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So people came to Jesus and asked, Why don't Your disciples fast like John's disciples and those of the Pharisees?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/mark/2-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/mark/2-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/mark/">Mark</a> > <a href="/mark/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/mark/2-17.htm" title="Mark 2:17">◄</a> Mark 2:18 <a href="/mark/2-19.htm" title="Mark 2:19">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/mark/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/mark/2.htm">New International Version</a> Now John&#8217s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, &#8220How is it that John&#8217s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/mark/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Once when John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, some people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t your disciples fast like John’s disciples and the Pharisees do?” <a href="/esv/mark/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” <a href="/bsb/mark/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were often fasting. So people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t Your disciples fast like John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees?” <a href="/blb/mark/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And 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 Your disciples do not fast?" <a href="/kjv/mark/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And 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? <a href="/nkjv/mark/2.htm">New King James Version</a> The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” <a href="/nasb_/mark/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and they came and said to Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” <a href="/nasb/mark/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> John&#8217s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and they came and said to Him, &#8220Why do John&#8217s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/mark/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and they came and said to Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” <a href="/lsb/mark/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and they came and said to Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” <a href="/amp/mark/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting [as a ritual]; and they came and asked Jesus, “Why are John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fasting, but Your disciples are not doing so?” <a href="/csb/mark/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. People came and asked him, “Why do John’s disciples and the Pharisees’ disciples fast, but your disciples do not fast? ” <a href="/hcsb/mark/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now John&#8217s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. People came and asked Him, &#8220Why do John&#8217s disciples and the Pharisees&#8217 disciples fast, but Your disciples do not fast?&#8221 <a href="/asv/mark/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And 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? <a href="/cev/mark/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The followers of John the Baptist and the Pharisees often went without eating. Some people came and asked Jesus, "Why do the followers of John and those of the Pharisees often go without eating, while your disciples never do?" <a href="/erv/mark/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And 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? <a href="/gwt/mark/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came to Jesus and said to him, "Why do John's disciples and the Pharisees' disciples fast, but your disciples don't?" <a href="/gnt/mark/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> On one occasion the followers of John the Baptist and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came to Jesus and asked him, "Why is it that the disciples of John the Baptist and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but yours do not?" <a href="/isv/mark/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now John's disciples and the Pharisees would fast regularly. Some people came and asked Jesus, "Why do John's disciples and the Pharisees' disciples fast, but your disciples don't fast?" <a href="/msb/mark/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now the disciples of John and of the Pharisees were often fasting. So people came to Jesus and asked, ?Why don?t Your disciples fast like John?s disciples and those of the Pharisees?? <a href="/net/mark/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. So they came to Jesus and said, "Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don't fast?" <a href="/nheb/mark/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, "Why do the disciples of John and those of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?" <a href="/wbt/mark/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the disciples of John, and of 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 fast not? <a href="/wey/mark/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> (Now John's disciples and those of the Pharisees were keeping a fast.) <a href="/web/mark/2.htm">World English Bible</a> John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don’t fast?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/mark/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the disciples of John and those of the Pharisees were fasting, and they come and say to Him, “Why do the disciples of John and those of the Pharisees fast, and Your disciples do not fast?” <a href="/blb/mark/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And 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 Your disciples do not fast?" <a href="/ylt/mark/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And 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?' <a href="/slt/mark/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the disciples of John, and of the Pharisees were fasting: and they come and say to him, Why do the disciples of John, and of the Pharisees fast, and the disciples to thee fast not?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/mark/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And the disiples 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? <a href="/cpdv/mark/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And the disciples of John, and the Pharisees, were fasting. And they arrived and said to him, “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” <a href="/nabre/mark/2.htm">New American Bible</a> The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast. People came to him and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” <a href="/nrsvce/mark/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and people came and said to him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/mark/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting; and they came and said to him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, and your own disciples do not fast? