📖 Biblical Definition
A chalice is the cup used for the wine in the Lord’s Supper — the New Testament cup, the cup of blessing, the new covenant in Christ’s blood. Christ named it on the night of His betrayal: "This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you" (Luke 22:20; cf. Matthew 26:27-28; Mark 14:23-24; 1 Corinthians 11:25). Paul names it "the cup of blessing which we bless" (1 Corinthians 10:16). The chalice is the household instrument by which the New-Covenant church proclaims the Lord’s death until He comes. Whether shared common cup (the ancient practice) or individual cups (the modern accommodation), the meaning is the same: drink, remember, proclaim.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
A cup, especially the cup used for the wine in the Lord's Supper.
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CHALICE, n. A cup or bowl; particularly used for a communion cup.
Greek potērion, the New Testament word, simply means cup; the chalice tradition (precious metals, jeweled, often incised with crosses) developed in early medieval Christianity. The simplest wooden cup or earthenware bowl is no less a chalice when used at the Lord's table.
📖 Key Scripture
Luke 22:20 — "Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
1 Corinthians 10:16 — "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?"
1 Corinthians 11:25 — "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood."
Psalm 116:13 — "I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern individual communion cups break the ‘one cup’ image; the historic chalice preserves it.
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1 Corinthians 10:16-17 builds on the singular cup: the cup of blessing which we bless... we being many are one bread, and one body. The shared chalice is part of the unity argument. Modern individual cups gain hygiene at some cost to the picture.
The household need not adopt high-church practice to retain the principle. Whatever vessel is used, it should be one vessel that is shared. The cup is one because the body is one.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek potērion, Latin calix.
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Greek potērion — cup; the New Testament word.
Latin calix — cup, chalice; behind English chalice.
Usage
"The cup is one because the body is one."
"Whatever vessel is used, it should be one vessel that is shared."
"The simplest wooden bowl is no less a chalice at the Lord's table."