Luke 22:19
And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Luke 22:19 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the Gospel of Luke describes the Last Supper, a significant event in Christian theology. In this moment, Jesus symbolically equates the bread with his body, foreshadowing his sacrifice on the cross to atone for the sins of humanity. By breaking the bread and giving it to his disciples, he is imparting a ritual for them to follow in remembrance of him. This act symbolizes the core of Christian belief - that Jesus willingly gave himself up for the salvation of others. The act of breaking bread together in remembrance of Jesus is now central to the Christian practice of the Eucharist, also known as communion. Through these words, Jesus is instructing his followers to continue this practice as a way to honor and remember his sacrifice, reinforcing their faith and connection to him.
Theological Overview
One important theological interpretation of this verse is the concept of the Eucharist or Communion in Christianity. In this verse, Jesus is partaking in the Last Supper with his disciples, and he takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and gives it to them, stating that it represents his body given for them. This act of breaking bread and sharing it symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus's body for the salvation of his followers. The phrase "this do in remembrance of me" emphasizes the importance of remembering and commemorating Jesus's sacrifice through the ritual of communion. It is believed to be a way for Christians to remember and connect with the central tenet of their faith, that Jesus died for their sins. Additionally, this verse highlights the significance of giving thanks before breaking bread, highlighting the importance of gratitude in Christian practices.
Luke 22:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
World English Bible
He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.”
Douay-Rheims
And taking bread, he gave thanks and brake and gave to them, saying: This is my body, which is given for you. Do this for a commemoration of me.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he tooke bread, and when he had giuen thankes, he brake it, and gaue to them, saying, This is my body, which is giuen for you: doe this in the remembrance of me.