Luke 5:35

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 5:35 records Jesus' profound statement to the Pharisees and scribes, explaining why His disciples do not fast while He is present. This verse shifts from the immediate joy of His company to a future reality: the "days will come" when the "bridegroom" (Jesus Himself) will be "taken away." This solemn prophecy indicates a period of profound sorrow and absence for His followers, during which fasting will become an appropriate and natural spiritual response. The verse thus redefines the purpose and timing of spiritual disciplines within the context of Christ's presence and future departure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of Jesus' response to a challenge from the religious leaders regarding His disciples' lack of fasting, contrasted with the practices of John the Baptist's followers and the Pharisees (cf. [Luke 5:33](/luke/5-33 "Luke 5:33 - The Question About Fasting")). Jesus first establishes the principle that wedding guests do not fast while the bridegroom is present (cf. [Luke 5:34](/luke/5-34 "Luke 5:34 - The Bridegroom's Presence")). Verse 35 then introduces a crucial temporal shift, moving from the present joy to a future sorrow, thereby justifying a change in spiritual practice. This analogy sets the stage for the subsequent parables of the new cloth and new wineskins (cf. [Luke 5:36-39](/luke/5-36-39 "Luke 5:36-39 - Parables of New Cloth and New Wineskins")), which further emphasize the incompatibility of the old religious systems with the radical newness of the Kingdom He inaugurates.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fasting was a common and highly respected religious practice in ancient Judaism, observed on specific days (like the Day of Atonement, [Leviticus 16:29](/leviticus/16-29 "Leviticus 16:29 - Day of Atonement")) and for personal or national lament, repentance, or seeking divine intervention (e.g., [Jonah 3:5-9](/jonah/3-5-9 "Jonah 3:5-9 - Nineveh's Repentance")). The Pharisees were known for their rigorous observance, often fasting twice a week (cf. [Luke 18:12](/luke/18-12 "Luke 18:12 - The Pharisee's Prayer")). Weddings, conversely, were periods of immense joy and celebration, often lasting for days, during which fasting would be entirely inappropriate and counter-cultural. Jesus' analogy draws directly from this cultural understanding, using the universally recognized joy of a wedding to explain the current season of celebration with His disciples.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' unique identity** as the "bridegroom," an Old Testament metaphor for God's covenant relationship with Israel (cf. [Isaiah 62:5](/isaiah/62-5 "Isaiah 62:5 - God as Bridegroom")). By applying this title to Himself, Jesus implicitly claims a divine prerogative and establishes His central, joyous role in the dawning of God's Kingdom. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **foreshadowing His suffering and departure**. The phrase "taken away" is a veiled but clear prophecy of His crucifixion and ascension, signaling a profound shift from His physical presence to a period of spiritual absence. Finally, it redefines the **purpose and nature of spiritual disciplines**, particularly fasting. It moves fasting from a legalistic obligation to a heartfelt response to a spiritual reality—a natural expression of longing and lament in the "absence" of the bridegroom, contrasting with the joy of His immediate presence. This sets the stage for understanding the new covenant's approach to spiritual life (cf. [Luke 5:36-39](/luke/5-36-39 "Luke 5:36-39 - Parables of New Cloth and New Wineskins")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bridegroom (Greek, _nymphíos'_):** This term (G3566) refers to a newly married man. In this context, Jesus uses it as a profound **metaphor** for Himself, identifying with the central figure of joy and celebration at a wedding feast. This imagery connects Him to Old Testament depictions of God as the husband of Israel, signifying His intimate, covenantal relationship with His people and the joyous inauguration of the Kingdom of God through His presence.
* **Taken away (Greek, _apaírō'_):** The verb (G522) literally means "to lift off" or "remove." It implies a forceful or violent removal, not a peaceful departure. This choice of word is crucial as it **foreshadows** Jesus' violent death—His crucifixion and subsequent ascension—rather than a simple, natural leaving. It underscores the sorrow and loss that would accompany His physical absence from His disciples.
* **Fast (Greek, _nēsteúō'_):** This verb (G3522) means "to abstain from food (religiously)." Jesus' statement reorients the practice of fasting from a legalistic requirement to a natural, heartfelt response to a specific spiritual condition. It implies a time of mourning, longing, and intense spiritual seeking that would be appropriate during the "absence" of the bridegroom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the days will come,"**: This opening phrase signals a dramatic shift from the present reality of joy and celebration to a future, distinct period. The use of "will come" (G2064, _érchomai_) emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of this future event, marking a pivotal turning point in the disciples' experience and the unfolding of God's plan.
* **"when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them,"**: This is the core prophetic statement. Jesus, the "bridegroom" (G3566, _nymphíos_), explicitly predicts His physical removal from His disciples. The phrase "taken away" (G522, _apaírō_) carries the strong connotation of a forceful, violent separation, directly pointing to His crucifixion and subsequent ascension. This removal signifies the end of the immediate, physical joy of His presence.
* **"and then shall they fast in those days."**: This clause describes the appropriate response to the bridegroom's absence. The "then" (G5119, _tóte_) indicates a direct consequence of His removal. Fasting (G3522, _nēsteúō_) is presented not as a burden or a legalistic command, but as a natural, heartfelt expression of sorrow, longing, and intensified spiritual seeking during the period of His physical absence. The "those days" (G1565, _ekeînos_ & G2250, _hēméra_) refer to the time between His ascension and His second coming.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 5:35 is rich in **Metaphor**, primarily through Jesus' self-identification as the "bridegroom." This imagery is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophetic tradition, where God is often depicted as the husband of Israel, signifying a covenantal, loving, and joyous relationship. By claiming this title, Jesus implicitly asserts His divine authority and His central role in inaugurating the new covenant, bringing a season of unparalleled joy. The verse also employs powerful **Foreshadowing**. The phrase "taken away" is a veiled but unmistakable prediction of Jesus' violent death and subsequent ascension, preparing the disciples (and the reader) for the profound sorrow and loss that would precede His ultimate triumph. Furthermore, there is an inherent **Contrast** or **Antithesis** between the present joy (when the bridegroom is present) and the future sorrow (when He is taken away), which necessitates a shift in spiritual practice from feasting to fasting. This contrast highlights the distinct "seasons" of spiritual life and the appropriate responses to each.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 5:35 is a pivotal theological statement, signaling the profound shift from the Old Covenant's legalistic emphasis to the New Covenant's relational and eschatological framework. Jesus' self-identification as the "bridegroom" elevates His person to the very center of God's redemptive plan, portraying His presence as the ultimate source of joy and the fulfillment of messianic hopes. His prophetic declaration of being "taken away" not only foreshadows His atoning death and ascension but also defines the subsequent era—the Church Age—as a period of longing for His return. Fasting, therefore, is recontextualized not as a means to earn favor, but as a genuine expression of devotion, humility, and earnest expectation for the consummation of God's Kingdom when the Bridegroom returns.

