Mark 2:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
In Mark 2:19, Jesus addresses the question of why His disciples do not fast, unlike the disciples of John and the Pharisees. He employs a profound analogy, likening Himself to a bridegroom and His disciples to the "children of the bridechamber." Jesus asserts that fasting, typically associated with mourning or intense spiritual seeking, is inappropriate during a time of joyous celebration, such as a wedding feast. His presence inaugurates a new era of joy and fellowship with God, rendering the traditional practice of fasting, in this context, incongruous with the spiritual reality He brings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a series of five controversies (Mark 2:1-3:6) where Jesus' actions and teachings challenge the established religious norms and traditions of His day. Immediately preceding this passage, Jesus has controversially called Levi (Matthew), a tax collector, to be His disciple and subsequently dines with "tax collectors and sinners," drawing sharp criticism from the scribes and Pharisees ([Mark 2:15-17](/mark/2-15-17 "Mark 2:15-17 - Jesus Eats with Sinners")). The question about fasting in [Mark 2:18](/mark/2-18 "Mark 2:18 - Question about Fasting") arises directly from this tension, as Jesus' disciples appear to disregard a common pious practice. Following this, Jesus further elaborates on the incompatibility of His new ministry with old forms through the parables of the new cloth on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins ([Mark 2:21-22](/mark/2-21-22 "Mark 2:21-22 - Parables of New Cloth and New Wine")), reinforcing the radical nature of the Kingdom He proclaims.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fasting was a significant religious practice in Judaism, observed both communally (e.g., Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement) and individually (e.g., Pharisees often fasted twice a week, as noted in [Luke 18:12](/luke/18-12 "Luke 18:12 - Pharisee's Prayer")). It was typically associated with repentance, mourning, seeking God's favor, or preparing for a spiritual encounter. In stark contrast, Jewish wedding celebrations were periods of unbridled joy, feasting, and communal celebration, often lasting for an entire week. During such times, any form of mourning or fasting would be utterly out of place. The "children of the bridechamber" (or "friends of the bridegroom") were the groom's closest companions, responsible for arranging the feast and participating fully in the celebration, making their presence a symbol of the wedding's joy.

* **Key Themes:** Jesus' response in [Mark 2:19](/mark/2-19 "Mark 2:19 - Jesus on Fasting") powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' identity as the Messiah**, specifically as the "bridegroom," a rich Old Testament metaphor for God's covenant relationship with His people, often signifying joy and intimacy (e.g., [Isaiah 62:5](/isaiah/62-5 "Isaiah 62:5 - God rejoices over His people")). Secondly, it underscores the **inauguration of the Kingdom of God** through Jesus' presence, a time of unprecedented joy and divine fellowship that supersedes the need for traditional expressions of mourning. Thirdly, the passage emphasizes the **clash between the old and new covenants**, illustrating that the spiritual realities brought by Christ cannot be contained within the rigid structures and expectations of the old religious system. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **appropriate timing for spiritual disciplines**, hinting that while fasting is not abolished, its practice must align with the current spiritual reality—a point Jesus clarifies in [Mark 2:20](/mark/2-20 "Mark 2:20 - The Bridegroom Will Be Taken Away").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bridegroom (Greek, _nymphíos'_):** From G3566, this term refers to a "bride-groom (literally or figuratively)." In this context, Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the bridegroom, a deeply significant messianic title. This identification evokes the Old Testament imagery of God as the husband of Israel, symbolizing a joyous, intimate, and covenantal relationship. Jesus' use of this term signifies His unique and central role in inaugurating the new covenant, bringing about a time of unparalleled spiritual celebration.
* **Bridechamber (Greek, _nymphṓn'_):** From G3567, meaning "the bridal room," this word is used in the phrase "children of the bridechamber" (KJV). These "children" (Greek, _huiós_, G5207, here meaning "sons" or "companions") are the close friends and attendants of the groom, whose primary role during a Jewish wedding was to participate in and facilitate the week-long festivities. Their presence signifies the core of the celebration, and their inability to fast underscores the joy inherent in the bridegroom's presence.
* **Fast (Greek, _nēsteúō'_):** From G3522, meaning "to abstain from food (religiously)." This word describes the practice that Jesus' disciples are not observing. Fasting was typically associated with solemnity, repentance, mourning, or intense spiritual seeking. Jesus' argument is that the very nature of His presence, like that of a bridegroom at a wedding, makes such an act of self-denial incongruous with the joy and celebration that His coming represents.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus said unto them,"**: This introduces Jesus' direct response to the question posed by John's disciples and the Pharisees in [Mark 2:18](/mark/2-18 "Mark 2:18 - The Question of Fasting"). The "them" refers to these religious groups who are questioning the conduct of Jesus' disciples.
* **"Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?"**: This is a rhetorical question, designed to elicit an obvious "no" answer. Jesus uses a culturally resonant analogy: the "children of the bridechamber" (the groom's closest friends) would never fast during the joyous presence of the bridegroom at a wedding feast. Their role is to celebrate. This implies that Jesus' presence is a time of such joy and celebration that fasting is inappropriate.
* **"as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast."**: This clause reiterates and emphasizes the point made in the rhetorical question. It highlights the duration and nature of the bridegroom's presence as the determining factor for the "children's" behavior. The inability to fast is not a matter of choice but a natural consequence of the overwhelming joy and celebration that the bridegroom's presence dictates. Jesus' statement implies that His current ministry is a time of unprecedented joy, akin to a wedding feast, making traditional expressions of mourning or solemnity out of place.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs a powerful **Metaphor** in this verse, identifying Himself as the "bridegroom" and His disciples as the "children of the bridechamber." This metaphor is central to understanding His teaching, as it draws on deeply ingrained Jewish cultural and theological associations of joy, celebration, and covenantal intimacy. By framing His presence as a wedding feast, Jesus uses **Analogy** to explain why traditional practices like fasting are currently inappropriate for His followers. Furthermore, the opening question, "**Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?**" is a **Rhetorical Question**. This device is not meant to be answered literally but to provoke thought and lead the audience to an obvious conclusion, effectively highlighting the absurdity of fasting in the context of the Messiah's joyous presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 2:19 profoundly reshapes the understanding of spiritual disciplines by placing them within the context of Jesus' redemptive presence. Theologically, Jesus' self-identification as the "bridegroom" connects Him directly to the Old Testament imagery of God as the faithful husband of Israel, promising a joyous, renewed covenant relationship ([Isaiah 62:5](/isaiah/62-5 "God's Joy Over His People")). His arrival signifies the dawn of the messianic age, a time of ultimate joy and fulfillment, akin to a long-awaited wedding feast. This new reality, characterized by His immediate presence and the inauguration of the Kingdom of God, fundamentally alters the spiritual landscape, making traditional expressions of mourning (like fasting) incongruous with the celebration that His presence demands. The verse thus underscores the radical newness of Christ's ministry and the New Covenant, which cannot simply be "patched" onto old forms but requires a fresh understanding rooted in the joy of His person.

