Mark 2:20

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

Complete Jewish Bible

But the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them; and when that day 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, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast in that day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 2:20 encapsulates a profound prophetic statement from Jesus, explaining why His disciples did not fast during His earthly ministry, in stark contrast to the practices of the Pharisees and John the Baptist's disciples. This verse, delivered within a larger discourse on fasting, employs the vivid analogy of a wedding feast to distinguish the joyous present reality of the Bridegroom's presence from the future sorrow and spiritual discipline that will accompany His physical absence. It foreshadows the pivotal events of His crucifixion and ascension, marking a transition from celebration to a period of longing and spiritual devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is Jesus' direct and culminating response to a pointed question posed by the scribes and Pharisees concerning the fasting practices of His disciples. The inquiry, recorded in [Mark 2:18](/mark/2-18 "Mark 2:18 - Question about Fasting"), highlights a perceived inconsistency between Jesus' followers and other religious groups. Jesus first responds with an analogy in [Mark 2:19](/mark/2-19 "Mark 2:19 - Parable of the Wedding Guests"), asserting that "the children of the bridechamber cannot fast, while the bridegroom is with them." Mark 2:20 then immediately follows, shifting from the present reality to a future prophecy, thereby completing His explanation and introducing a deeper theological truth about His identity and impending departure. This passage is further contextualized by the subsequent parables of the new patch on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins ([Mark 2:21-22](/mark/2-21-22 "Mark 2:21-22 - New Cloth and New Wine")), which collectively underscore the radical newness of Jesus' ministry and the incompatibility of His kingdom with outdated religious frameworks.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fasting was a common and highly valued spiritual discipline in ancient Judaism, practiced both communally (e.g., on the Day of Atonement, [Leviticus 16:29](/leviticus/16-29 "Leviticus 16:29 - Day of Atonement Fast")) and individually (e.g., by the Pharisee in [Luke 18:12](/luke/18-12 "Luke 18:12 - Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector")). It was typically associated with repentance, mourning, seeking God's favor, or preparing for spiritual encounters. The question posed to Jesus' disciples arose from this established religious expectation. Conversely, weddings were periods of unbridled joy and feasting, often lasting for days, during which fasting would have been entirely inappropriate and culturally unthinkable. Jesus' use of the "bridegroom" metaphor taps into this deeply understood cultural contrast, asserting that His physical presence inaugurated a time of unparalleled joy, akin to a wedding celebration, which rendered traditional fasting irrelevant for His immediate followers.

* **Key Themes:** Mark 2:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Jesus' Messianic Identity**, specifically portraying Him as the divine **Bridegroom**. This imagery, deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies of God's covenant relationship with Israel ([Isaiah 62:5](/isaiah/62-5 "Isaiah 62:5 - God Rejoices Over Israel"), [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19-20 "Hosea 2:19-20 - God's Covenant with Israel")), signifies Jesus as the initiator of the New Covenant, bringing ultimate joy and intimacy with God. Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Prophecy and Foreshadowing**, specifically pointing to Jesus' impending suffering and departure. The phrase "taken away from them" is a poignant premonition of His crucifixion and subsequent ascension, highlighting the coming period of sorrow and longing for His disciples. Thirdly, it redefines the **Nature and Purpose of Fasting**. Jesus shifts fasting from a ritualistic obligation to a meaningful expression of spiritual longing and mourning for His physical absence, transforming its significance for the new covenant community. This reorientation emphasizes that true spiritual discipline flows from relationship and context, rather than mere adherence to external rules.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bridegroom (Greek, _nymphíos_):** This term (G3566) refers to a male newly married or about to be married. In this context, it is a profound metaphorical title Jesus applies to Himself, aligning with Old Testament imagery where God is depicted as the husband of Israel. Its use here signals a new covenant relationship, characterized by joy and celebration, initiated by Jesus' presence.
* **taken away (Greek, _apaírō_):** The verb (G522) means "to lift off" or "remove." While it can imply a general departure, in this prophetic context, especially given the historical outcome, it strongly suggests a forceful or violent removal, foreshadowing Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent ascension. It denotes a definitive and painful separation.
* **fast (Greek, _nēsteúō_):** This verb (G3522) means "to abstain from food (religiously)." Jesus' use of this word in connection with His future absence indicates that fasting, which was inappropriate during His joyous physical presence, would become a fitting spiritual discipline for His disciples in the period following His departure, reflecting mourning, longing, and spiritual earnestness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the days will come,"**: This opening clause, introduced by the adversative particle "But" (G1161, _dé_), signals a significant shift from the present reality to a future, distinct period. The phrase "the days will come" (G2250, _hēméra_ and G2064, _érchomai_) acts as a prophetic marker, indicating an inevitable and divinely ordained future event that will fundamentally alter the current circumstances.
* **"when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them,"**: This is the core prophetic statement. "The bridegroom" (G3566, _nymphíos_) unequivocally refers to Jesus Himself, establishing His unique role as the central figure of the new covenant, initiating a time of joy. The phrase "shall be taken away" (G522, _apaírō_) is a poignant and veiled reference to His crucifixion and subsequent ascension. It implies a forceful, non-voluntary removal, signifying His suffering and ultimate departure from His disciples' physical presence. The "them" (G846, _autós_) refers to His disciples, highlighting their direct experience of this profound loss.
* **"and then shall they fast in those days."**: This final clause describes the consequence of the Bridegroom's removal. "And then" (G2532, _kaí_ and G5119, _tóte_) connects the fasting directly to His absence. The disciples "shall they fast" (G3522, _nēsteúō_) in "those days" (G1565, _ekeînos_ and G2250, _hēméra_), indicating that this spiritual discipline, previously inappropriate, will become a natural and necessary expression of their spiritual state in the era following His departure. This redefines fasting as an act of mourning, longing, and spiritual seeking in the absence of the physically present Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 2:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Analogy/Metaphor**, where Jesus likens Himself to a "bridegroom" and His time with the disciples to a "wedding feast." This rich metaphor draws on deeply ingrained cultural understanding of joy and celebration, immediately clarifying why fasting is inappropriate in His presence. The phrase "shall be taken away" functions as powerful **Foreshadowing** or **Prophecy**, subtly hinting at Jesus' impending crucifixion and ascension without explicitly stating it. This veiled language adds a layer of dramatic irony, as the disciples would not fully grasp its implications until after the events unfolded. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between the present time of joy and feasting (with the Bridegroom) and the future time of sorrow and fasting (when the Bridegroom is gone). This juxtaposition highlights the radical shift in spiritual experience that Jesus' departure would bring, transforming the very nature and purpose of spiritual disciplines for His followers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 2:20 is a pivotal theological statement that redefines the nature of the Kingdom of God and the appropriate spiritual posture for its citizens. It establishes Jesus as the divine Bridegroom, indicating that His presence inaugurates a new era of joy and celebration, where the old forms of religious observance, like fasting for mourning, are temporarily set aside. The prophecy of His being "taken away" is a profound foreshadowing of His atoning death and subsequent ascension, which would usher in the "days" of the church age—a period marked by the physical absence of the Bridegroom, but sustained by the Spirit and the promise of His return. This reorients fasting from a legalistic duty to a heartfelt expression of longing, repentance, and earnest prayer in anticipation of Christ's second coming.

