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, after supper, giving a cup to his disciples and saying that it represents the new covenant (or testament) in his blood, which is about to be poured out for them. Jesus is using the cup as a symbol of a new relationship between God and people, established through his coming sacrifice.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers during the Last Supper, just before his arrest. The phrase “new testament in my blood” means a new agreement or promise, with Jesus’ own life given for others as its foundation. This moment connects to the Jewish Passover meal, but Jesus is giving new meaning to the cup, pointing to his death as the way God will bring forgiveness and a new beginning.

The Greek behind Luke 22:20

  • διαθήκη (diathēkē, G1242): This word is translated “testament” or “covenant.” In Greek, it refers to a binding agreement or will. Here, it highlights that Jesus is talking about a new foundational promise between God and people, not just a general statement.
  • καινός (kainos, G2537): This word means “new” in the sense of something fresh or unprecedented, not just recent. Jesus is saying this covenant is of a different kind than what came before.
  • αἷμα (haima, G129): This is the word for “blood.” In Jewish tradition, blood represented life and was central to sacrifices. Jesus is saying his own life, given up, is what brings this new covenant into effect.
  • ἐκχυννόμενον (ekchunnomenon, G1632): This word means “poured out” or “shed.” It emphasizes that Jesus’ blood will be given willingly and completely, not taken by force.

Why Luke 22:20 matters

  • Luke 22:20 clarifies that Jesus saw his death as the start of a new relationship between God and people, not just a tragic end.
  • The verse helps readers see the Last Supper as more than a farewell meal; it is a turning point where Jesus redefines the meaning of covenant, sacrifice, and forgiveness.
  • By connecting the cup to his own blood, Jesus ties together the story of Israel’s past (Passover) with a new hope for the future, showing continuity and change in God’s plan.