For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

MATTHEW 26:28KJV
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Matthew 26:28 (KJV)

What does Matthew 26:28 mean?

Matthew 26:28 presents Jesus’ coming death as the basis of a new agreement between God and his people. Jesus says his blood will be poured out for many, bringing forgiveness of sins.

Jesus speaks these words to his disciples during their meal together, as he gives them a cup. The image of blood being shed points to his approaching death. Calling the agreement “new” also brings to mind God’s promise of a new agreement in Jeremiah 31:31–34.

The Greek behind Matthew 26:28

  • “testament” — διαθήκη (diathēkē): The 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.
  • “remission” — ἄφεσις (aphesis): The word carries the sense of release or forgiveness. In this verse, it describes sins being forgiven.
  • “shed” — ἐκχύννω (ekchynnō): The word means “poured out.” It makes the connection between the cup Jesus is sharing and his blood especially vivid.

Why Matthew 26:28 matters

  • Jesus describes his death as having a purpose for others. The words “for many” point beyond the disciples gathered at the meal.
  • Jesus connects forgiveness with an earlier promise from God. Jeremiah 31:34 speaks of God forgiving people’s wrongdoing as part of the promised new agreement.
  • The meal gives Jesus’ words a physical setting. In verse 27, he gives the disciples the cup; in verse 28, he explains its connection to his blood.

Where else these words appear

“remission” Greek G859 · used in 16 verses

  • Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
  • Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
  • Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

“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

  • Mark 14:24 And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.
  • 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.