But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

LUKE 5:35KJV
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Luke 5:35 (KJV)

What does Luke 5:35 mean?

Luke 5:35 means that there will come a time when Jesus, described here as the "bridegroom," will be taken away from his followers, and in that time, his followers will fast. Jesus is explaining that while he is present with his disciples, fasting is not appropriate, but when he is gone, fasting will become fitting for them.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to some people who questioned why his disciples did not fast like other religious groups. He uses the image of a wedding, calling himself the "bridegroom," to show that his presence is a time of joy, not mourning. The statement hints at his future suffering and departure, which will bring a change in how his followers act.

The Greek behind Luke 5:35

  • "bridegroom" (νυμφίος, nymphios): This word refers to the groom at a wedding, and Jesus uses it to describe himself, highlighting the closeness and joy his followers experience with him.
  • "shall be taken away" (ἀπαρθῇ, aparthei): This phrase carries a sense of sudden removal, suggesting not just absence but a forceful or sorrowful separation, pointing ahead to Jesus' arrest and crucifixion.
  • "then" (τότε, tote): This word marks a clear shift in time, emphasizing that the disciples' behavior will change only after Jesus is no longer with them.

Why Luke 5:35 matters

  • Luke 5:35 clarifies that Jesus saw his presence as a unique, joyful period for his disciples, different from normal religious routines like fasting.
  • The verse connects Jesus' ministry to Old Testament wedding imagery, showing his relationship with his followers as deeply personal and joyful.
  • It helps explain why Jesus' followers acted differently from other religious groups at the time, and it foreshadows the sorrow and loss they would soon experience.

Where else these words appear

“away” Greek G522 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 9:15 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.
  • Mark 2:20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

“bridegroom” Greek G3566 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 9:15 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.
  • Matthew 25:6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
  • Luke 5:34 And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

“fast” Greek G3522 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 4:2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
  • Matthew 9:15 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.
  • Luke 5:34 And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

“when” Greek G3752 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
  • John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.