1 Corinthians 11:23
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:
1 Corinthians 11:23 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the apostle Paul is recounting a significant event that took place the night before Jesus was crucified. This event, known as the Last Supper, is a pivotal moment in Christian faith and tradition. During this final meal with his disciples, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples, symbolizing his body which would soon be broken on the cross for the salvation of humanity. By sharing this act with his disciples, Jesus was imparting a powerful lesson on sacrifice, love, and communion. The bread symbolizes nourishment, sustenance, and the gift of eternal life that Jesus offers to all who believe in him. By incorporating this ritual into the Last Supper, Jesus was establishing a profound and lasting symbol of his sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.
Theological Overview
Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 11:23 highlights the importance of receiving and delivering the teachings of the Lord. Here, Paul refers to knowledge received directly from the Lord and then passed on to the Corinthian believers. This verse emphasizes the significance of personal revelation and the transmission of spiritual truths within the Christian community. The phrase "That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread" also holds theological significance as it points to the Last Supper, a pivotal event in Christian tradition. It highlights Jesus' actions on the eve of his betrayal, where he instituted the sacrament of communion with his disciples. The word "betrayed" underscores the imminent betrayal by Judas Iscariot, shedding light on the betrayal and suffering that Jesus would soon face. Through theological interpretation and word studies, we gain a deeper understanding of the context and significance of this verse, enabling us to grasp the profound spiritual truths it conveys.
1 Corinthians 11:23 in other translations
American Standard Version
For I received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which he was betrayed took bread;
World English Bible
For I received from the Lord that which also I delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed took bread.
Douay-Rheims
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread,
Geneva Bible (1599)
For I haue receiued of the Lord that which I also haue deliuered vnto you, to wit, That the Lord Iesus in the night when he was betrayed, tooke bread: