New Testament
Mark 14:23
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus takes a cup, gives thanks, and shares it with his disciples during the Last Supper.
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and passed it to them. They all drank from it.
And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus takes a cup, gives thanks, and shares it with his disciples during the Last Supper. This act symbolizes the establishment of a new covenant between God and humanity through Jesus' impending sacrifice. By giving thanks, Jesus acknowledges God's provision and the significance of the moment. The disciples drinking from the same cup signifies their unity and participation in this covenant. This moment is foundational for Christian communion practices, where believers remember Jesus' sacrifice and the new life offered through him. The act of sharing the cup also emphasizes community and fellowship among believers, highlighting the importance of coming together in faith and gratitude. This passage invites reflection on the meaning of sacrifice, gratitude, and the communal aspect of faith, reminding Christians of their shared commitment to follow Jesus and live out his teachings.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Mark 14:23 to your life
This verse encourages believers to practice gratitude in their daily lives, recognizing the significance of shared moments with others. It also invites Christians to participate in communal worship and remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice, fostering unity and connection within the faith community.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What is the significance of the cup in Mark 14:23?
In Mark 14:23, the cup represents the new covenant established by Jesus through his impending sacrifice. By sharing the cup with his disciples, Jesus signifies the unity and fellowship among them, as well as their participation in this covenant. This act is foundational for Christian communion, where believers remember Jesus' sacrifice and the new life offered through him.
Why did Jesus give thanks before sharing the cup?
Jesus gave thanks before sharing the cup to acknowledge God's provision and the importance of the moment. This act of thanksgiving highlights the significance of the Last Supper and sets an example for believers to practice gratitude in their own lives, recognizing the blessings they receive and the communal aspects of faith.
How does Mark 14:23 relate to Christian communion practices?
Mark 14:23 is central to Christian communion practices as it depicts the institution of the Lord's Supper. During communion, believers remember Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant he established. The act of sharing the cup symbolizes unity among Christians and their collective commitment to follow Jesus, reinforcing the importance of community and fellowship in faith.
What themes are highlighted in Mark 14:23?
Mark 14:23 highlights several key themes, including the Last Supper, the establishment of a new covenant, thanksgiving, unity among believers, sacrifice, and fellowship. These themes emphasize the significance of Jesus' actions during this pivotal moment and invite reflection on the communal aspects of faith and the importance of gratitude.

The Book of Mark
Mark 1: John the Baptist and the Beginning of Jesus's Ministry
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness and preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People from Judaea and Jerusalem come to him, confess their sins, and are baptized in the river Jordan. John wears camel's hair and a leather belt and eats locusts and wild honey. He announces that someone stronger than he is coming after him and says he is not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals. He baptizes with water, but the one coming will baptize with the Holy Ghost.
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