Matthew 9:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 9:15, Jesus responds to a question regarding His disciples' lack of fasting by employing a profound analogy of a wedding feast. He identifies Himself as the "bridegroom," asserting that His joyful presence with His disciples, the "children of the bridechamber," makes mourning and fasting inappropriate. However, He prophesies a future time when the bridegroom will be "taken from them," signaling a period of absence during which fasting will indeed be a fitting spiritual response for His followers. This verse not only clarifies the timing and purpose of spiritual disciplines but also subtly foreshadows His impending suffering, death, and ascension.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a series of encounters in Matthew's Gospel where Jesus demonstrates His authority and introduces the radical nature of His kingdom. Immediately preceding this, Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, to be His disciple, and then dines with tax collectors and "sinners" at Matthew's house ([Matthew 9:9-13](/matthew/9-9-13 "Matthew 9:9-13 - The Call of Matthew and Dining with Sinners")). This act of fellowship with outcasts draws criticism from the Pharisees, prompting Jesus' famous declaration, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice" ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Jesus' Call for Mercy")). It is in this context of challenging established religious norms and practices that the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees approach Jesus, questioning why His disciples do not fast, unlike themselves. Jesus' response in Matthew 9:15-17, which includes the parables of the new patch on an old garment and new wine in old wineskins, serves as a cohesive explanation for the incompatibility of His new ministry with the rigid, old covenant practices, emphasizing that His presence inaugurated a new era.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Fasting was a deeply ingrained spiritual discipline in ancient Judaism. While the Law only mandated one fast—on the Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16:29-31](/leviticus/16-29-31 "Leviticus 16:29-31 - The Day of Atonement"))—devout Jews, particularly the Pharisees, often engaged in voluntary fasting twice a week, typically on Mondays and Thursdays, as a sign of piety and repentance ([Luke 18:12](/luke/18-12 "Luke 18:12 - The Pharisee's Prayer")). John the Baptist's disciples, known for their ascetic lifestyle, also practiced regular fasting. Weddings, conversely, were periods of immense joy and celebration, often lasting for days. The "children of the bridechamber" (or "friends of the bridegroom") were close companions of the groom, whose primary role was to facilitate and participate in the joyous festivities. For them to mourn or fast during such a celebratory time would be utterly incongruous and culturally unthinkable. Jesus' analogy draws on this universally understood cultural norm to make a profound theological point.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 9:15 contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is **The Presence of the Messiah:** Jesus identifies Himself as the "bridegroom," a rich Old Testament metaphor for God's covenant relationship with His people, Israel (e.g., [Isaiah 62:5](/isaiah/62-5 "Isaiah 62:5 - God Rejoices Over Zion as a Bridegroom Over His Bride"); [Hosea 2:19-20](/hosea/2-19-20 "Hosea 2:19-20 - God's Covenant with Israel")). In the New Testament, this imagery is applied to Christ's relationship with the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church as His Bride")). His physical presence among His disciples signifies a time of unparalleled joy and fulfillment, akin to a wedding feast, making mourning inappropriate. Another theme is **The Newness of the Kingdom:** Jesus' teaching here, alongside the parables that follow, highlights the radical newness of the kingdom He inaugurates. His coming marks a shift from old covenant rituals and legalistic observances to a new reality defined by His presence and the Spirit's work. Fasting, while a valid spiritual discipline, must be understood in light of this new reality, not as a rigid rule. Finally, there is **Prophetic Foreshadowing and the Future Absence of Christ:** The phrase "the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them" is a clear prophecy of Jesus' impending suffering, death, and ascension. This foreshadows a future period when His physical absence would indeed necessitate a different spiritual posture for His disciples, including mourning and fasting, as they await His return ([Acts 1:9-11](/acts/1-9-11 "Acts 1:9-11 - The Ascension of Jesus")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bridegroom (Greek, _nymphíos'_):** G3566, from νύμφη; a bride-groom (literally or figuratively):--bridegroom. Jesus' self-designation as the "bridegroom" is highly significant. It evokes rich Old Testament imagery of God as the husband of Israel, signifying a covenant relationship of love, joy, and intimacy. By taking on this title, Jesus implicitly claims a divine prerogative and identifies Himself as the central figure of a new covenant, ushering in a time of celebration, much like a wedding feast.
* **Mourn (Greek, _penthéō'_):** G3996, from πένθος; to grieve (the feeling or the act):--mourn, (be-)wail. This word denotes deep sorrow, grief, or lamentation. Jesus' rhetorical question highlights the stark contrast between the appropriate emotional state during a wedding (joy, celebration) and the inappropriate state of mourning. His presence brings such joy that grief would be out of place, underscoring the nature of His ministry as one of glad tidings and spiritual fulfillment.
* **Taken (away) (Greek, _apaírō'_):** G522, from ἀπό and αἴρω; to lift off, i.e. remove:--take (away). This verb, used in the passive voice ("shall be taken"), implies a forceful or violent removal, rather than a peaceful departure. It subtly but powerfully foreshadows Jesus' impending crucifixion, where He would be forcibly taken from His disciples through arrest and execution. While it also encompasses His ascension, the primary implication in this context is one of a traumatic separation, which would indeed be a cause for profound grief and a return to fasting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them?"**: Jesus responds to the question about fasting with a rhetorical question, drawing on a vivid and universally understood cultural analogy. The "children of the bridechamber" are the intimate friends and companions of the groom, whose role is to participate fully in the joy of the wedding celebration. Jesus implies that His presence among His disciples is akin to the bridegroom's presence at a wedding feast—a time of unadulterated joy and celebration, where mourning or fasting would be entirely out of place and contradictory to the nature of the occasion. This highlights the unique, joyful reality of being in Christ's immediate company.
* **"but the days will come,"**: This phrase marks a significant shift from the present joyous reality to a future, different season. The Greek particle "dé" (G1161, "but") introduces a contrast or transition, signaling a change in circumstances. Jesus is moving from explaining the current situation to prophesying a future event that will fundamentally alter the disciples' spiritual posture.
* **"when the bridegroom shall be taken from them,"**: This is a direct and profound prophecy of Jesus' impending departure. The passive voice of "taken" (ἀπαρθῇ, _aparthē_) suggests an external, forceful action, hinting at His violent death on the cross, followed by His ascension into heaven. This removal signifies a period of physical absence for His disciples, a time when their direct, joyful communion with Him in the flesh will cease.
* **"and then shall they fast."**: Following the bridegroom's removal, Jesus declares that fasting will then become an appropriate and natural response for His disciples. This indicates that fasting is not merely a legalistic ritual but a spiritual discipline tied to specific spiritual realities: a season of mourning, longing, seeking God's face in the absence of the beloved, or in times of great spiritual challenge and mission. It anticipates the period after His ascension when the disciples would face persecution, seek divine guidance, and long for His promised return.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus masterfully employs several **literary devices** in this verse to convey His message. The most prominent is **Analogy**, specifically a **Metaphor**, where He likens Himself to a "bridegroom" and His disciples to the "children of the bridechamber." This powerful metaphor draws on the deeply ingrained cultural understanding of a Jewish wedding as a time of supreme joy, effectively contrasting it with the solemnity of fasting. The use of a **Rhetorical Question** ("Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them?") serves not to elicit an answer, but to emphasize the obvious incongruity of fasting in His presence, thereby making His point more forcefully and memorably. Furthermore, the verse contains clear **Prophecy** and **Foreshadowing** with the phrase "the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them." This statement looks beyond the immediate context to Jesus' future suffering, death, and ascension, providing a subtle yet profound hint of His redemptive work and the subsequent shift in the disciples' spiritual experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 9:15 profoundly reshapes our understanding of spiritual disciplines, particularly fasting, by grounding them in the reality of Christ's presence. It teaches that true spirituality is not about rigid adherence to external rules, but about an authentic response to God's unfolding plan and the person of Jesus Himself. The joy of Christ's presence, the ultimate wedding feast, supersedes the need for ritualistic mourning. However, it also validates seasons of fasting as a legitimate and necessary spiritual expression during times of longing, seeking, or in the absence of the physical presence of the Bridegroom, anticipating His return. This dynamic interplay between celebration and solemnity reflects the full spectrum of the Christian life, which experiences both the "already" of Christ's kingdom and the "not yet" of its full consummation.

