Luke 22:18
What does Luke 22:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Luke 22:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Luke 22:18 means
Jesus reiterates His abstinence: He will not drink the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes. This solemn pledge separates His impending suffering from future celebration. The kingdom’s coming is sure; thus, His present refusal is a pledge of future joy. The words signal a transition from the patterns of the old covenant to the realities His death will inaugurate. He consecrates the moment by withholding ordinary festal joy to embrace the cup of sorrow the Father gives Him. The disciples are taught to look beyond the night to the dawn of the kingdom. His restraint becomes a signpost of hope—He will drink anew with them when God’s reign is fully manifest.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000for I say unto you, I shall not drink from henceforth of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901for I say unto you, I shall not drink from henceforth of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For I say to you, I will not take of the fruit of the vine till the kingdom of God has come.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for I say to you that I may not drink of the produce of the vine till the reign of God may come.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For I say to you that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, till the kingdom of God come.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For I say unto you, that I will not drink at all of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom ofGod come.
Context
After distributing the initial cup, Jesus explains that He will not drink again until the kingdom comes, strengthening the theme of imminent suffering and ultimate fulfillment. Next, He will take bread, give thanks, break it, and give it as a sign of His body given for them, commanding remembrance. Then, after supper, He will present the cup as the new covenant in His blood, turning the Passover elements into enduring symbols of His sacrificial work for His disciples.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 2:44
And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
- Zechariah 9:17
For how great is his goodness, and how great is his beauty! grain shall make the young men flourish, and new wine the virgins.
- Matthew 16:18
And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
- Acts 2:30
Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would set one upon his throne;
- Ephesians 5:18
And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with the Spirit;
- Zechariah 9:15
Jehovah of hosts will defend them; and they shall devour, and shall tread down the sling-stones; and they shall drink, and make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Luke 22
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Luke 22.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Communion
Communion, often called the Lord's Supper, is a sacred practice remembering Jesus' sacrifice and looking forward to His return.
Topic
Bible Verses About Covenant
God’s covenant is a sacred agreement between Him and His people, demonstrating His unchanging faithfulness and redemptive plan for humanity.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Will of God
Understanding and following God's will is crucial for every believer seeking a life of purpose and divine fellowship
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Anxiety Before a Job Interview
Quiet your nerves and walk in with steady steps — six verses to pray on the way.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Forgotten by God
When the prayers feel one-sided — verses for the quiet seasons.