Luke 22:17

he took the cup, and gave thanks Literally, "and after receiving the cup, and giving thanks." From eucharisteincomes our word Eucharist.

The main customs of the Jewish Passover are as follows: (1) Each drinks a cup of wine -the cup of consecration" over which the master of the house pronounces a blessing. (2)Hands are washed, and a table carried in, on which are placed bitter herbs, cakes of unleavened bread, the Charoseth(a dish made of dates, raisins, and vinegar), the paschal lamb, and the flesh of the Chagigahor feast-offering. (3) The father dips a morsel of unleavened bread and bitter herbs, about the size of an olive, in the Charoseth,eats it with a benediction, and distributes a similar -sop" to all present. (4) A second cup of wine is poured out, and the youngest present asks the meaning of the service, to which the father replies. (5) The first part of the Hallel (Psalms 107 114) is sung. (6) Grace is said, and a benediction again pronounced; after which the father distributes bitter herbs and unleavened bread dipped in the Charoseth.(7) The Paschal lamb is eaten, and a third cup of wine handed round. (8) After another thanksgiving, a fourth cup the cup of joy is drunk. (9) The rest of the Hallel (Psalms 115-118.) is sung.

The cup mentioned in this verse has been supposed to be the third cup of wine in the Jewish ceremonial; and the actual chalice of the Eucharist (the "cup of blessing," 1 Corinthians 10:16, Cos ha-Berachah)is identified with the fourthcup. We also see in the Last Supper the benediction, and possibly the Hallel (Matthew 26:30). But (1) the identifications are somewhat precarious. (2) There is no certainty that the "Sacrificial Passover"thus observed by the Jews was identical in ceremonial with the "Memorial Passover" which now alone they are able to observe.