Luke 22:18

Luke 22:18, in plain English

Jesus says He won't drink wine again until God's kingdom comes. He's making a personal promise that points beyond tonight's sorrow to the joy ahead.

Why it's here

By vowing to abstain, Jesus is marking this moment as a turning point. Something is ending tonight, and something greater is about to begin.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks with solemn resolve, making a personal commitment that connects His coming sacrifice to the ultimate victory of God's kingdom.

Where it sits in the story

It's like Jesus is saying, 'The next time I raise a glass, it will be in a completely new world.' He's choosing to go without until God's kingdom arrives in full. His sacrifice tonight is the bridge between now and that glorious future.

The scholarly reading

Jesus again makes an eschatological declaration: 'I will not drink of the genēmatos tēs ampelou (fruit of the vine) from now on until the kingdom of God comes.' This second renunciation underscores the finality and forward orientation of the meal.

Language and setting

The phrase 'fruit of the vine' is the traditional Jewish blessing formula (borei peri haggafen). Jesus' abstinence vow transforms a liturgical formula into an eschatological pledge.

Voice

Jesus makes a solemn vow of abstinence, linking His personal sacrifice to the coming of God's kingdom in its fullness.

Significance

Parallel to verse 16, Jesus declares a second eschatological fast — no more wine until the kingdom comes. Each renunciation intensifies the sense that this meal is a hinge point between the old age and the new, between present suffering and future glory.

16For I tell you that I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.”

17After taking the cup, He gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves.

18For I tell you that I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes.”

19And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

20In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.

Read all of Luke 22 — The upper room, a betrayer's kiss, a servant's ear, and Peter's denial by firelight. The longest night in history begins.