Devine Scripture

Matthew 9:14

What does Matthew 9:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 9:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 9:14 means

John's disciples approach Jesus, questioning why His disciples do not fast, unlike themselves and the Pharisees who observe regular fasts. Fasting was a common spiritual discipline, often associated with repentance and mourning. This question highlights the differing practices between Jesus' followers and other religious groups, prompting Jesus to explain the new reality He was ushering in, which transcended old religious customs.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees frequently go without food, but your disciples do not?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then come to him do the disciples of John, saying, `Wherefore do we and the Pharisees fast much, and thy disciples fast not?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse introduces a new question, shifting the focus from table fellowship to the practice of fasting. It follows directly after Jesus' explanation of His mission to call sinners, revealing another area where His disciples' practices diverged from traditional Jewish piety. This inquiry sets the stage for Jesus' parables about the bridegroom and the new wine, further illustrating the nature of His kingdom and new covenant.

v.13But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice: for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.

v.14This passage

v.15And Jesus said unto them, Can the sons of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 18:9

    And he spake also this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and set all others at nought:

  • Matthew 6:16

    Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.

  • Proverbs 20:6

    Most men will proclaim every one his own kindness; But a faithful man who can find?

  • Matthew 11:18

    For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a demon.

  • Matthew 11:2

    Now when John heard in the prison the works of the Christ, he sent by his disciples

  • John 3:25

    There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purifying.

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