King James Version

What Does Matthew 9:15 Mean?

Matthew 9:15 in the King James Version says “And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the da... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 9:15 · KJV


Context

13

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

14

Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?

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.

16

No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. new: or, raw, or, unwrought

17

Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved. bottles: or, sacks of skin, or, leather


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' response uses wedding imagery: 'Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them?' (μη δυνανται οι υιοι του νυμφωνος πενθειν εφ οσον μετ αυτων εστιν ο νυμφιος). 'Children of the bridechamber' refers to wedding guests, specifically attendants celebrating with the groom. Fasting expresses mourning or longing; feasting expresses joy and celebration. Jesus identifies Himself as the Bridegroom—stunning messianic claim, as Old Testament depicts God as Israel's Bridegroom (Isaiah 54:5, Hosea 2:16). His presence inaugurates the messianic wedding feast. To fast while the Bridegroom is present would be inappropriate, like mourning at a wedding. Jesus then prophesies His departure: 'But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.' This predicts His death ('taken,' αρθη) and the church's subsequent longing for His return.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish weddings lasted up to seven days of continuous celebration. Wedding guests were exempt from religious obligations (including fasting) during festivities. The joy was communal and mandatory—mourning at a wedding was offensive. Old Testament prophets used wedding imagery for God's covenant relationship with Israel. Jesus appropriates this imagery messianically, claiming divine prerogatives. His prediction of being 'taken' (violent removal) anticipates crucifixion. Early Christians understood the church as bride awaiting the Bridegroom's return (Revelation 19:7-9). Church history shows periodic fasting as expressing longing for Christ's second coming.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding Jesus as Bridegroom transform our relationship with Him?
  2. What is appropriate Christian fasting in light of Christ's presence through the Spirit?
  3. How should the church balance celebration of Christ's presence with longing for His return?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
καὶ1 of 31

And

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 31

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῶν3 of 31

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 31
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς5 of 31

Jesus

G2424

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

Μὴ6 of 31

Can

G3361

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

δύνανται7 of 31
G1410

to be able or possible

οἱ8 of 31
G3588

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

υἱοὶ9 of 31

the children

G5207

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

τοῦ10 of 31
G3588

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

νυμφῶνος11 of 31

of the bridechamber

G3567

the bridal room

πενθεῖν12 of 31

mourn

G3996

to grieve (the feeling or the act)

ἐφ'13 of 31

as long as

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὅσον14 of 31
G3745

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

μετ'15 of 31

with

G3326

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

αὐτῶν16 of 31

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

ἐστιν17 of 31

is

G2076

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

18 of 31
G3588

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

νυμφίος19 of 31

the bridegroom

G3566

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

ἐλεύσονται20 of 31

will come

G2064

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

δὲ21 of 31

but

G1161

but, and, etc

ἡμέραι22 of 31

the days

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ὅταν23 of 31

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ἀπαρθῇ24 of 31

shall be taken

G522

to lift off, i.e., remove

ἀπ'25 of 31

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτῶν26 of 31

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

27 of 31
G3588

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

νυμφίος28 of 31

the bridegroom

G3566

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

καὶ29 of 31

And

G2532

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

τότε30 of 31

then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

νηστεύσουσιν31 of 31

shall they fast

G3522

to abstain from food (religiously)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 9:15 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 Matthew 9:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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