ποτήριον (potērion)
potērion
cup
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 30 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun potērion refers to a drinking cup, specifically the vessel itself or its contents. In the Gospels and Paul’s letters, it appears in literal contexts such as the Last Supper accounts (Matthew 26:27; 1 Corinthians 11:25) and casual scenes like giving a cup of cold water to a disciple (Matthew 10:42). The word is a diminutive form derived from the verb for drinking, emphasizing the small, handheld nature of the object.
Scripture frequently uses this concrete image as a metaphor for one’s lot or experience. Just as a host pours wine, God is portrayed as presenting a cup to drink. This imagery covers both prosperity and adversity, drawing on Old Testament patterns like Psalm 16:5. In the New Testament, it carries significant weight when describing Christ’s impending suffering in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39) or the divine judgment poured out in Revelation (Revelation 14:10). The metaphor unites physical consumption with spiritual destiny.
Translators typically render potērion simply as "cup," but the Greek context often clarifies whether the focus is on the container or what it holds. The theological implication rests on the passive voice of drinking: one does not choose the cup, but receives it from the hand of providence. This usage highlights human submission to divine will, whether that will brings comfort or trial.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, He asked if this cup could pass from Him. That moment reveals that the cup is not just a container for wine, but a symbol of the heavy burden of sin and suffering that God allowed Christ to bear so we would not have to drink it alone. It reminds us that our own trials are held in His hands, shared with the One who understands pain intimately.
Yet this same word appears in simple acts of kindness, like giving a cup of cold water to someone in need. Scripture shows that God notices these small gestures. Whether we are facing a difficult season or offering help to another, our lives are woven into His larger story. We do not choose the circumstances we face, but we can trust the One who holds them.
This image invites us to look at our daily experiences with new eyes. The cup represents both the weight of judgment and the gift of grace. By accepting what comes from God’s hand, we find peace in His sovereignty and purpose in our smallest acts of love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 30 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- cup21×
- a cup4×
- [the] cup3×
- of cups2×
- the cup1×
- cup,1×
- cup [is]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ποτήριον23×
- ποτηρίου4×
- ποτηρίῳ2×
- ποτηρίων2×
- ποτήριόν1×
- ποτήριον,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:39
He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire.”
This verse captures Jesus’ human struggle with the weight of suffering He was about to endure, showing His submission to the Father’s will.
-
Matthew 10:42
Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you, he will in no way lose his reward.”
Here the word refers to a literal act of hospitality, demonstrating that small kindnesses are seen and rewarded by God.
-
Luke 22:20
Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
Jesus identifies the cup with His blood, establishing it as the seal of the new covenant between God and humanity.
-
I Corinthians 10:16
The cup of blessing which we bless, isn’t it a sharing of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn’t it a sharing of the body of Christ?
Paul uses the cup to describe communion as a spiritual participation in the body and blood of Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the cup symbolize in the Bible?
Why did Jesus ask for the cup to pass from Him?
Is the cup in communion just a symbol?
Every Occurrence (30 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 8 verses
Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I…
Matthew 20:22But Jesus answered, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be…
Matthew 20:23He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on…
Matthew 23:25“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within…
Matthew 23:26You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that its outside may become clean also.
Matthew 26:27He took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, “All of you drink it,
Matthew 26:39He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away…
Matthew 26:42Again, a second time he went away and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cup can’t pass away from me unless I drink…