1 Corinthians 11:24
And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
1 Corinthians 11:24 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, Jesus is instituting the sacrament of the Eucharist during the Last Supper with his disciples. He takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and gives it to them saying, "Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me." The breaking of the bread symbolizes his imminent sacrifice on the cross, where his body will be broken for the salvation of mankind. By instructing his followers to partake in the bread in remembrance of him, Jesus is establishing a ritual that will serve as a representation of his sacrificial love and a means of spiritual nourishment for believers. The act of taking the bread in remembrance of Jesus is a way for Christians to commemorate his sacrifice, express their faith in his redemptive work, and unite themselves with him and one another in a sacred bond of fellowship. Through the Eucharist, believers are reminded of the central tenets of their faith, including Christ's sacrificial love, the forgiveness of sins, and the promise of eternal life.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Jesus instituted the practice of the Holy Communion during the Last Supper with His disciples. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the significance of the bread representing His body, which was to be broken for the forgiveness of sins. Through this symbolic act, Jesus was foreshadowing His sacrificial death on the cross, where His body would be broken and His blood shed for the redemption of humanity. The phrase "this do in remembrance of me" emphasizes the importance of believers partaking in the Holy Communion to remember and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus for their salvation.
A word study on the phrase "this is my body" reveals the Greek word used for "body" is "soma," which denotes the physical body of a person. The use of this word emphasizes the real and tangible nature of Jesus' body in the act of communion. The breaking of the bread symbolizes His body being broken for the atonement of sins, highlighting the deep theological implications of His sacrificial death. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the central role of Jesus' sacrifice in the Christian faith and the importance of remembering and reflecting on His redemptive work through the practice of Holy Communion.
1 Corinthians 11:24 in other translations
American Standard Version
and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, This is my body, which is for you: this do in remembrance of me.
World English Bible
When he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me.”
Douay-Rheims
And giving thanks, broke and said: Take ye and eat: This is my body, which shall be delivered for you. This do for the commemoration of me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And when hee had giuen thankes, hee brake it, and sayde, Take, eate: this is my body, which is broken for you: this doe ye in remembrance of me.