Mark 2:18

Translations

Modern

Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were often fasting. So people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t Your disciples fast like John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees?”

Traditional

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?

Literal

And the disciples of John and the Pharisees were fasting. And they come and say to Him, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?”

Latin

Et erant discipuli Joannis et pharisæi jejunantes: et veniunt, et dicunt illi: Quare discipuli Joannis et pharisæorum jejunant, tui autem discipuli non jejunant?

Interlinear

Greek

English

Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were often fasting. So people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t Your disciples fast like John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees?”

Notes

Mark 2:18–22

This controversy deals with fasting, which Jesus did not practice with his disciples. The Pharisees regularly fasted two days a week, on Mondays and Thursdays (Luke 18:12). Jews often fasted when mourning or specially seeking the Lord's favor (Leviticus 16:29–31; 1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 1:12; 12:21–23; Ezra 8:23; Esther 4:3; Matthew 6:16).

Mark 2:1–3:6

Five controversy stories (2:1–12, 13–17, 18–22, 23–28; 3:1–6) are grouped together because they share a common theme. Each story shows a conflict between Jesus and the religious leaders. In these accounts, Jesus says or does things that challenge their beliefs and practices. These stories show the great authority that Jesus has.

Theme notes and profiles

John the Baptist The Coming of God’s Kingdom

Events

Fasting Questionc. AD 28

Related verses

Matthew 9:14–17
Then 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?”
Luke 18:12
I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’
Matthew 6:18
…so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Matthew 6:16
When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.
Luke 5:33–39
Then they said to Him, “John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking.”
Romans 10:3
Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.
Matthew 23:5
All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

Parallels

Matthew 9:14–15 Luke 5:33–35

People

John: The Baptist, a prophet who prepared the way for Jesus Pharisee: A strict Jewish sect known for legalism and hypocrisy

Glossary

Apothegm Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Disciple Mark, Gospel of Miracle

Topics

Fasting of the Wicked: Pharisees Fasting: Habitual by Pharisees Jesus, the Christ: Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners, and Discourses on Fasting (Capernaum) Jesus, the Christ: Mission of

Mark 2:18

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