14Then the disciples of John came to him, saying: Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast? [9:15] And Jesus said to them: Can the companions of the bridechamber mourn for as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
MAT 9:14-15
Questions about Fasting
In the world it was spoken into
In 1st-century Jewish practice, fasting was a deeply ingrained religious act, often tied to mourning, repentance, or preparation for divine intervention. The Pharisees and John the Baptist’s disciples observed regular fasts, aligning with Jewish piety and communal identity. John’s disciples, likely influenced by his ascetic lifestyle, saw fasting as a way to prepare for the coming kingdom. The Pharisees, meanwhile, fasted twice a week (Luke 18:12) as a marker of their devotion to Torah observance. Jesus’ response frames fasting in the context of a wedding feast, a common metaphor for the messianic age. In Jewish tradition, weddings were joyous occasions, and fasting during such times was culturally inappropriate. By calling Himself the 'bridegroom,' Jesus identifies His presence as a time of celebration, not mourning. The 'sons of the bridechamber' were the groom’s closest companions, sharing in the festivities. Jesus implies that His disciples’ lack of fasting reflects the inbreaking of God’s kingdom, while also hinting at His future absence, when fasting will resume as a sign of longing.
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How other translations render this
MAT 9:14
- KJV
- Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
- BSB
- Then Johnʼs disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?”
- Koinōnos
- Then the disciples of John came to him, saying: Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?
MAT 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.
- BSB
- 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.
- Koinōnos
- And Jesus said to them: Can the companions of the bridechamber mourn for as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
MAT 9:14
- disciples:The word translated 'disciples' refers to a learner or pupil, someone who actively follows and adopts the teachings and way of life of their master, not merely a student in a classroom.
- and:The word translated 'and' can also carry the sense of 'even' or 'also,' adding emphasis or a closer connection between the preceding and following statements than a simple conjunction.
MAT 9:15
- sons:The word translated 'sons' here can refer not only to biological offspring but also to those who belong to a group, share a common characteristic, or are closely associated with someone, like 'members' or 'companions.'
- [are] to mourn:The word translated 'to mourn' describes a deep, outward expression of grief and sorrow, often accompanied by lamentation and visible signs of distress, more intense than simply feeling sad.