Luke 22:18 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:18 mean?

Luke 22:18 records Jesus telling His disciples that He will not drink wine again until the kingdom of God comes. This statement signals a pause in sharing this drink with them, pointing forward to a future fulfillment connected to God’s kingdom.

Jesus is speaking to His closest followers during the Last Supper, just before His arrest. The “fruit of the vine” refers to wine, a regular part of Jewish meals and especially the Passover. By saying He will not drink it again “until the kingdom of God shall come,” Jesus marks this meal as a turning point, hinting that something significant is about to change and that there is a future hope tied to God’s reign.

The Greek behind Luke 22:18

• “fruit” (γενήματος, genēmatos): This word means “offspring” or “product,” and here it refers specifically to the product of the vine, meaning wine. The use of this word highlights the ordinary, physical nature of what Jesus is sharing.
• “vine” (ἀμπέλου, ampelou): The grapevine was a common symbol in Jewish culture, often representing Israel or blessing. Here, it simply means wine, but the word can carry echoes of deeper meaning for those familiar with Jewish imagery.
• “until” (ἕως, heōs): This word marks a clear boundary in time, indicating that Jesus is not giving up wine forever, but only until a certain event—the coming of God’s kingdom. This suggests expectation and hope for something yet to come.
• “kingdom” (βασιλείας, basileias): This term means “reign” or “rule,” and in the context of Jesus’ teaching, it often refers to God’s ultimate rule being established. Here, it connects the meal to God’s future plans.

Why Luke 22:18 matters

• Luke 22:18 helps clarify that Jesus’ actions at the Last Supper are not just about the present meal, but point toward a future fulfillment in God’s kingdom, giving the moment a sense of anticipation.
• The verse shows Jesus deliberately marking a break with tradition, signaling to His disciples that something new is beginning and that the next time they share such a meal will be in a transformed context.
• This statement connects the Last Supper to the broader story of God’s promises and the hope of restoration, helping readers see Jesus’ death and resurrection as part of a bigger picture.