The "broken" bread-literal, symbolic, or both?

[InStillness]

1 Corinthians 11: 23-25 KVJ reads:

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

During our lunch Bible study and reflection group, we discussed these passages and we were curious about the discussion of Christ's "broken" body and the symbolic nature of the bread. Is this a literal reference as in Christ's body was broken during the crucifixion? Or is it just about the status of the bread which is broken, which symbolizes Christ? In other words, is he saying, "this broken bread symbolizes me, eat and ...." I'm not certain if what I typed makes any sense, but I hope you all know what I mean. One of our participants thought that Christ's pain did not include borken bones, but rather, dislocated joints and what not due to the obvious stretching and wear and tear on teh tendons that would've occured.

 

[piglet17]

i understand that "broken" there indicates death. "Process." As in John 12:24; 1 Cor 15:36-37, 45; 2 Cor 4:10-12; John 7:39; 16:7

 

[SaintMichaeltheArchangel]

It seems that the KJV & NKJV are the only versions that have "which is broken for you". Use Crosswalk.com to check out other Bible translations of this passage.

 

[JoeyRatzinger]

Commentary on this...Is this literal? I am the true vine (Joh 15:1) and These women are the two covenants (Ga 4:24) are kindred expressions. The idea is: This represents my body. The eating of the bread is not to literally eat the Lord's flesh, but is done
in remembrance. It is a token that reminds of his body.

 

[jameywright]

the issue of the literal meaning of Christ here divided the Lutherans and the Reformed/Presbyterians. as a Lutheran i believe that the bread and wine stay as they are but that the body and blood are really present. the value of this is simple, our heavinly Father loves us so much that he is willing to give us the best. what is better than giving us the forginess of sins through the broken body and spilled blood of his son, Jesus Christ.

 

[chestertonrules]

Commentary on this...Is this literal? I am the true vine (Joh 15:1) and These women are the two covenants (Ga 4:24) are kindred expressions. The idea is: This represents my body. The eating of the bread is not to literally eat the Lord's flesh, but is done
in remembrance. It is a token that reminds of his body.

when Jesus said he was a door, vine, the way, etc., no one thought this was a problem.

However, when he said you must eat my flesh and drink my blood, the disciples said that this is a hard teaching. In fact, man of his followers left.

I think he was being literal, and so did the early Christians and the majority of Christians today.

Try reading John 6

 

[Recon3rd]

1 Corinthians 11: 23-25 KVJ reads: During our lunch Bible study and reflection group, we discussed these passages and we were curious about the discussion of Christ's "broken" body and the symbolic nature of the bread. Is this a literal reference as in Christ's body was broken during the crucifixion? Or is it just about the status of the bread which is broken, which symbolizes Christ? In other words, is he saying, "this broken bread symbolizes me, eat and ...." I'm not certain if what I typed makes any sense, but I hope you all know what I mean. One of our participants thought that Christ's pain did not include borken bones, but rather, dislocated joints and what not due to the obvious stretching and wear and tear on teh tendons that would've occured.

I believe Jesus was speaking figuratively and not literally.

And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28“For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29“But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Matt 26:26)

He first speaks in a metaphorical sense and then switches to literal.

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; 24and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 25In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” (1 Cor 11:23)

To me this means every time you sit in fellowship and "break bread" remember Jesus and what He did for us. No hocus pocus this is my literal body and blood.

Pat