2:19 2:19

Mark 2:20

2:21 2:21

Bible Versions

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

Mark 2:20 presents a pivotal statement from Jesus, explaining why His disciples did not fast during His earthly ministry, unlike the Pharisees and John the Baptist's disciples. This verse is part of Jesus' response to a question about fasting, where He uses the powerful analogy of a wedding feast. It beautifully contrasts the joyous presence of the bridegroom with the future sorrow of His absence, foreshadowing significant events to come.

Context

This verse is found within a broader discussion initiated by the scribes and Pharisees, who questioned Jesus about His disciples' lack of fasting (Mark 2:18). Jesus responds by first stating that wedding guests cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them. He then immediately transitions to this prophecy, indicating that His physical presence is like that of a bridegroom at a wedding – a time for joy and celebration, not mourning or asceticism. This sets the stage for understanding the profound shift His arrival brings.

Key Themes

  • Jesus as the Bridegroom: This is a rich biblical metaphor, identifying Jesus as the Messiah who initiates a new covenant relationship with His people, often likened to a marriage. His presence brings joy and fulfillment, signifying a new era of grace and communion. John the Baptist himself testified to this role, referring to Jesus as the Bridegroom.
  • Prophecy of His Departure: The phrase "taken away from them" is a clear and poignant foreshadowing of Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent ascension. It points to a time when His physical presence will be removed, marking a period of profound grief and longing for His followers.
  • The Nature of Future Fasting: Jesus predicts that fasting will indeed occur "in those days" once He is gone. This transforms the purpose of fasting from a mere religious ritual to a heartfelt expression of mourning, longing for Christ's return, and spiritual discipline in His physical absence.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "taken away" is aparthē (ἀπαρθῇ), which can imply a forceful or violent removal. This aligns with the nature of Jesus' crucifixion, where He was indeed forcibly seized and taken from His disciples. It emphasizes the profound and painful separation that would occur, rather than a gentle, natural departure.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless insights into the Christian life. While we rejoice in Christ's finished work on the cross and His spiritual presence with us through the Holy Spirit, there remains a legitimate spiritual longing for His physical second coming. Fasting, in this context, becomes a meaningful discipline for believers today – not as a means to earn favor, but as an expression of deep desire for God, repentance, or earnest prayer in times of spiritual need or mourning for the brokenness of the world. It reminds us that there is a time for celebration and a time for solemnity, both rooted in our relationship with the Lord.

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.

  • 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.
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