Brief Overview of ποτήριον (Strong’s G4221: potērion)

Strong’s G4221: A noun meaning “cup” or “drinking vessel,” used both literally and metaphorically in the New Testament. Often appears in significant theological contexts, particularly regarding Christ’s suffering (“cup of suffering”) and the Lord’s Supper (“cup of blessing”). Carries deep sacramental and symbolic meaning.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποτήριον represents both a physical drinking vessel and powerful metaphorical concepts. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from simple acts of kindness (giving a cup of water) to profound theological moments (the cup of the new covenant). Jesus used it to describe His upcoming suffering, while Paul emphasized its role in communion. Early church writers developed rich eucharistic theology around this term. Today, it continues to symbolize both sacrificial suffering and sacramental participation in Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποτήριον, potērion, po-TAY-ree-on
• Detailed pronunciation: poh-TAY-ree-on (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From πίνω (pinō) – to drink
• -τηριον (-tērion) – instrumental suffix
• Indicates vessel for drinking

D – Defining Meanings

• Cup, drinking vessel
• Content of the cup
• Metaphorical portion or lot

Translation Options:

• “Cup” – basic meaning
• “Chalice” – sacred/ceremonial emphasis
• “Portion” – metaphorical usage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φιάλη (phialē, fee-AH-lay) – bowl, vial – See G5357
• δέπας (depas, DEH-pas) – goblet – See G1184
• κρατήρ (kratēr, kra-TARE) – mixing bowl – See G2767

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Gender: Neuter
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Case: All cases possible
• Declension: 2nd declension

Example morphological changes:

• Nominative: ποτήριον
• Genitive: ποτηρίου
• Dative: ποτηρίῳ
• Accusative: ποτήριον

Cross-references:

• Related verb: πίνω (to drink)
• Related noun: πόσις (drinking)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical meanings. Thayer’s notes its sacrificial and sacramental significance. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical depth. Strong’s connects it to suffering and blessing. LEH notes Septuagint usage in ritual contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite everyday and religious uses.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 10:42: “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a [ποτήριον] cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

Additional References:
Matthew 20:22
Matthew 26:27
Mark 14:23
Luke 22:20
1 Corinthians 10:16
1 Corinthians 11:25

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποτήριον bridges earthly and divine realities. From simple acts of kindness to Christ’s supreme sacrifice, it reminds us that both suffering and blessing come from God’s hand. Most profoundly, it represents our participation in Christ’s death and resurrection through communion, proclaiming that His suffering brings our salvation.

D – Did You Know?

1. Early Christians often used precious metals for communion cups.
2. The word influenced development of eucharistic vessel terminology.
3. Ancient church architecture included special niches for sacred cups.

Strong’s G4221: A noun meaning “cup” or “drinking vessel,” used both literally and metaphorically in the New Testament. Often appears in significant theological contexts, particularly regarding Christ’s suffering (“cup of suffering”) and the Lord’s Supper (“cup of blessing”).

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: cup, communion, suffering, Lord’s Supper, sacraments, blessing, sacrifice, eucharist, metaphor, Christian worship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​