Luke 22:19 - He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Luke 22:19" mean?
This verse from Luke 22:19 is a central passage in the Christian understanding of the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper). Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"He took bread..." Jesus, during the Passover meal with his disciples, took a loaf of bread. This bread symbolizes provision and sustenance, but in this context, it takes on a much deeper meaning.
"...and when he had given thanks..." Jesus offered a prayer of thanksgiving to God, a common practice before meals. This act of thanksgiving elevates the bread and sets it apart for a special purpose. The Greek word for "given thanks" is eucharisteo, from which the word Eucharist is derived.
"...he broke, and gave it to them..." Jesus broke the bread, signifying his body being broken or wounded. Distributing the bread symbolizes the sharing of himself with his followers.
"...saying, 'This is my body which is given for you.'" This is the most crucial part. Jesus identifies the bread with his own body, which is about to be sacrificed for the sake of humanity. It's important to note that different Christian denominations interpret this statement in various ways. Some believe it represents a literal transformation (transubstantiation), some a spiritual presence (consubstantiation or real presence), and others a symbolic representation. Regardless, the core idea is that the bread represents Jesus's sacrifice.
"Do this in memory of me." This is a command. Jesus instructs his disciples (and by extension, future Christians) to repeat this act of taking, blessing, breaking, and sharing bread as a way to remember him, his sacrifice, and his love. It is a memorial meal that helps believers connect with Jesus and one another.
In essence, the verse signifies:
Sacrifice: The bread represents Jesus's body, which was offered as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.
Remembrance: The act of partaking in the bread is a way to remember and honor Jesus's life, death, and resurrection.
Communion: It symbolizes a spiritual connection with Jesus and a fellowship with other believers.
New Covenant: The Last Supper is often understood as establishing a new covenant between God and humanity, sealed by Jesus's blood (which is represented by the wine, described in the verses that follow).
Different Interpretations:
As mentioned, various Christian denominations have different understandings of the Eucharist. Here's a brief overview:
Catholicism: Believes in transubstantiation, meaning the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ, though their outward appearance remains the same.
Eastern Orthodoxy: Also believes in a real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, but the exact mechanism is considered a mystery.
Lutheranism: Believes in consubstantiation, meaning that Christ's body and blood are present "in, with, and under" the bread and wine.
Reformed/Presbyterian: Believes in a spiritual presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The bread and wine are symbols that convey God's grace.
Baptist/Non-Denominational: Typically views the Lord's Supper as a symbolic memorial meal.
Regardless of the specific interpretation, this verse from Luke 22:19 holds deep significance for Christians as a reminder of Jesus's love, sacrifice, and the call to remember him and his teachings.
Luke 22:19 - He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me.”
What does "Luke 22:19" mean?
This verse from Luke 22:19 is a central passage in the Christian understanding of the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper). Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"He took bread..." Jesus, during the Passover meal with his disciples, took a loaf of bread. This bread symbolizes provision and sustenance, but in this context, it takes on a much deeper meaning.
"...and when he had given thanks..." Jesus offered a prayer of thanksgiving to God, a common practice before meals. This act of thanksgiving elevates the bread and sets it apart for a special purpose. The Greek word for "given thanks" is eucharisteo, from which the word Eucharist is derived.
"...he broke, and gave it to them..." Jesus broke the bread, signifying his body being broken or wounded. Distributing the bread symbolizes the sharing of himself with his followers.
"...saying, 'This is my body which is given for you.'" This is the most crucial part. Jesus identifies the bread with his own body, which is about to be sacrificed for the sake of humanity. It's important to note that different Christian denominations interpret this statement in various ways. Some believe it represents a literal transformation (transubstantiation), some a spiritual presence (consubstantiation or real presence), and others a symbolic representation. Regardless, the core idea is that the bread represents Jesus's sacrifice.
"Do this in memory of me." This is a command. Jesus instructs his disciples (and by extension, future Christians) to repeat this act of taking, blessing, breaking, and sharing bread as a way to remember him, his sacrifice, and his love. It is a memorial meal that helps believers connect with Jesus and one another.
In essence, the verse signifies:
Sacrifice: The bread represents Jesus's body, which was offered as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.
Remembrance: The act of partaking in the bread is a way to remember and honor Jesus's life, death, and resurrection.
Communion: It symbolizes a spiritual connection with Jesus and a fellowship with other believers.
New Covenant: The Last Supper is often understood as establishing a new covenant between God and humanity, sealed by Jesus's blood (which is represented by the wine, described in the verses that follow).
Different Interpretations:
As mentioned, various Christian denominations have different understandings of the Eucharist. Here's a brief overview:
Catholicism: Believes in transubstantiation, meaning the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ, though their outward appearance remains the same.
Eastern Orthodoxy: Also believes in a real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, but the exact mechanism is considered a mystery.
Lutheranism: Believes in consubstantiation, meaning that Christ's body and blood are present "in, with, and under" the bread and wine.
Reformed/Presbyterian: Believes in a spiritual presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The bread and wine are symbols that convey God's grace.
Baptist/Non-Denominational: Typically views the Lord's Supper as a symbolic memorial meal.
Regardless of the specific interpretation, this verse from Luke 22:19 holds deep significance for Christians as a reminder of Jesus's love, sacrifice, and the call to remember him and his teachings.