John 18:11
Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
John 18:11 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of John, Jesus is demonstrating his submission to the will of God and his acceptance of his impending crucifixion. When Peter tries to defend Jesus with a sword, Jesus tells him to put it away and accept the cup that God has given him to drink. The cup symbolizes the suffering and death that Jesus will endure on the cross for the salvation of mankind. By saying that he must drink the cup given to him by his Father, Jesus is acknowledging his divine purpose and the plan of God for his life. This verse highlights Jesus' obedience and willingness to fulfill the sacrificial role he was called to play in the redemption of humanity. It is a powerful reminder of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice and his unwavering commitment to carrying out the will of God, even in the face of great suffering and sacrifice.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Jesus is instructing Peter to put away his sword, emphasizing the importance of nonviolent resolution in the face of conflict. Through the phrase "the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?", Jesus acknowledges his divine destiny of sacrifice on the cross. This theological interpretation highlights Jesus's obedience to the will of God, even in the face of intense suffering. The use of the word "cup" in this context has deep significance, symbolizing the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus must endure for the salvation of humanity. The word "drink" further emphasizes Jesus's acceptance of his fate and his willingness to undergo the ultimate sacrifice for the redemption of mankind. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus's unwavering commitment to fulfilling his mission on earth, despite the pain and hardships that awaited him.
John 18:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
Jesus therefore said unto Peter, Put up the sword into the sheath: the cup which the Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
World English Bible
Jesus therefore said to Peter, “Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?”
Douay-Rheims
Jesus therefore said to Peter: Put up thy sword into the scabbard. The chalice which my father hath given me, shall I not drink it?
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then sayde Iesus vnto Peter, Put vp thy sworde into the sheath: shall I not drinke of the cuppe which my Father hath giuen me?