Words of Institution

Definition and Meaning

The Words of Institution are the words Jesus Christ spoke as he shared the bread and the cup at the Last Supper. They are so called because these words first established, or instituted, Holy Communion. They are also known as the "words of eucharistic institution" or simply the "institution narrative." Most churches understand these words as both the basis for celebrating Communion and the command to do so. For this reason, whenever Communion is administered, these words are always recited, either read aloud or incorporated into a prayer.

Biblical and Historical Background

The Words of Institution are recorded in four places in the New Testament: Matthew 26:26–28, Mark 14:22–24, Luke 22:19–20, and 1 Corinthians 11:23–26. Of these, Paul's account in 1 Corinthians is commonly regarded as the earliest written record.

The four texts differ slightly in wording.

• Matthew and Mark call the cup "the blood of the covenant" (rendered in the KJV as "my blood of the new testament"), recalling the words Moses spoke when the covenant was ratified: "Behold the blood of the covenant" (Exodus 24:8).
• Luke and 1 Corinthians call the cup "the new testament in my blood" and add the command "this do in remembrance of me." Here the "new testament" (new covenant) is linked to the promise of Jeremiah 31:31 (see New Covenant).
• Matthew additionally includes the phrase "for the remission of sins."

Since the early church, nearly every eucharistic rite has included these words. Denominations differ, however, in how they understand the statement "this is my body."

• The Catholic Church places great importance on the moment when the priest recites these words and consecrates (sets apart as holy) the bread and wine.
• Martin Luther took the words literally.
• Huldrych Zwingli interpreted them in a symbolic and memorial sense.
• John Calvin explained that Christ is spiritually present.

Luther and Zwingli discussed the question at the Marburg Colloquy in 1529 but failed to reach agreement. The matter is treated in detail in Eucharistic controversy.

Practice in the Korean Church

In Korean Protestant Communion services, the Words of Institution usually take the form of the pastor's reading of 1 Corinthians 11:23–26. The officiant lifts or breaks the bread at the words "this is my body, which is broken for you" and lifts the cup at the passage concerning the cup, thus pairing action with word.

The order and emphasis vary somewhat from denomination to denomination.

• Presbyterian: Following the book of worship, the Words of Institution are read, a Communion prayer is offered, and the bread and cup are distributed. The pastor presides, and elders often assist in serving (carrying the bread and cup to the congregation).
• Korean Methodist Church and Anglican Church of Korea: The Words of Institution are contained within the prayer of thanksgiving in the prescribed liturgical text, so they are generally recited as part of that prayer.
• Lutheran Church in Korea: The Words of Institution are regarded as Christ's promise and are especially emphasized as the central element of the sacrament.
• Baptists and others: Communion is often called "the Lord's Supper," and when these words are read, the memorial sense of "this do in remembrance of me" is frequently emphasized.