The invention relates to a medical gripping and/or cutting instrument with an instrument shaft (1), with a handle (3) that can be fixed movably on the instrument shaft (1), and with a tool (2) mounted on the distal end of the instrument shaft (1) and consisting of two jaw member (2a, 2b), where at least one jaw member (2a or 2b) of the tool (2) can move in relation to the other jaw member (2b or 2a). In order to provide a medical instrument that, along with good cleaning properties and compact structure, also ensures simple and safe operation, the invention proposes that the handle (3) should include a coupling mechanism both to fix the handle (3) to the instrument shaft (1) and also to operate the at least one movable jaw member (2a or 2b) of the tool (2).