For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

1 CORINTHIANS 11:26KJV
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1 Corinthians 11:26 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 11:26 mean?

1 Corinthians 11:26 says that every time believers eat the bread and drink the cup during the Lord’s Supper, they are publicly declaring and remembering Jesus’ death until he returns. This act is not just a private ritual but a visible proclamation of what Jesus accomplished through his death.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, explaining the meaning and importance of the Lord’s Supper. He emphasizes that this meal is a way for Christians to continually announce and keep alive the message of Jesus’ sacrifice, looking forward to his promised return. The verse highlights both the ongoing nature of this remembrance and its future hope.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 11:26

  • "καταγγέλλετε" (katangellō, "shew"): This word means to proclaim or announce publicly, not just to remember quietly. Paul is saying that taking the bread and cup is a visible statement about Jesus’ death.
  • "ἄχρι οὗ ἔλθῃ" (achri hou elthē, "till he come"): This phrase means "until he comes," pointing to an expectation that Jesus will return. The Lord’s Supper is meant to be observed continually, with hope for the future.
  • "ἄρτος" (artos, "bread") and "ποτήριον" (potērion, "cup"): These words refer to the physical elements used in the meal, grounding the practice in simple, everyday items that carry deep meaning in this context.

Why 1 Corinthians 11:26 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the Lord’s Supper is not just a memorial but a proclamation, making the meaning of Jesus’ death known each time it is observed.
  • Paul’s words connect the past (Jesus’ death), the present (the ongoing act of remembering), and the future (Jesus’ return), showing the Lord’s Supper as a bridge across time for believers.
  • The verse helps correct misunderstandings that the meal is only about personal reflection; it is also a public witness to the core message of Christian faith.

Where else these words appear

“as” Greek G3740 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
  • Revelation 11:6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

“shew” Greek G2605 · used in 17 verses

  • Acts 4:2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
  • Acts 16:21 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
  • Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

“cup” Greek G4221 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  • Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
  • John 18:11 Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

“till” Greek G891 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
  • Acts 22:22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
  • Galatians 4:19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,