Mark 2:18
What does Mark 2:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Mark 2:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Mark 2:18 means
At this time, both John the Baptist's disciples and the Pharisees were observing a fast. They approached Jesus with a question, asking why His disciples did not fast, whereas their own groups did. This question highlights a common religious practice of the day, signaling another area where Jesus' ministry deviated from traditional expectations. It sets up a new challenge regarding religious custom and the nature of His new covenant.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting: and they come and say unto him, Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting: and they come and say unto him, Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And John's disciples and the Pharisees were taking no food: and they came and said to him, Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees go without food, but your disciples do not?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the disciples of John and those of the Pharisees were fasting, and they come and say to him, `Wherefore do the disciples of John and those of the Pharisees fast, and thy disciples do not fast?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the disciples of John and the Pharisees used to fast. And they come and say to him: Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast; but thy disciples do not fast?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the disciples of John and the Pharisees were fasting; and they come and say to him, Why do the disciples of John and [the disciples] of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
Context
This verse introduces a new question about religious practices, shifting from the issue of table fellowship to the practice of fasting. It follows Jesus' explanation for associating with sinners, presenting another point of contention for religious leaders. This question, posed by both John's disciples and the Pharisees, sets the stage for Jesus to explain the essential difference between His new ministry and the Old Covenant's practices, through the metaphors that follow.
v.17And when Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.
v.18This passage
v.19And Jesus said unto them, Can the sons of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 9:14
Then come to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
- Romans 10:3
For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
- Luke 5:33
And they said unto him, The disciples of John fast often, and make supplications; likewise also the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink.
- Matthew 6:18
that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee.
- 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.
- Luke 18:12
I fast twice in the week; I give tithes of all that I get.
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