5:33 5:33

Luke 5:34

5:35 5:35

Bible Versions

And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?
And {G1161} he said {G2036} unto {G4314} them {G846},{G3361} Can ye {G1410} make {G4160} the children {G5207} of the bridechamber {G3567} fast {G3522}, while {G3739}{G1722} the bridegroom {G3566} is {G2076} with {G3326} them {G846}?
Yeshua said to them, "Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is still with them?
Jesus replied, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them?
And Jesus said unto them, Can ye make the sons of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

In Luke 5:34, Jesus responds to a challenge from the religious leaders regarding why His disciples do not fast as frequently as the disciples of John the Baptist or the Pharisees. This verse presents Jesus' initial metaphorical answer, setting the stage for a deeper explanation of the new era He is inaugurating.

Context

This statement by Jesus comes after He has called Levi (also known as Matthew) to be a disciple and has dined with tax collectors and sinners, an act that drew strong criticism from the Pharisees and scribes (Luke 5:29-30). The question about fasting, found in Luke 5:33, is part of their broader questioning of Jesus' practices and association. Jesus responds with a series of parables and analogies, beginning with this one about the bridegroom and his guests.

Key Themes

  • The Presence of the Bridegroom: Jesus implicitly identifies Himself as the "bridegroom." In Jewish tradition, the wedding was a time of immense joy and celebration, not fasting. The presence of the bridegroom signifies a period of spiritual feasting and gladness. This highlights Jesus' understanding of His own ministry as a joyful, transformative event.
  • Joy in the Messiah's Presence: The "children of the bridechamber" (huioi tou nymphōnos in Greek), or wedding guests, are expected to rejoice with the bridegroom. Their fasting would be inappropriate and contrary to the spirit of the occasion. This implies that while Jesus is physically present, His disciples are meant to experience joy and fellowship with Him, not sorrow or strict asceticism.
  • A New Dispensation: Jesus' answer subtly introduces the idea that His ministry represents a new era, distinct from the old religious practices. The old forms of piety, such as regular, prescribed fasting, do not perfectly fit the new reality brought by the Messiah. This theme is further explored in the subsequent parables of the new wine and old wineskins (Luke 5:36-38).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "children of the bridechamber" (Greek: huioi tou nymphōnos) refers to the close companions or friends of the bridegroom, who share in his joy and celebrate with him during the wedding festivities. Their primary role during this joyous occasion is to accompany the bridegroom and partake in the celebration. This term emphasizes the intimate relationship of Jesus' disciples to Him and the celebratory nature of His earthly ministry.

Related Scriptures

Jesus' identification as the bridegroom is a significant biblical metaphor. John the Baptist himself spoke of the one who has the bride as the bridegroom, referring to Jesus. The Apostle Paul also uses the imagery of the church as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27). The concept of fasting being appropriate when the bridegroom is "taken away" is addressed in the very next verse, Luke 5:35, pointing to a future time of sorrow after Jesus' departure.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers that there is a time for everything under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). While spiritual disciplines like fasting are valuable, they should be practiced with understanding and purpose, fitting the season of one's spiritual walk. When we are actively enjoying the presence of Christ, whether in worship, fellowship, or personal devotion, it is a time for spiritual rejoicing. It also highlights that Christianity is fundamentally a religion of joy because of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Bridegroom who came to redeem His people.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 3:29

    He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

  • Matthew 22:2

    The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

  • Revelation 19:7

    Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

  • Revelation 19:9

    And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:6

    His left hand [is] under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me.

  • Song Of Solomon 2:7

    I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake [my] love, till he please.

  • Song Of Solomon 3:10

    He made the pillars thereof [of] silver, the bottom thereof [of] gold, the covering of it [of] purple, the midst thereof being paved [with] love, for the daughters of Jerusalem.
 Back

Search Scripture