Keraia
Mark 2

Mark 2:19

Questions about Fasting · Mark 2:18–20
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Translations

Modern
Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? As long as He is with them, they cannot fast.
Traditional
And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
Literal
And Jesus said to them, “Are the sons of the bridechamber able to fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long a time as they have the bridegroom with them, they are not able to fast.
Latin
Et ait illis Jesus: Numquid possunt filii nuptiarum, quamdiu sponsus cum illis est, jejunare? Quanto tempore habent secum sponsum, non possunt jejunare.

Original

Greek
English
Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? As long as He is with them, they cannot fast.

Notes

Mark 2:19–20

Jesus was like a bridegroom at his wedding, so fasting was not appropriate. It was a time to celebrate (Luke 15:23–25, 32). The disciples would fast after Jesus went up to heaven (see Acts 13:2–3; 14:23).

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

The Coming of God’s Kingdom

Events

Parallels

Matthew 9:14–15 Luke 5:33–35

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Apothegm Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Kingdom of God, Kingdom of Heaven Mark, Gospel of Miracle

Topics

Bridegroom: Joy With Jesus, the Christ: Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners, and Discourses on Fasting (Capernaum) Jesus, the Christ: Mission of