For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

LUKE 22:16KJV
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Luke 22:16 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:16 mean?

Luke 22:16 records Jesus telling his disciples that he will not eat the Passover meal again until it finds its true meaning or fulfillment in the kingdom of God. Jesus is saying that this meal points forward to something greater that will happen when God’s reign is fully established.

Jesus is speaking to his closest followers during the Last Supper, just before his arrest. The setting is the Jewish Passover meal, which remembers Israel’s rescue from Egypt. By saying he will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in God’s kingdom, Jesus hints that his coming death and resurrection will bring about a new phase in God’s plan—one that the Passover meal has always pointed toward.

The Greek behind Luke 22:16

  • βασιλεία (basileia, “kingdom”): This word refers to God’s rule or reign, not just a physical place. Here, it emphasizes the future time when God’s purposes are fully realized.
  • πληρόω (plēroō, “fulfilled”): This word means to complete or bring to full meaning. Jesus is saying the Passover meal’s deeper significance will be completed in the future, not just remembered as a past event.
  • ἕως (heōs, “until”): This signals a waiting period—Jesus is marking a pause between this meal and its ultimate fulfillment, pointing the disciples’ hope forward.

Why Luke 22:16 matters

  • Luke 22:16 clarifies that Jesus saw the Passover as more than a memorial—it was a sign pointing to a coming reality in God’s kingdom.
  • The verse helps readers understand the Last Supper as a turning point: Jesus connects his own mission to the hopes and promises of Israel’s story.
  • This statement sets the stage for the new meaning Jesus will give to the bread and cup, showing that his death is central to God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“until” Greek G3755 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • Luke 13:8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
  • Luke 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

“not” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 14:19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
  • Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

“more” Greek G3364 · used in 84 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 1:15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.
  • John 13:38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

“will” Greek G5315 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Luke 6:4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
  • John 18:28 Then led they Jesus from Caiaphas unto the hall of judgment: and it was early; and they themselves went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled; but that they might eat the passover.