Mark 14:22 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:22 mean?

Mark 14:22 describes Jesus, during a meal with his disciples, taking bread, giving thanks, breaking it, and giving it to them, saying, "Take, eat: this is my body." This moment is often understood as Jesus using the bread to symbolize his body, which he would soon give up for them.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples during what is commonly called the Last Supper, just before his arrest. The act of breaking and sharing bread was a familiar part of Jewish meals, but here Jesus gives it new meaning by connecting it to himself. This verse marks the beginning of what many Christians later call the Lord’s Supper or Communion, setting the stage for the events that follow in the Gospel.

The Greek behind Mark 14:22

• "Blessed" (εὐλόγησεν, eulogēsen): This word means to give thanks or to speak well of, and it shows that Jesus is offering gratitude to God before breaking the bread, following Jewish custom but also giving it special significance here.
• "Body" (σῶμά, sōma): The Greek word used here means a physical body. Jesus uses it to refer to himself, making a direct connection between the bread and his own life about to be given up.

Why Mark 14:22 matters

• Mark 14:22 shows that Jesus is intentionally giving new meaning to a familiar meal, preparing his disciples for his coming death in a way they could understand.
• This verse helps clarify that the bread is a symbol Jesus chooses to represent his body, which has shaped Christian practices of remembering him.
• The setting and Jesus’ words connect this moment to the larger story of his sacrifice, making it a turning point in the Gospel narrative.