* [Isaiah 62:5](/isaiah/62-5 "God rejoices over His people like a bridegroom")
* [John 3:29](/john/3-29 "John the Baptist's witness to Jesus as the Bridegroom")
* [Matthew 9:15](/matthew/9-15 "Parallel account of the Bridegroom parable")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 2:19 invites believers to embrace the profound joy that is inherent in the presence of Christ. It challenges us to consider whether our spiritual practices are truly aligned with the reality of His indwelling Spirit and the new covenant He has established. While spiritual disciplines like fasting have their appropriate seasons, this passage reminds us that the foundational posture of a Christian should be one of celebration and rejoicing in the Lord. We are the "children of the bridechamber," privileged to participate in the ongoing feast of His presence. This means cultivating a heart of gratitude and joy, recognizing that our relationship with Jesus is not primarily one of burdensome obligation but of intimate, life-giving fellowship. It also prompts us to examine whether we are clinging to outdated religious forms or traditions that might hinder our experience of the vibrant, transformative newness that Christ offers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' identity as the Bridegroom shape your understanding of your relationship with Him and the nature of the Christian life?**
* **In what ways might you be tempted to hold onto old forms or traditions that might hinder your experience of Christ's newness and joy?**
* **How can you discern the appropriate seasons for joy and celebration versus solemnity and fasting in your spiritual walk, ensuring your practices flow from the reality of Christ's presence?**

### FAQ
**Why did John's disciples and the Pharisees fast, and why was Jesus' approach different?**

Answer: Fasting was a deeply ingrained practice in Jewish piety. The Pharisees, known for their strict adherence to the Law, often fasted twice a week as a sign of devotion and repentance ([Luke 18:12](/luke/18-12 "Luke 18:12 - Pharisee's Prayer")). John the Baptist's ministry was characterized by a call to repentance, and his disciples likely engaged in fasting as part of their spiritual discipline, preparing for the coming Messiah. Jesus' approach was different because His arrival *was* the coming of the Messiah, the long-awaited Bridegroom. His presence inaugurated a new era of joy and fulfillment, akin to a wedding feast, where mourning and fasting would be out of place. He wasn't abolishing fasting but asserting that its practice must align with the spiritual reality of His joyous presence.

**What does "children of the bridechamber" mean in this context?**

Answer: The "children of the bridechamber" (or "friends of the bridegroom") were the groom's closest male companions and attendants at a Jewish wedding. Their primary role was to participate in and facilitate the joyous week-long wedding festivities. They would share in the groom's happiness and were expected to celebrate with him. By identifying His disciples as the "children of the bridechamber," Jesus implies that His presence among them is a time of profound celebration and joy, making traditional acts of mourning like fasting inappropriate for them during this period.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 2:19 is a profound declaration of Christ's identity and the nature of the Kingdom He inaugurates. Jesus' self-designation as the "Bridegroom" is a direct echo of Old Testament prophetic imagery, where God is portrayed as the husband of Israel, and the messianic age is envisioned as a joyous wedding feast ([Isaiah 62:5](/isaiah/62-5 "Isaiah 62:5 - God rejoices over His people")). By presenting Himself as the Bridegroom, Jesus asserts His divine authority and His central role in fulfilling God's covenant promises. His presence signifies that the long-awaited season of joy and intimacy with God has arrived, making traditional expressions of mourning, such as fasting, incongruous. This passage foreshadows the ultimate union between Christ and His Church, His spiritual "bride" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church as His Bride")), which is celebrated in the New Covenant. While Jesus hints that the Bridegroom will eventually be "taken away" ([Mark 2:20](/mark/2-20 "Mark 2:20 - The Bridegroom Will Be Taken Away")), referring to His crucifixion and ascension, this temporary absence only heightens the anticipation for His glorious return, when the "marriage supper of the Lamb" will finally take place ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, Mark 2:19 not only explains the present joy of Christ's earthly ministry but also points forward to the eternal, unceasing celebration of His completed redemption and ultimate union with 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.

Cross-References

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.