* [John 3:29](/john/3-29 "John 3:29 - John the Baptist on the Bridegroom")
* [Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")
* [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 2:20 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that our spiritual practices are not static rituals but dynamic responses to our relationship with Christ and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. While we live in the "days" when the Bridegroom has been taken away, we do so with the assurance of His spiritual presence through the Holy Spirit and the certain hope of His glorious return. This verse invites us to consider the appropriate posture for our spiritual disciplines. Fasting, in this context, is not a means to earn favor or a legalistic burden, but a powerful expression of our longing for Christ's full return, our sorrow over the brokenness of the world, our repentance for sin, or our earnest seeking of God's will in times of spiritual need. It calls us to discern the times and seasons, recognizing that there is a time for feasting and rejoicing in Christ's finished work, and a time for solemnity, prayer, and self-denial as we await the consummation of His kingdom. Our spiritual life should be characterized by both the joy of His presence and the longing for His coming.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Jesus as the "Bridegroom" deepen your appreciation for your relationship with Him and the joy found in His presence?**
* **In what ways do you currently experience the "days" when the Bridegroom has been "taken away"? What emotions or spiritual disciplines does this evoke in you?**
* **How can fasting, or other spiritual disciplines, become a more meaningful expression of longing for Christ's return or earnest prayer in your life?**
* **How does the tension between celebrating Christ's finished work and longing for His return shape your daily walk as a believer?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus' disciples not fast while He was with them?**

Answer: Jesus explains that His physical presence among them was like a wedding feast, a time of unparalleled joy and celebration. In Jewish culture, it was unthinkable for guests at a wedding to fast while the bridegroom was present. Jesus, identifying Himself as the "Bridegroom," signified that His ministry inaugurated a new era of joy and the fulfillment of God's promises, making traditional fasting (often associated with mourning or repentance) inappropriate for His immediate followers during that time. His presence was the ultimate cause for rejoicing.

**What does "taken away from them" refer to?**

Answer: The phrase "taken away from them" is a prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent ascension. It refers to the period when Jesus would no longer be physically present with His disciples on earth. This removal would be a time of profound sorrow and loss for His followers, marking a transition from the joyous physical presence of the Bridegroom to a period of longing and spiritual discipline in His absence. This prophecy was fulfilled through His suffering, death, and triumphant [ascension into heaven](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - Jesus Ascends to Heaven").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 2:20, though a concise prophecy, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the entire trajectory of Jesus' redemptive work and the subsequent experience of the church. Jesus, as the divine Bridegroom, embodies the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises to His people, initiating a new era of intimacy and joy that surpasses the old covenant's shadows. His joyous earthly ministry, where fasting was out of place, was a foretaste of the eternal feast. The prophecy that the Bridegroom "shall be taken away" was tragically yet gloriously fulfilled in His crucifixion, where He, the Lamb of God, was indeed violently removed from His disciples, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin ([Isaiah 53:7-8](/isaiah/53-7-8 "Isaiah 53:7-8 - The Suffering Servant")). His subsequent ascension into heaven ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension")) marked the definitive "taking away" of His physical presence. Yet, this removal was not an end but a transition, ushering in the age of the Holy Spirit, where believers, though physically separated from their Bridegroom, are empowered to live in His spiritual presence ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")). The "fasting in those days" for the church is thus transformed into a spiritual longing and earnest anticipation for His glorious second coming, when the Bridegroom will return to claim His bride, the Church, for the eternal marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, Mark 2:20 beautifully encapsulates the "already and not yet" tension of the Christian life, celebrating Christ's past work and present spiritual presence while eagerly awaiting His future consummation.

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

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].

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 21:9

¶ And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

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.

Psalms 45:11

So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he [is] thy Lord; and worship thou him.

John 13:33

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

Isaiah 54:5

For thy Maker [is] thine husband; the LORD of hosts [is] his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.