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/mark/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But the disciples of Yohannan and the Pharisees had been practicing fasting, and they came and they were saying to him, “Why do the disciples of Yohannan and of the Pharisees fast and your disciples do not fast?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/mark/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees were in the habit of fasting; and they came, and said to him: Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples fast not? <a href="/godbey/mark/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> The disciples of John and the Pharisees were fasting. And they come and say to Him; Wherefore do the disciples of John and the Pharisees fast, and thy disciples do not fast? <a href="/haweis/mark/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees kept fasts; and they came and said to him, Wherefore do the disciples of John, and of the Pharisees, fast? but thy disciples keep no fast. <a href="/mace/mark/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> It was customary for the Pharisees, and the disciples of John, to fast; they came therefore and ask'd him, why do John's disciples, and the Pharisees fast so frequently, and not your disciples? <a href="/wey/mark/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> (Now John's disciples and those of the Pharisees were keeping a fast.) <a href="/worrell/mark/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> And John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting; and they come and say to Him, "Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but Thy disciples fast not?" <a href="/worsley/mark/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And as the disciples of John, and of the pharisees used to fast, they came to Him, saying, Why do the disciples of John and of the pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? <a href="/parallel/mark/2-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmwDTC71zvQ?start=508" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/mark/2.htm">Questions about Fasting</a> 17On hearing this, Jesus told them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” 18<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">Now</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John’s</a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaioi (N-NMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">Pharisees</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ēsan (V-IIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">were often</a> <a href="/greek/3522.htm" title="3522: nēsteuontes (V-PPA-NMP) -- To fast, abstain from food. From nestis; to abstain from food.">fasting.</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">So</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: erchontai (V-PIM/P-3P) -- To come, go. ">people came</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legousin (V-PIA-3P) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">asked,</a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: Dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">“Why</a> <a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what."></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">don’t</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/4674.htm" title="4674: soi (PPro-NM2P) -- Yours, thy, thine. From su; thine.">Your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/3522.htm" title="3522: nēsteuousin (V-PIA-3P) -- To fast, abstain from food. From nestis; to abstain from food.">fast like</a> <a href="/greek/2491.htm" title="2491: Iōannou (N-GMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites.">John’s</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">those</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of the</a> <a href="/greek/5330.htm" title="5330: Pharisaiōn (N-GMP) -- Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary.">Pharisees?”</a> <a href="/greek/3522.htm" title="3522: nēsteuousin (V-PIA-3P) -- To fast, abstain from food. From nestis; to abstain from food."></a> 19Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? As long as He is with them, they cannot fast.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Matthew 9:14-17</a> Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?” / Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. / No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. For the patch will pull away from the garment, and a worse tear will result. ... <a href="/luke/5-33.htm">Luke 5:33-39</a> Then they said to Him, “John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking.” / Jesus replied, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? / But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.” ... <a href="/matthew/11-18.htm">Matthew 11:18-19</a> For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ / The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at this glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is vindicated by her actions.” <a href="/john/3-29.htm">John 3:29</a> The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom stands and listens for him, and is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. <a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2-3</a> While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-5.htm">1 Corinthians 7:5</a> Do not deprive each other, except by mutual consent and for a time, so you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan will not tempt you through your lack of self-control. <a href="/isaiah/58-3.htm">Isaiah 58:3-5</a> “Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers. / You fast with contention and strife to strike viciously with your fist. You cannot fast as you do today and have your voice be heard on high. / Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? <a href="/zechariah/7-3.htm">Zechariah 7:3-5</a> by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, “Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done these many years?” / Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying, / “Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a> “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. <a href="/2_samuel/12-16.htm">2 Samuel 12:16-23</a> David pleaded with God for the boy. He fasted and went into his house and spent the night lying in sackcloth on the ground. / The elders of his household stood beside him to help him up from