Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

LUKE 22:20KJV
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Luke 22:20 (KJV)

What does Luke 22:20 mean?

Luke 22:20 records Jesus telling his followers that his coming death will establish a new agreement between God and his people. Jesus presents the cup as a sign of that agreement and says that his blood will be shed for those at the meal.

Jesus speaks at supper with his apostles. After giving them bread in verse 19, he takes the cup. The cup gives them something concrete to see and share as he speaks about his approaching death.

The Greek behind Luke 22:20

  • “testament” — διαθήκη (diathēkē): The Greek word can mean an agreement or binding arrangement. Here, “new testament” refers to a new agreement, not to the collection of Bible books now called the New Testament.
  • “new” — καινός (kainos): The word can carry the sense of being fresh or different in kind. It describes the agreement Jesus announces, rather than simply saying that the cup itself is new.
  • “for” — ὑπέρ (hyper): The word can mean “on behalf of” or “for the benefit of.” Jesus directs the meaning of his coming death toward the people he is addressing.

Why Luke 22:20 matters

  • Jesus connects the meal to a promise in Israel’s writings. Jeremiah 31:31 speaks of God making a “new covenant” with his people; “covenant” is another word for a binding agreement.
  • The meal’s words look ahead to Jesus’ death. Luke soon describes Jesus’ arrest and death, giving a setting for his words about blood being “shed for you.”
  • Jesus speaks to people who will soon face a crisis together. The next verse mentions the person who will hand Jesus over, showing that the meal takes place as that danger draws near.

Where else these words appear

“supper” Greek G1172 · used in 4 verses

  • Luke 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
  • 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 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

“Likewise” Greek G5615 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 20:5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
  • Mark 14:31 But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.
  • 1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

“shed” Greek G1632 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 9:17 Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
  • Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
  • Revelation 16:1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

“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?