And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.

MARK 14:24KJV
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Mark 14:24 (KJV)

What does Mark 14:24 mean?

Mark 14:24 records Jesus telling his disciples that the cup they are sharing represents his blood, which will be poured out for many people as part of a new covenant or agreement between God and humanity. Jesus is explaining that his coming death has deep meaning for his followers and marks the beginning of something new in their relationship with God.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to his closest followers during a meal, just before his arrest and crucifixion. He uses the cup of wine as a symbol, connecting it to his own blood and to the idea of a "new testament" or covenant. This moment sets the stage for understanding Jesus' death as a sacrifice that benefits many, not just those present at the table.

The Greek behind Mark 14:24

  • διαθήκη (diathēkē, G1242): The word translated "testament" or "covenant" refers to a binding agreement or promise. In this context, it points to a new relationship between God and people, replacing or fulfilling earlier covenants in the Hebrew Scriptures.
  • καινός (kainos, G2537): The word for "new" means something fresh or unprecedented, not just recent. Jesus is describing a covenant that is different in quality from what came before.
  • ἐκχυννόμενον (ekchunnomenon, G1632): The word translated "shed" means "poured out," often used for the spilling of blood in sacrifice. This highlights the idea of Jesus' death as an offering for others.
  • πολλῶν (pollōn, G4183): The word for "many" shows that Jesus' sacrifice is not limited to a small group, but has a wide impact.

Why Mark 14:24 matters

  • Mark 14:24 clarifies that Jesus saw his death as fulfilling and transforming the idea of covenant, not just as a tragic event.
  • The verse helps explain why Christians remember Jesus' death with the symbolic sharing of bread and wine, connecting it to this original moment.
  • By saying his blood is "shed for many," Jesus emphasizes the broad reach of his sacrifice, not just for his immediate followers but for a much larger group.

Where else these words appear

“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.

“testament” Greek G1242 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
  • Hebrews 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

“new” Greek G2537 · used in 38 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.
  • Luke 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
  • Hebrews 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

“blood” Greek G129 · used in 92 verses

  • Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
  • Acts 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
  • Hebrews 10:4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.