the ground, but he was unwilling and would not eat anything with them. / On the seventh day the child died. But David’s servants were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Look, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to us. So how can we tell him the child is dead? He may even harm himself.” ... <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4</a> When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. <a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a> “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!” <a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a> So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-9</a> And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. / When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. / Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. ... <a href="/leviticus/16-29.htm">Leviticus 16:29-31</a> This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you shall humble yourselves and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you— / because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD. / It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you, that you may humble yourselves; it is a permanent statute.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say to him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples fast not?the disciples.<a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Matthew 9:14-17</a> Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? … <a href="/luke/5-33.htm">Luke 5:33-39</a> And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink? … Why.<a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16,18</a> Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward… <a href="/matthew/23-5.htm">Matthew 23:5</a> But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,<a href="/luke/18-12.htm">Luke 18:12</a> I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/matthew/26-48.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/matthew/17-21.htm">Fasting</a> <a href="/mark/2-17.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/mark/1-29.htm">John</a> <a href="/matthew/21-25.htm">John's</a> <a href="/matthew/27-54.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/mark/2-16.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/matthew/27-10.htm">Used</a> <a href="/matthew/27-8.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/mark/2-23.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/mark/2-19.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/mark/2-19.htm">Fasting</a> <a href="/mark/2-19.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/mark/3-17.htm">John</a> <a href="/mark/6-27.htm">John's</a> <a href="/mark/7-3.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/mark/2-24.htm">Pharisees</a> <a href="/mark/4-33.htm">Used</a> <a href="/mark/7-5.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Mark 2</div>1. <a href="/mark/2-1.htm">Jesus followed by multitudes,</a> 3. <a href="/mark/2-3.htm">heals a paralytic;</a> 13. <a href="/mark/2-13.htm">calls Matthew;</a> 15. <a href="/mark/2-15.htm">eats with tax collectors and sinners;</a> 18. <a href="/mark/2-18.htm">excuses his disciples for not fasting;</a> 23. <a href="/mark/2-23.htm">and for picking the heads of grain on the Sabbath day.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/mark/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/mark/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were often fasting. Fasting was a common religious practice in Jewish culture, often associated with repentance, mourning, or seeking God's favor. John the Baptist's disciples likely fasted as part of their commitment to his message of repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah. The Pharisees, a religious sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions, also practiced fasting regularly, often twice a week, as a demonstration of piety. This practice is rooted in the Old Testament, where fasting is seen during times of national crisis or personal penitence (e.g., <a href="/leviticus/16-29.htm">Leviticus 16:29-31</a>, <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12</a>). The mention of both groups highlights the religious diversity and expectations of the time.So people came to Jesus and asked, The people approaching Jesus indicates His growing reputation as a teacher and leader. This question reflects the curiosity and sometimes skepticism of the crowds regarding Jesus' teachings and practices. It also shows the communal nature of religious life in first-century Judea, where public actions and religious observances were often scrutinized and discussed. This interaction takes place in Galilee, a region known for its diverse population and varied religious practices.“Why don’t Your disciples fast like John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees?” The question underscores a perceived inconsistency in religious observance. Fasting was a visible sign of devotion, and the absence of this practice among Jesus' disciples could be seen as a lack of piety or seriousness about spiritual matters. This inquiry sets the stage for Jesus to teach about the newness of His ministry and the coming of the Kingdom of God, which often challenged existing religious norms. The question also reflects a broader theme in the Gospels: the tension between Jesus' teachings and the established religious practices of the time. This moment foreshadows Jesus' role as the Bridegroom, a type of Christ, who brings a new covenant, as seen in subsequent verses and other Gospel accounts (e.g., <a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Matthew 9:14-17</a>, <a href="/luke/5-33.htm">Luke 5:33-39</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/john's_disciples.htm">John's Disciples</a> Followers of John the Baptist, who practiced fasting as a sign of repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_pharisees.htm">The Pharisees</a> A Jewish religious group known for strict adherence to the Law and traditions, including regular fasting as a religious duty. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> Central figure of the New Testament, whose actions and teachings often challenged traditional Jewish practices. 4. <a href="/topical/f/fasting.htm">Fasting</a> A religious practice involving abstaining from food, often associated with mourning, repentance, or seeking God's favor. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_questioners.htm">The Questioners</a> Unspecified people who approached Jesus, reflecting the curiosity and confusion about His different approach to religious practices.