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.

MARK 2:19KJV
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Mark 2:19 (KJV)

What does Mark 2:19 mean?

Mark 2:19 describes Jesus explaining that it would not be appropriate for his followers to fast while he, the "bridegroom," is present with them. He uses the image of a wedding celebration, where fasting would be out of place because it is a time of joy.

In this verse, Jesus is responding to a question about why his disciples do not fast like others do. He compares himself to a bridegroom at a wedding, and his disciples to the wedding guests. The setting is a discussion with some religious leaders who are questioning Jesus' practices. The key idea is that Jesus’ presence brings a unique time of joy, making fasting unnecessary for his followers at that moment.

The Greek behind Mark 2:19

  • νυμφίος (nymphios, "bridegroom"): This word refers to the groom at a wedding. By calling himself the "bridegroom," Jesus is hinting at a special, joyful relationship with his followers.
  • υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος (huioi tou nymphōnos, "children of the bridechamber"): This phrase means the friends or attendants of the bridegroom, those closest to him during the wedding festivities. It emphasizes the closeness and celebratory mood of the moment.
  • νηστεύειν (nēsteuein, "to fast"): The Greek word for fasting here carries the sense of abstaining from food as a religious act. Jesus points out that such a somber practice does not fit a time of celebration.

Why Mark 2:19 matters

  • Mark 2:19 clarifies that religious practices like fasting are not one-size-fits-all; their appropriateness depends on the situation and the presence of Jesus changes what is fitting.
  • The verse highlights the joy and newness that Jesus brings, contrasting with the more somber or ritual-focused approach of some religious leaders.
  • This statement sets up a larger theme in Mark’s Gospel, where Jesus often redefines traditional religious expectations in light of his own mission and identity.

Where else these words appear

“bridechamber” Greek G3567 · 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.
  • Luke 5:34 And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

“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 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

“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 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.

“as” Greek G5550 · used in 53 verses

  • Matthew 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
  • Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:7 For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.