And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it.

MARK 14:23KJV
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Mark 14:23 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:23 mean?

Mark 14:23 describes Jesus taking a cup, giving thanks for it, and then sharing it with his disciples, who all drink from it together. This moment is part of the Last Supper, where Jesus shares a symbolic meal with his closest followers before his arrest.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his disciples during the Passover meal. The act of giving thanks and sharing the cup is significant because it shows Jesus including everyone present in this important ritual. The verse highlights the unity of the group and sets the stage for the deeper meaning Jesus will soon explain about the bread and the cup representing his sacrifice.

The Greek behind Mark 14:23

  • The word for "cup" (ποτήριον, potērion) refers to a common drinking vessel, but in this context, it takes on a special meaning as part of a shared religious meal.
  • The word for "thanks" (εὐχαριστέω, eucharisteō) means to give thanks or express gratitude. This is where the term "Eucharist" comes from in Christian tradition, emphasizing the act of thanksgiving at this meal.
  • The phrase "they all drank" uses the word πίνω (pinō), which simply means to drink, but the emphasis on "all" (πάντες, pantes) makes it clear that every disciple participated, underlining the shared nature of the event.

Why Mark 14:23 matters

  • Mark 14:23 clears up any idea that only a select few participated in this part of the meal; the verse stresses that all the disciples drank from the cup, showing inclusiveness.
  • The act of giving thanks before sharing the cup points to the importance of gratitude and reverence in this moment, which becomes a model for later Christian practices.
  • This verse connects directly to the wider story of the Last Supper, helping readers see how Jesus used familiar elements of the Passover meal to introduce new meaning about his coming sacrifice.

Where else these words appear

“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;

“drank” Greek G4095 · used in 66 verses

  • Matthew 6:25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
  • Luke 5:39 No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.
  • John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.