And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

LUKE 22:17KJV
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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.

Where else these words appear

“divide” Greek G1266 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 27:35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.
  • Luke 11:18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
  • Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

“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.
  • 1 Corinthians 10:16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

“thanks” Greek G2168 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 15:36 And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.
  • Romans 1:8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“took” Greek G1209 · used in 48 verses

  • Matthew 10:14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
  • Luke 10:10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say,
  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.