faith.
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