* [Mark 2:19-20](/mark/2-19-20 "Mark 2:19-20 - The Parallel Account of the Bridegroom Analogy")
* [Luke 5:34-35](/luke/5-34-35 "Luke 5:34-35 - Luke's Account of Jesus' Teaching on Fasting")
* [John 3:29](/john/3-29 "John 3:29 - John the Baptist's Testimony as the Friend of the Bridegroom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage invites us to consider the true nature of our relationship with Christ and the purpose of our spiritual practices. When we are in the joyful presence of Christ, whether through worship, fellowship, or a deep sense of His indwelling Spirit, our natural response should be one of celebration and gladness. Our faith is not meant to be a somber, burdensome duty, but a vibrant, life-giving relationship that brings profound joy. However, Jesus' words also prepare us for seasons of spiritual longing and challenge. There will be times when we experience a profound sense of His "absence" – whether through personal trials, spiritual dryness, or the broader suffering of the world. In these moments, fasting, earnest prayer, and seeking God's face become deeply meaningful expressions of our dependence, our hunger for more of Him, and our anticipation of His ultimate return. This verse encourages a dynamic, Spirit-led approach to spiritual disciplines, ensuring they are authentic responses to our spiritual reality rather than mere empty rituals.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I experience the "presence of the Bridegroom" in my life today, and how does that presence shape my spiritual practices?**
* **What might a "season of fasting" look like for me personally, and what spiritual realities might prompt such a discipline?**
* **How can I cultivate a faith that is both joyfully celebratory in Christ's presence and deeply earnest in seeking Him during perceived absence?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't Jesus' disciples fast like the Pharisees or John's disciples?**

