Matthew 9:15

And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.

And {G2532} Jesus {G2424} said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Can {G3361}{G1410} the children {G5207} of the bridechamber {G3567} mourn {G3996}, as long as {G1909}{G3745} the bridegroom {G3566} is {G2076} with {G3326} them {G846}? but {G1161} the days {G2250} will come {G2064}, when {G3752} the bridegroom {G3566} shall be taken {G522} from {G575} them {G846}, and {G2532} then {G5119} shall they fast {G3522}.

Yeshua said to them, "Can wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them; then they will fast.

Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

And Jesus said unto them, Can the sons of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast.

Matthew 9:15 presents Jesus' insightful response to a question about His disciples' fasting habits, contrasting their joyful presence with Him against the ascetic practices of the Pharisees and John the Baptist's disciples.

Context

This verse is part of a series of encounters where Jesus challenges existing religious norms. Following His call of Matthew, a tax collector, and dining with "sinners" at Matthew's house, the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees questioned why Jesus' disciples did not fast. Fasting was a common spiritual discipline, especially among devout Jews, often performed for repentance, mourning, or seeking God's favor. Jesus' reply uses a vivid analogy to explain why His followers, at that moment, were not fasting.

Key Themes

  • The Presence of the Bridegroom: Jesus identifies Himself as the "bridegroom," a significant messianic title used in Old Testament prophecy to describe God's relationship with Israel (e.g., Isaiah 62:5) and later in the New Testament to describe Christ's relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:25). His presence brings joy and celebration, making mourning and fasting inappropriate. The "children of the bridechamber" are the wedding guests, specifically the friends of the groom, who share in the joy of the wedding feast.
  • The Timing of Fasting: Jesus clarifies that fasting is appropriate for a specific season—a time of absence or mourning. While the bridegroom is present, joy prevails. This principle suggests that spiritual disciplines like fasting are not rigid rules but are meaningful responses to different spiritual realities. Fasting should be a heartfelt expression, not mere ritual.
  • Prophetic Foreshadowing: The phrase "the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast" is a profound prophecy. It directly points to Jesus' future crucifixion and subsequent ascension (Acts 1:9). His departure would mark a period when His disciples would indeed mourn and find reasons to fast, not just for His physical absence but also as they faced persecution and sought God's guidance in their mission.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "bridegroom," nymphios (νυμφίος), consistently refers to the groom in wedding contexts. Its usage here by Jesus underscores His unique identity and role. The phrase "taken from them" (ἀπαρθῇ, aparthē) implies a forceful or violent removal, subtly hinting at His impending crucifixion rather than a peaceful departure, although it also encompasses His ascension.

Practical Application

This verse teaches us about the nature of our relationship with Christ and the purpose of spiritual disciplines. When we are in the joyful presence of Christ, whether through worship, communion, or fellowship, our natural response is celebration, not sorrow. However, there are times in the Christian life when fasting and earnest prayer are appropriate—during seasons of spiritual struggle, intense intercession, or deep seeking of God's will. It reminds us that our faith should be dynamic, responding authentically to God's presence and guiding hand, rather than adhering to rigid, unthinking rituals. It also prepares us for periods of spiritual longing, echoing the church's anticipation of Christ's second coming.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 19:9

    And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed [are] they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

  • 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.

  • John 16:20

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

  • John 16:22

    And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

  • 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.

  • Acts 14:23

    And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

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