Devine Scripture

Mark 2:20

What does Mark 2:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Mark 2:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Mark 2:20 means

Jesus continued, explaining that there would come a time when the "bridegroom"—referring to Himself—would be taken away from them. In that future day, His disciples would indeed fast. This statement is a profound prophetic anticipation of His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, indicating a period of sorrow and separation. It clarifies that while fasting is not appropriate during His joyful presence, it would become a fitting spiritual discipline during His physical absence.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But the days will come when the husband will be taken away from them, and then they will go without food.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but days shall come when the bridegroom may be taken from them, and then they shall fast--in those days.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them: and then they shall fast in those days.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse directly builds upon the bridegroom metaphor in verse 19, providing a crucial prophetic element. Jesus' reference to being "taken away" points directly to His future suffering and departure, a profound foreshadowing of His crucifixion and ascension. This explanation clarifies the future context for fasting, transitioning from the joyful present to a period of loss, and further emphasizing the unique nature of His presence, preparing for the parables that follow.

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.

v.20This passage

v.21No man seweth a piece of undressed cloth on an old garment: else that which should fill it up taketh from it, the new from the old, and a worse rent is made.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 14:23

    And when they had appointed for them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.

  • John 3:29

    He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, that standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is made full.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:2

    For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: for I espoused you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

  • John 17:13

    But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.

  • John 13:33

    Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say unto you.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:27

    in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.

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