1 Corinthians 11:25
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
1 Corinthians 11:25 · King James Version
Meaning
When Jesus took the cup during the Last Supper and said, "This cup is the new testament in my blood," he was symbolizing the establishment of a new covenant between God and humanity. The shedding of his blood represented the sacrifice he was about to make on the cross for the sins of the world. By instructing his disciples to drink from the cup in remembrance of him, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of remembering his sacrifice and the significance of the new covenant it brought about. This act of partaking in the cup was meant to be a recurring symbol of the believer's commitment to following Christ and the acceptance of the redemption offered through his blood. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate act of love and grace that Jesus displayed for all mankind.
Theological Overview
When examining the theological interpretation of the verse, "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me," it is crucial to understand the significance of the act of communion. The act of sharing the cup during the Last Supper symbolizes the establishment of a new covenant between God and humanity through the blood of Jesus Christ. The phrase "new testament in my blood" highlights the sacrificial nature of Christ's death, indicating the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life for those who partake in communion. This verse emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifice of Jesus through the act of communion, urging followers to partake in this ritual to commemorate and celebrate the redemption and salvation brought forth by Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 11:25 in other translations
American Standard Version
In like manner also the cup, after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood: this do, as often as ye drink [it], in remembrance of me.
World English Bible
In the same way he also took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me.”
Douay-Rheims
In like manner also the chalice, after he had supped, saying: This chalice is the new testament in my blood. This do ye, as often as you shall drink, for the commemoration of me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
After the same maner also he tooke the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the Newe Testament in my blood: this doe as oft as ye drinke it, in remembrance of me.