What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 10:16?

The cup of blessing that we bless

“Is not the cup of blessing that we bless…” (1 Corinthians 10:16)

• Paul draws on the familiar Passover meal where a specific cup was lifted with thanksgiving (Matthew 26:27).

• By calling it “cup of blessing,” he emphasizes grateful acknowledgment of God’s saving work, mirroring Psalm 116:13, “I will lift the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.”

• The church now lifts this cup in remembrance of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Luke 22:20; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25).

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A participation in the blood of Christ

“…a participation in the blood of Christ?” (10:16 a)

• “Participation” conveys real sharing: believers are united with the benefits of Christ’s shed blood (Romans 5:9; Hebrews 9:14).

• The cup does not re-sacrifice Jesus; it points to the completed atonement made “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10).

• Taking the cup proclaims faith in the cleansing and covenantal forgiveness secured at Calvary (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:7).

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The bread that we break

“And is not the bread that we break…” (10:16 b)

• Breaking bread echoes Jesus’ action at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19).

• The single loaf (1 Corinthians 10:17) pictures the unity of the body of believers, built on the one foundation of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-6).

• The physical act reminds us of the historical reality of Christ’s body given on the cross (John 19:33-34).

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A participation in the body of Christ

“…a participation in the body of Christ?” (10:16 b)

• Sharing the bread signifies union with the crucified and risen Lord (Romans 6:3-5).

• It also highlights fellowship with one another; divisions contradict this table fellowship (1 Corinthians 11:18-22).

• By faith, believers receive spiritual nourishment from Christ, the “living bread that came down from heaven” (John 6:51, 57).

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summary

Paul teaches that the Lord’s Supper is more than a memorial; it is a God-given means for believers to share in the accomplished work of Jesus. The blessed cup points to real participation in His cleansing blood, while the broken bread draws us into communion with His sacrificed body and with one another. When taken in faith and unity, the ordinance proclaims the gospel, strengthens the church, and keeps our hope fixed on the Savior who will one day drink the new wine with us in His kingdom (Mark 14:25).