King James Version

What Does Mark 2:18 Mean?

Mark 2:18 in the King James Version says “And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of Joh... — study this verse from Mark chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

Mark 2:18 · KJV


Context

16

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

17

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

18

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?

19

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.

20

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents a question about fasting practices that exposes different spiritual approaches. 'The disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast' (imperfect tense indicating regular practice). Both groups emphasized ascetic discipline—John's disciples preparing for the coming kingdom, Pharisees demonstrating piety. The questioners contrast this with Jesus' disciples who don't fast, implying spiritual laxity. Jesus' response (vv. 19-20) redefines fasting's purpose: not mechanical ritual but appropriate response to circumstances. Reformed theology emphasizes that spiritual disciplines serve gospel purposes, not merit-earning works. Fasting expresses dependence on God and mourning over sin, but can become empty formalism.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish law required fasting only on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-31), but pious Jews added voluntary fasts. Pharisees fasted twice weekly (Monday and Thursday). John's disciples likely fasted in mourning and preparation, especially after John's imprisonment. Their ascetic practice reflected the Baptist's austere wilderness lifestyle. Early Christians adopted fasting as spiritual discipline (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23), but Jesus rejected fasting as religious requirement or merit badge.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you discern between spiritual disciplines that foster genuine godliness and empty rituals?
  2. What does the 'bridegroom' metaphor reveal about Christian balance between joy and sobriety?
  3. Are your spiritual practices motivated by love for God or desire to earn His approval?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
καὶ1 of 30

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἦσαν2 of 30

used

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

οἱ3 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταὶ4 of 30

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

Ἰωάννου5 of 30

of John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

καὶ6 of 30

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ7 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῶν8 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Φαρισαίων9 of 30

of the Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

νηστεύουσιν10 of 30

fast

G3522

to abstain from food (religiously)

καὶ11 of 30

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔρχονται12 of 30

they come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ13 of 30

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγουσιν14 of 30

say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ15 of 30

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Διατί16 of 30

Why do

G1302

through what cause ?, i.e., why?

οἱ17 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαθηταὶ18 of 30

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

Ἰωάννου19 of 30

of John

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

καὶ20 of 30

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οἱ21 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τῶν22 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Φαρισαίων23 of 30

of the Pharisees

G5330

a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary

νηστεύουσιν24 of 30

fast

G3522

to abstain from food (religiously)

οἱ25 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ26 of 30

but

G1161

but, and, etc

σοὶ27 of 30

thy

G4674

thine

μαθηταὶ28 of 30

disciples

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

οὐ29 of 30

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

νηστεύουσιν30 of 30

fast

G3522

to abstain from food (religiously)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 2:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 2:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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