Luke 22:17 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:17 mean?

Luke 22:17 describes Jesus taking a cup, giving thanks for it, and then telling his disciples to take the cup and share it among themselves. This verse shows Jesus including his followers in a shared act, setting the stage for what will become the Lord’s Supper.

Jesus is speaking to his closest disciples during their final meal together, just before his arrest. The act of giving thanks and sharing the cup points to a moment of unity and preparation. In the flow of the story, this comes just before Jesus explains the deeper meaning of the bread and the cup, marking a turning point in his relationship with his followers.

The Greek behind Luke 22:17

• The word for “cup” (ποτήριον, potērion) refers to an ordinary drinking vessel, but in this setting, it takes on special meaning as part of a shared meal.
• The verb “gave thanks” (εὐχαριστέω, eucharisteō) means to express gratitude, often to God. This highlights Jesus’ practice of pausing to thank God before eating or drinking, a common Jewish custom.
• The instruction “divide” (διαμερίσατε, diamerisate) means to distribute or share out. Jesus is not just passing the cup but telling the group to actively share it among themselves, emphasizing participation and togetherness.

Why Luke 22:17 matters

• This verse shows that Jesus intentionally involved all his disciples in the meal, not just a select few, highlighting the shared nature of what was about to happen.
• By giving thanks before sharing the cup, Jesus models gratitude and reverence, setting a pattern for future Christian gatherings.
• The act of dividing the cup prepares the disciples for the deeper symbolism Jesus will soon attach to the bread and wine, helping readers see the continuity in the story.