Answer: Jesus explains that His disciples did not fast because His physical presence among them was a time of immense joy and celebration, akin to a wedding feast. Fasting was typically associated with mourning, repentance, or intense seeking of God, which would be incongruous while the "Bridegroom" (Jesus Himself) was present. His coming inaugurated a new era of joy and fulfillment, making the old, rigid practices of fasting, at that moment, inappropriate.

**What does Jesus mean by "the bridegroom shall be taken from them"?**

Answer: This phrase is a profound prophecy. "Taken from them" (ἀπαρθῇ, _aparthē_) implies a forceful removal, subtly foreshadowing Jesus' impending suffering, crucifixion, and death. While it also encompasses His ascension into heaven ([Acts 1:9](/acts/1-9 "Acts 1:9 - The Ascension of Jesus")), the primary sense here is one of a traumatic separation. This event would mark the end of His physical presence with His disciples and usher in a new season where mourning and fasting would become appropriate responses for them as they awaited His promised return.

**Does this mean Christians should fast today?**

Answer: Yes, Jesus' words validate fasting as a legitimate and important spiritual discipline for Christians today. He indicates that fasting would be appropriate "then"—after His departure. While His physical presence is no longer with us on earth, His spiritual presence is through the Holy Spirit. However, Christians still live in the "not yet" of His full kingdom, facing trials, seeking God's will, and longing for His second coming ([Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus")). Therefore, fasting remains a powerful means of expressing dependence on God, seeking His guidance, interceding for others, and humbling oneself before Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 9:15 is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing Jesus' identity as the divine Bridegroom and establishing the new reality inaugurated by His presence. The Old Testament often depicts God as the husband of Israel ([Isaiah 54:5](/isaiah/54-5 "Isaiah 54:5 - God as Israel's Husband"); [Jeremiah 3:14](/jeremiah/3-14 "Jeremiah 3:14 - Return, O Faithless Children")), and Jesus' appropriation of this title signifies His unique, intimate relationship with His people and His divine authority. His first coming was a time of joyous celebration, the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah, the very presence of God among humanity, making mourning an anachronism. However, the prophecy "the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them" points directly to His atoning death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension into heaven ([Luke 24:46-51](/luke/24-46-51 "Luke 24:46-51 - Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension")). This temporary physical absence, though filled by the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), ushers in the "church age" – a period of both mission and longing. The ultimate fulfillment of the bridegroom motif awaits Christ's glorious return, when the Church, His bride, will be eternally united with Him at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), transforming all mourning into everlasting joy.

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

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.