Devine Scripture

Mark 2:19

What does Mark 2:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 2:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 2:19 means

Jesus responded by asking a rhetorical question: "Can the sons of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?" He explained that it is inappropriate for wedding guests to mourn or fast while the bridegroom is present, signifying a time of joy and celebration. Here, Jesus refers to Himself as the "bridegroom," implicitly declaring His divine identity and likening His presence to a joyful wedding feast, making fasting during His ministry unsuitable.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Jesus said to them, Will the friends of a newly-married man go without food while he is with them? as long as they have him with them they will not go without food.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Jesus said to them, `Are the sons of the bride-chamber able, while the bridegroom is with them, to fast? so long time as they have the bridegroom with them they are not able to fast;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus saith to them: Can the children of the marriage fast, as long as the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Jesus said to them, Can the sons of the bride-chamber fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.

Context

This verse is Jesus' initial response to the question about fasting from verse 18. By using the metaphor of the "bridegroom" and the "sons of the bridechamber," Jesus implicitly identifies Himself as the central figure of a new, joyful era. This sets the theological framework for understanding why traditional practices like fasting are not appropriate during His active ministry, preparing the disciples for His eventual departure when fasting would become fitting.

v.18And 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?

v.19This passage

v.20But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast in that day.

Cross references

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

  • Genesis 29:22

    And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.

  • Matthew 25:1

    Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

  • Judges 14:10

    And his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Mark 2

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Mark 2.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Mark 2:19.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary