Luke 5:35

But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

But {G1161} the days {G2250} will come {G2064}, when {G3752}{G2532} the bridegroom {G3566} shall be taken away {G522} from {G575} them {G846}, and then {G5119} shall they fast {G3522} in {G1722} those {G1565} days {G2250}.

The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; and when that time comes, they will fast."

But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”

But the days will come; and when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, then will they fast in those days.

Commentary

In Luke 5:35, Jesus addresses the question of why His disciples do not fast, unlike the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees. This verse marks a pivotal statement, foreshadowing His departure and establishing a new understanding of spiritual practices within the Kingdom of God.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' response to a challenge from the Pharisees and scribes recorded in Luke 5:33. They questioned the celebratory behavior of Jesus' disciples, who were often seen eating and drinking, contrasting it with the more ascetic practices of their own groups and John the Baptist's followers. Jesus first uses the analogy of wedding guests not fasting while the bridegroom is present (Luke 5:34). Verse 35 then shifts the focus, indicating a future time when the current joy will turn to mourning, necessitating a different spiritual posture.

Key Themes

  • Jesus as the Bridegroom: This imagery is highly significant, portraying Jesus as the central figure of God's covenant and the source of ultimate joy and celebration. It connects Him to Old Testament prophecies of God as the husband of Israel (Isaiah 62:5) and anticipates the ultimate union of Christ and His Church at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
  • Foreshadowing of Christ's Departure: The phrase "the bridegroom shall be taken away from them" is a clear, yet veiled, prophecy of Jesus' violent death and subsequent ascension. It signals an end to the period of His physical presence and open rejoicing. This theme is echoed in other predictions of His suffering and resurrection, such as in Luke 9:22 and Luke 18:31-33.
  • The Purpose of Fasting: Jesus indicates that fasting is an appropriate spiritual discipline for times of sorrow, mourning, or intense spiritual seeking, particularly in the "absence" of the bridegroom. It's not a legalistic requirement but a natural response to a spiritual reality, a theme seen in the early church's practices (Acts 13:2).

Linguistic Insights

The term "bridegroom" (Greek: nymphios) is a powerful metaphor used by Jesus, also found in the parallel account in Matthew 9:15. It highlights His unique role and the joy His presence brings. The phrase "taken away" (Greek: aparthΔ“) is crucial; it does not simply mean "depart" but suggests a forceful or violent removal, strongly pointing to His crucifixion rather than a peaceful departure. This word choice underscores the sorrow and loss that would accompany His death.

Practical Application

For believers today, Luke 5:35 offers profound insights into Christian life and spiritual disciplines:

  • Understanding Spiritual Seasons: The verse teaches us that there are appropriate times for both celebration and solemnity. While the spiritual presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16) should always bring joy, there are also seasons for fasting, deep prayer, and earnest seeking, especially as we long for His physical return.
  • Fasting as a Heartfelt Response: Fasting should stem from a genuine spiritual need or desire, not as a mere religious ritual or burden. It is a way to express devotion, seek God's face, humble oneself, and intensify prayer in times of spiritual longing, mourning, or intercession.
  • Longing for the Bridegroom's Return: The "absence" of the bridegroom points to the period between Jesus' ascension and His second coming. Our spiritual disciplines, including fasting, can be an expression of our earnest expectation and readiness for the day when the Bridegroom returns to take His Church home.
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Cross-References

  • John 16:4

    But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.

  • John 16:7

    ΒΆ Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

  • Luke 17:22

    And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see [it].

  • Acts 3:21

    Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

  • Isaiah 22:12

    And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:

  • John 12:8

    For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.

  • Matthew 6:17

    But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
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