* [Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Joy in God's Salvation") - This verse speaks of rejoicing in the Lord, clothed in garments of salvation, like a bridegroom adorned with a garland, connecting the imagery of a bridegroom with divine salvation and joy.
* [John 3:29](/john/3-29 "John 3:29 - John the Baptist on the Bridegroom") - John the Baptist identifies himself as the "friend of the bridegroom" who rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice, explicitly pointing to Jesus as the bridegroom.
* [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb") - This passage climactically portrays the "marriage supper of the Lamb," where the Church, as the Bride, is united with Christ, the Bridegroom, signifying the ultimate fulfillment of the joy promised by His presence.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 5:35 offers profound insights for the contemporary believer, guiding us in understanding the seasons of our spiritual walk and the appropriate posture within each. Just as Jesus' immediate presence brought unbridled joy to His disciples, so too should our awareness of His spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit (cf. [John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")) fill us with abiding gladness and celebration. However, Jesus also acknowledges a future "absence," a period of longing for His physical return and the full consummation of His Kingdom. In this interim, fasting becomes a powerful and appropriate discipline. It is not a legalistic burden but a heartfelt expression of our yearning for more of God, a humble acknowledgment of our dependence, and a focused intensification of prayer in times of spiritual seeking, intercession, or lament. It reminds us that while we rejoice in His current presence, we also eagerly anticipate the day when the Bridegroom will return to take His Bride home, ushering in an eternal feast where fasting will no longer be necessary.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as the "bridegroom" deepen your appreciation for His relationship with the Church and with you personally?**
* **In what ways do you currently experience the "joy of the bridegroom's presence" in your daily life?**
* **What might "fasting in those days" look like for you today, and how can it be a genuine expression of longing for Christ's return or deeper spiritual connection, rather than a mere religious duty?**
* **How can you maintain a balance between celebrating Christ's present work and earnestly longing for His future return?**

