Matthew 9:15

Translations

Modern

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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

And Jesus said to them, “Are the sons of the bridechamber able to mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But days will come when the bridegroom shall have been taken away from them, and then they will fast.

Latin

Et ait illis Jesus: Numquid possunt filii sponsi lugere, quamdiu cum illis est sponsus? Venient autem dies cum auferetur ab eis sponsus: et tunc jejunabunt.

Original

Greek

English

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.

Notes

Matthew 9:15

The guests of the bridegroom: John the Baptist described the Messiah and his disciples this way (John 3:29). He used Old Testament images to show who Jesus really was (see Matthew 25:1–13; Isaiah 54:5–6).

taken away: This is the first prediction Jesus made about his violent death (see Matthew 16:21; 17:12, 22–23; 20:18–19; 26:2, 26–35; Isaiah 53:8).
then they will fast: Jesus might be talking about the disciples' sadness right after his crucifixion, or their way of living after his death and resurrection (see Acts 9:9; 13:2–3; 14:23; 27:9, 33).

Matthew 9:1–17

There was debate and conflict among Jesus opponents. This included the teachers of the law and the Pharisees (Matthew 9:1–13), and also the disciples of John the Baptist (9:14–17).

Matthew 8:1–9:34

Here, the kingdom of God appears with supernatural power (see Matthew 4:23–25; 11:2–6). It reaches people who were previously excluded from God's blessings. This included:

non-Jewish people,
lepers,
blind people,
sick women,
people possessed by demons,
tax collectors,
those with long-term bleeding, and
the dead.

Jesus showed compassion to people in need. But the religious leaders reacted with anger and opposition. Jesus called his followers to respond with faith and to walk in discipleship (living as his learners and followers).

Theme notes and profiles

The Stone the Builders Rejected

Events

Fasting Questionc. AD 28

Related verses

Revelation 19:9
Then the angel told me to write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
John 3:29
The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.
Revelation 21:2
I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Acts 14:23
Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church, praying and fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.
John 16:20–22
Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.
Acts 13:1–3
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.
Matthew 25:1–10
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Psalm 45:14–15
In colorful garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions are brought before you.
Luke 24:13–21
That same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.
John 16:6
Instead, your hearts are filled with sorrow because I have told you these things.
Isaiah 22:12
On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth.
1 Corinthians 7:5
Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control.

Parallels

Mark 2:18–20 Luke 5:33–35

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Jesus Christ John the Baptist Miracle Mourning

Topics

Bridegroom: Joy With Capernaum: Miracles of Jesus Performed At Fasting: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Jesus, the Christ: Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners, and Discourses on Fasting (Capernaum) Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Bridegroom Parables: Parables of Christ: Children of the Bride Chamber Titles and Names of Saints: Children of the Bride-Chamber

Matthew 9:15

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Parallels?

People

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Events

Related verses

Parallels

Glossary

Topics