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.