### FAQ
**Why does Jesus call Himself the "bridegroom" in this context?**

Answer: Jesus uses the metaphor of the "bridegroom" to convey His unique and central role in God's redemptive plan. In Jewish tradition, the bridegroom was the focal point of joy and celebration at a wedding, and the imagery of God as a bridegroom to Israel was common in the Old Testament (e.g., [Isaiah 62:5](/isaiah/62-5 "God's Delight in His People")). By identifying Himself as the bridegroom, Jesus signifies that His presence inaugurates a new era of joy, fulfillment, and covenant relationship, making it inappropriate for His disciples to engage in solemn practices like fasting while He is physically with them. His presence is the ultimate celebration.

**What does Jesus mean by "taken away" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "taken away" (Greek: _apaírō_) is a crucial and deliberate choice of words. It implies a forceful or violent removal, not merely a peaceful departure. This is a clear, albeit veiled, **prophecy** of Jesus' impending suffering, crucifixion, and subsequent ascension to heaven. It points to the sorrowful period of His physical absence from His disciples, which would necessitate a different spiritual posture, including fasting, as they awaited His spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit and His ultimate return. This foreshadows the events described in [Luke 22-24](/luke/22 "Jesus' Passion and Resurrection").

**Does this verse mean Christians should fast only when they are sorrowful or when Jesus is "absent"?**

Answer: This verse teaches that fasting is a natural and appropriate response during times of spiritual longing, mourning, or intense seeking, particularly in the "absence" of the bridegroom (i.e., the period between Jesus' ascension and His second coming). It redefines fasting from a legalistic obligation to a heartfelt spiritual discipline. While the spiritual presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit (cf. [John 14:16](/john/14-16 "The Promise of the Helper")) brings continuous joy, there are indeed seasons in a believer's life—and in the life of the Church—when fasting becomes a powerful expression of humility, intercession, or earnest desire for a deeper encounter with God or for the fulfillment of His promises. It's about aligning our practices with the spiritual realities of our pilgrimage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 5:35 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is revealed as the divine Bridegroom whose presence ushers in the joyous reality of the Kingdom of God. His initial presence brought a season of unparalleled celebration, making fasting incongruous, as the very source of joy was among them, fulfilling the prophecies of God's joyous union with His people (e.g., [Isaiah 62:5](/isaiah/62-5 "God's Delight in His People")). The prophecy that the "bridegroom shall be taken away" directly points to Christ's atoning death on the cross and His subsequent ascension to the Father's right hand (cf. [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Jesus' Ascension")). This "taking away" was not a defeat but the necessary act through which He secured salvation and inaugurated the new covenant, making possible the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (cf. [John 16:7](/john/16-7 "The Spirit's Coming")). Thus, the period of "fasting in those days" refers to the entire Church Age—the time between His ascension and His glorious second coming (cf. [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Maranatha")). During this era, believers, though spiritually united with Him, express their longing for His full, physical return and the consummation of the marriage supper of the Lamb (cf. [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")) through practices like fasting, prayer, and earnest expectation. Therefore, Luke 5:35 is not merely a historical statement about fasting but a foundational Christological declaration that frames the entire Christian pilgrimage between the "already" of salvation and the "not yet" of ultimate glory.

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.

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

¶ 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;