2:18 2:18

Mark 2:19

2:20 2:20

Bible Versions

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto them {G846},{G3361} Can {G1410} the children {G5207} of the bridechamber {G3567} fast {G3522}, while {G1722}{G3739} the bridegroom {G3566} is {G2076} with {G3326} them {G846}? as long as {G3745}{G5550} they have {G2192} the bridegroom {G3566} with {G3326} them {G1438}, they cannot {G3756}{G1410} fast {G3522}.
Yeshua answered them, "Can wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is still with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, fasting is out of the question.
Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? As long as He is with them, they cannot fast.
And Jesus said unto them, Can the sons of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

Commentary on Mark 2:19 (KJV)

In Mark 2:19, Jesus responds to a question from the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees regarding why His disciples do not fast, while they and the Pharisees do (Mark 2:18). Jesus answers with a simple, yet profound, analogy from wedding customs.

Context

This verse is part of a series of encounters where Jesus challenges established religious traditions and practices. Immediately prior, Jesus has called Levi (Matthew) and is seen eating with "tax collectors and sinners," drawing criticism from the scribes and Pharisees (Mark 2:16). The question about fasting arises from this tension between Jesus' new ministry and the old ways. This teaching is followed by the parables of the new cloth on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins (Mark 2:21-22), further emphasizing the incompatibility of His new covenant with rigid adherence to old forms.

Key Themes

  • Jesus as the Bridegroom: This is a central metaphor. Jesus identifies Himself as the "bridegroom" (Greek: nymphios), a significant messianic image in Jewish tradition, often symbolizing God's joyous relationship with His people (e.g., Isaiah 62:5). John the Baptist also referred to Jesus as the Bridegroom in John 3:29.
  • Joy vs. Mourning/Fasting: Fasting was traditionally associated with repentance, mourning, or intense spiritual seeking. Jesus argues that while the bridegroom is present, it is a time of celebration and joy, not sorrow or fasting. The "children of the bridechamber" (Greek: huios tou nymphonos), who are the close friends and attendants of the groom, participate in this joy.
  • The Dawn of a New Era: Jesus' presence signifies the inauguration of the Kingdom of God, a time of unprecedented joy and fellowship with God. His coming is likened to a wedding feast, marking a radical shift from the preparatory or mournful periods that necessitated traditional fasting.
  • Appropriate Timing: The verse implies that there will be a time for fasting again—when the "bridegroom is taken away" (Mark 2:20), referring to His crucifixion and ascension. This shows that fasting is not abolished but has its proper season.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "children of the bridechamber" (KJV) is a direct translation of the Greek huios tou nymphonos, referring to the close friends of the groom, who were central figures in the wedding festivities and responsible for various duties, including escorting the groom. Their primary role during the wedding was to rejoice with the groom. The term "bridegroom" (nymphios) powerfully conveys Jesus' unique and intimate relationship with His followers and the joy His presence brings.

Practical Application

This passage encourages believers to understand the profound joy inherent in the presence of Christ. While there are seasons for solemnity and spiritual discipline like fasting, the core of Christian experience is a joyful relationship with the Lord. It reminds us that our spiritual practices should flow from our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done. Just as guests at a wedding feast celebrate the groom's presence, so too should believers rejoice in the living Christ. It also teaches us about the radical newness of Jesus' ministry, which could not simply be contained within old religious forms, foreshadowing the freedom and new life found in the New Covenant.

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.

  • Matthew 25:1

    Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

  • Matthew 25:10

    And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

  • Genesis 29:22

    And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.

  • Judges 14:10

    ¶ So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.

  • Judges 14:11

    And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him.

  • Psalms 45:14

    She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

  • Song Of Solomon 6:8

    There are threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins without number.
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