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_fasting_in_context.htm">Understanding Fasting in Context</a> Fasting was a common religious practice in Judaism, often associated with mourning or repentance. Jesus' ministry introduced a new covenant, shifting the focus from ritual to relationship. <a href="/topical/t/the_new_covenant.htm">The New Covenant</a> Jesus' response to the question about fasting highlights the newness of His ministry. The presence of the "bridegroom" (Jesus) signifies a time of joy, not mourning, indicating a shift from old traditions to new life in Christ. <a href="/topical/h/heart_over_ritual.htm">Heart Over Ritual</a> Jesus emphasizes the importance of the heart's condition over mere external observance. True fasting, as taught in the Bible, involves humility, repentance, and aligning one's heart with God's will. <a href="/topical/b/balance_in_spiritual_disciplines.htm">Balance in Spiritual Disciplines</a> While fasting is a valuable spiritual discipline, it should not become a legalistic practice. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance on when and how to fast, ensuring it is done with the right motives. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_the_joy_of_christ.htm">Living in the Joy of Christ</a> As followers of Christ, we are called to live in the joy and freedom of the new covenant. Our spiritual practices should reflect the joy of salvation and the presence of Christ in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_mark_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Mark 2</a> <a href="/q/why_does_jesus'_view_on_fasting_differ.htm">Mark 2:18–22 – Why does Jesus’ stance on fasting differ so greatly from Jewish customs, and does this contradict Old Testament laws? </a> <a href="/q/key_events_in_jesus'_trials.htm">What were the key events in Jesus' trials?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_mishnah_and_midrash.htm">What are the Mishnah and Midrash?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_fully_live_christ's_teachings.htm">How can we live fully in Christ's teachings?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/mark/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18-22) And the disciples of John. . . . used to fast.--Better, were fasting. See Notes on <a href="/context/matthew/9-14.htm" title="Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but your disciples fast not?">Matthew 9:14-17</a>. The only difference in detail between the two accounts is that in St. Matthew the disciples of John are more definitely specified as being the questioners.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/mark/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - The first sentence of this verse should be rendered thus: And the disciples of John and the Pharisees were fasting (ῆσαν νηστεύ´οντες). In all the synoptic Gospels we find this incident following closely upon what goes before. It is not improbable that the Pharisees and the disciples of John were fasting at the very time when Matthew gave his feast. This was not one of the fasts prescribed by the Law; had it been so, it would have been observed by our Lord. There were, however, fasts observed by the Pharisees which were not required by the Law; there were two in particular of a voluntary nature, mentioned by the Pharisee (<a href="/luke/18-12.htm">Luke 18:12</a>), where he says, "I fast twice in the week." It was a custom, observed by the stricter Pharisees, but not of legal obligation. It was not correct to say, but thy disciples fast not. They fasted, no doubt, but in a different spirit; they did not fast to be seen of men - they followed the higher teaching of their Master. It is remarkable to find the disciples of John here associated with the Pharisees. John was now in prison in the fort of Machaerus. It is possible that jealousy of the increasing influence of Christ may have led John's disciples to associate themselves with the Pharisees. The point of this particular attack upon Christ was this: It is as though they said, "You claim to be a new teacher sent from God, a teacher of a more perfect religion. How is it, then, that we are fasting, while your disciples are eating and drinking?" The disciples of John more especially may have urged this out of zeal for their master. Such an unworthy zeal is too often seen in good men, who love to prefer their own leader to all others, forgetting the remonstrance of St. Paul, "While there is amongst you strife and contention, are ye not carnal, and walk after the manner of men?" <a href="/commentaries/mark/2-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Now Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. John’s Ἰωάννου (Iōannou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. disciples μαθηταὶ (mathētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Pharisees Φαρισαῖοι (Pharisaioi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. were often ἦσαν (ēsan) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. fasting. νηστεύοντες (nēsteuontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3522.htm">Strong's 3522: </a> To fast, abstain from food. From nestis; to abstain from food. So καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [people] came ἔρχονται (erchontai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. to [Jesus] αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. asked, λέγουσιν (legousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. “Why Διὰ (Dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. don’t οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. Your σοὶ (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4674.htm">Strong's 4674: </a> Yours, thy, thine. From su; thine. disciples μαθηταὶ (mathētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. fast [like] νηστεύουσιν (nēsteuousin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3522.htm">Strong's 3522: </a> To fast, abstain from food. From nestis; to abstain from food. John’s Ἰωάννου (Iōannou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2491.htm">Strong's 2491: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Joannes, the name of four Israelites. disciples μαθηταὶ (mathētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. [those] μαθηταὶ (mathētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Pharisees?? Φαρισαίων (Pharisaiōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5330.htm">Strong's 5330: </a> Of Hebrew origin; a separatist, i.e. Exclusively religious; a Pharisean, i.e. Jewish sectary. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/mark/2-18.htm">Mark 2:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/mark/2-18.htm">NT Gospels: Mark 2:18 John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting (Mar Mk Mr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/mark/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Mark 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Mark 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/mark/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Mark 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Mark 2:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>