18Now the disciples of John and the Pharisees were fasting. And they came and said to him, "Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" [2:19] And Jesus said to them: "The sons of the bridechamber cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. [2:20] But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day."
MRK 2:18-20
Questions about Fasting
In the world it was spoken into
In 1st-century Jewish practice, fasting was a significant religious act, often tied to mourning, repentance, or preparation for divine intervention. The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect, observed regular fasts as part of their strict adherence to Torah and oral traditions. John the Baptist’s disciples also practiced fasting, likely influenced by ascetic traditions associated with prophetic preparation. The question posed to Jesus reflects a cultural expectation that religious piety, especially among disciples, would include fasting. Jesus’ response draws on the imagery of a Jewish wedding, where the bridegroom’s presence signifies joy and celebration, making fasting inappropriate. The bridechamber was a place of festivity, and the bridegroom was the central figure of the celebration. By identifying himself as the bridegroom, Jesus shifts the focus from ritual observance to his presence as the source of joy and fulfillment. His reference to the bridegroom being taken away hints at his impending death, a moment when fasting would become appropriate.
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How other translations render this
MRK 2:18
- KJV
- 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?
- BSB
- Now Johnʼs disciples and the Pharisees were often fasting. So people came to Jesus and asked, “Why donʼt Your disciples fast like Johnʼs disciples and those of the Pharisees?”
- Koinōnos
- Now the disciples of John and the Pharisees were fasting. And they came and said to him, "Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?
MRK 2:19
- KJV
- 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.
- BSB
- 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.
- Koinōnos
- And Jesus said to them: "The sons of the bridechamber cannot fast while the bridegroom is with them, can they? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
MRK 2:20
- KJV
- But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
- BSB
- But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
- Koinōnos
- But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast on that day.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
MRK 2:18
- disciples:The word translated 'disciples' refers to a student or learner who follows a teacher, not just in intellectual understanding but also in their way of life and practice.
- of the:The term 'Pharisees' refers to a Jewish religious and political movement known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions, distinguishing themselves from others.
MRK 2:19
- bridechamber:The word translated 'bridechamber' refers to the room where the wedding feast takes place, symbolizing the celebration and joy associated with a marriage.
- bridegroom:The word translated 'bridegroom' specifically denotes the man who is getting married, the central figure of the wedding celebration.