Matthew 9:14

¶ Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

Then {G5119} came {G4334} to him {G846} the disciples {G3101} of John {G2491}, saying {G3004}, Why {G1302} do we {G2249} and {G2532} the Pharisees {G5330} fast {G3522} oft {G4183}, but {G1161} thy {G4675} disciples {G3101} fast {G3522} not {G3756}?

Next, Yochanan's talmidim came to him and asked, "Why is it that we and the P'rushim fast frequently, but your talmidim don't fast at all?"

At that time John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?”

Then come to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

Commentary

Matthew 9:14 (KJV) presents a pivotal moment where the differing practices of Jesus' disciples and other religious groups are brought into sharp contrast, specifically regarding the act of fasting.

Context

This verse follows directly after Jesus' controversial act of dining with tax collectors and sinners at Matthew's house (Matthew 9:10). The Pharisees had already questioned His association with such individuals, and now the disciples of John the Baptist join the inquiry, focusing on the apparent laxity of Jesus' followers concerning fasting. Fasting was a deeply ingrained religious discipline in Judaism, observed regularly by devout individuals like the Pharisees and John's disciples, often beyond the single prescribed fast of the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29). John the Baptist himself embodied an ascetic lifestyle, making his disciples' adherence to fasting natural.

Key Themes

  • The Nature and Purpose of Fasting: The question highlights a common misunderstanding of fasting as an obligation rather than a response to spiritual circumstances. For John's disciples and the Pharisees, it was a mark of piety and repentance.
  • The New vs. Old Covenant: Jesus' response in the subsequent verses (Matthew 9:15-17) clearly distinguishes His ministry and the new spiritual reality He was ushering in from the established traditions. His presence signifies a time of joy and celebration, not mourning or self-denial.
  • Joy in Christ's Presence: The implicit answer, soon made explicit by Jesus, is that His very presence is like that of a bridegroom at a wedding feast (Matthew 9:15). While the bridegroom is present, joy and feasting are appropriate, not fasting.
  • Misunderstanding of Jesus' Ministry: The question itself reveals a struggle to comprehend the radical nature of Jesus' kingdom, which prioritized relationship and spiritual transformation over rigid adherence to external religious practices.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "fast oft" (Greek: nēsteuōmen pollá) simply means "we fast much" or "frequently." There isn't a complex linguistic nuance here that significantly alters the meaning for a general audience, but it emphasizes the regularity and strictness with which John's disciples and the Pharisees observed this practice.

Practical Application

This verse, along with Jesus' immediate reply, teaches us that spiritual practices like fasting are not ends in themselves, but means to an end. Their appropriateness depends on the spiritual season and context. While fasting remains a valuable discipline for believers today (Acts 13:3), it should flow from a genuine spiritual need or desire, not merely religious obligation or outward show. The core message is that the presence of Christ brings joy and celebration, and our practices should reflect the reality of His kingdom.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 5:33

    And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise [the disciples] of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?

  • Luke 5:39

    No man also having drunk old [wine] straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

  • Mark 2:18

    ¶ And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?

  • Mark 2:22

    And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

  • Matthew 6:16

    Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

  • Matthew 11:18

    For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.

  • Matthew 11:19

    The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.
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