King James Version

What Does Mark 2:19 Mean?

Mark 2:19 in the King James Version says “And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they ... — study this verse from Mark chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 2:19 · KJV


Context

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.

21

No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse. new cloth: or, raw, or, unwrought cloth


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus responds with a rhetorical question comparing His disciples to wedding guests ('children of the bridechamber'). Wedding guests don't fast during celebration because it's inappropriate. Jesus identifies Himself as the bridegroom, a messianic title rich with Old Testament significance. God repeatedly portrays Himself as Israel's husband (Isaiah 54:5; 62:5; Hosea 2:16). By claiming the bridegroom role, Jesus asserts deity and announces that the promised marriage between God and His people is being consummated in His ministry. Reformed theology sees the church as Christ's bride (Ephesians 5:25-27), experiencing betrothal now and consummation at His return.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish weddings were week-long celebrations featuring feasting, music, and joy. Wedding guests were released from certain religious obligations to participate fully. The bridegroom was the feast's center, honored and attended by special companions. Jesus' metaphor would have resonated immediately. The Old Testament frequently used marriage imagery for God's covenant relationship with Israel. Jesus applies this imagery to Himself, claiming messianic identity and inaugurating the new covenant.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing Jesus as bridegroom deepen your understanding of salvation as intimate relationship?
  2. What practical difference does Christ's presence make in your daily experience of joy?
  3. How does the marriage metaphor affect your understanding of devotion and faithfulness to Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

And

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 29

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῶν3 of 29

them

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

4 of 29
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 29

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Μὴ6 of 29
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δύνανται7 of 29

Can

G1410

to be able or possible

οἱ8 of 29
G3588

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

υἱοὶ9 of 29

the children

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ10 of 29
G3588

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

νυμφῶνος11 of 29

of the bridechamber

G3567

the bridal room

ἐν12 of 29

while

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

13 of 29
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

14 of 29
G3588

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

νυμφίον15 of 29

the bridegroom

G3566

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

μεθ''16 of 29

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτῶν17 of 29

them

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

ἐστιν18 of 29

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

νηστεύειν19 of 29

fast

G3522

to abstain from food (religiously)

ὅσον20 of 29

as long as

G3745

as (much, great, long, etc.) as

χρόνον21 of 29
G5550

a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a

μεθ''22 of 29

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ἑαυτῶν23 of 29

them

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ἔχουσιν24 of 29

they have

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

τὸν25 of 29
G3588

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

νυμφίον26 of 29

the bridegroom

G3566

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

οὐ27 of 29

they cannot

G3756

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

δύνανται28 of 29

Can

G1410

to be able or possible

νηστεύειν29 of 29

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 2:19 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 2:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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