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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 9:15 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/9-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/40_Mat_09_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 9:15 - Questions about Fasting" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><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/matthew/9-15.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/matthew/9-15.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="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 15</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="/ad15.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="/matthew/9-14.htm" title="Matthew 9:14">◄</a> Matthew 9:15 <a href="/matthew/9-16.htm" title="Matthew 9:16">►</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/matthew/9.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/matthew/9.htm">New International Version</a> Jesus answered, &#8220How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. <a href="/nlt/matthew/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/esv/matthew/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/bsb/matthew/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/matthew/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Jesus said to them, "Can the sons of the bridechamber mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But days will come when the bridegroom shall have been taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/kjv/matthew/9.htm">King James Bible</a> And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/9.htm">New King James Version</a> And Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And Jesus said to them, “The attendants of the groom cannot mourn as long as the groom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the groom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/nasb/matthew/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> And Jesus said to them, &#8220The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And Jesus said to them, “The attendants of the bridegroom cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/lsb/matthew/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And Jesus said to them, “Can the attendants of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/amp/matthew/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And Jesus replied to them, “Can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/csb/matthew/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests be sad while the groom is with them? The time will come when the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Jesus said to them, &#8220Can the wedding guests be sad while the groom is with them? The time will come when the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/asv/matthew/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> And 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. <a href="/cev/matthew/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Jesus answered: The friends of a bridegroom aren't sad while he is still with them. But the time will come when he will be taken from them. Then they will go without eating. <a href="/erv/matthew/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Jesus said unto them, Can the sons of the bride-chamber 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. <a href="/gwt/matthew/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Jesus replied, "Can wedding guests be sad while the groom is still with them? The time will come when the groom will be taken away from them. Then they will fast. <a href="/gnt/matthew/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Jesus answered, "Do you expect the guests at a wedding party to be sad as long as the bridegroom is with them? Of course not! But the day will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/isv/matthew/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Jesus asked them, "The wedding guests can't mourn as long as the groom is with them, can they? But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast." <a href="/msb/matthew/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/matthew/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Jesus said to them, "The wedding guests cannot mourn while the bridegroom is with them, can they? But the days are coming when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/nheb/matthew/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/wbt/matthew/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And Jesus said to them, Can the children of the bride-chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/wey/matthew/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Can the bridegroom's party mourn," He replied, "as long as the bridegroom is with them? But other days will come (when the Bridegroom has been taken from them) <a href="/web/matthew/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Jesus said to them, “Can the sons of the bride-chamber mourn, so long as the bridegroom is with them? But days will come when the bridegroom may be taken from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/blb/matthew/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And Jesus said to them, "Can the sons of the bridechamber mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But days will come when the bridegroom shall have been taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/ylt/matthew/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Jesus said to them, 'Can the sons of the bride-chamber mourn, so long as the bridegroom is with them? but days shall come when the bridegroom may be taken from them, and then they shall fast. <a href="/slt/matthew/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Jesus said to them, The sons of the nuptial chamber cannot mourn inasmuch as the bridegroom is with them; but the days shall come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And Jesus said to them: Can the children of the bridegroom 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 they shall fast. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And Jesus said to them: “How can the sons of the groom mourn, while the groom is still with them? But the days will arrive when the groom will be taken away from them. And then they shall fast. <a href="/nabre/matthew/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Jesus answered them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And Jesus said to them, “The wedding guests cannot mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, can they? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Jesus said to them, Is it possible for those at the wedding feast to fast as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days are coming, when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and then they will fast. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And Yeshua said to them, “How can the children of the bridal chamber fast as long as the groom is with them? But the days are coming when the groom will be taken from them and then they will fast.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And Jesus said to them: Can the sons of the bride-chamber mourn while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then will they fast. <a href="/godbey/matthew/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Jesus said to them, <FR>The sons of the bride-chamber are not able to fast, so long as the bridegroom is with them. But the day will come, when the bride-groom must be taken from them, and then they will fast.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber weep, whilst the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast. <a href="/mace/matthew/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Jesus answer'd them, can the bride-men mourn, while the bridegroom is with them? the day indeed will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then will be the time to fast. <a href="/wey/matthew/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> "Can the bridegroom's party mourn," He replied, "as long as the bridegroom is with them? But other days will come (when the Bridegroom has been taken from them) <a href="/worrell/matthew/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Jesus said to them, <FR>"Can the sons of the bridechamber mourn while the Bridegroom is with them! But there will come days, when the Bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then will they fast."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And Jesus said unto them, <FR>Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, while the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then they will fast.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/9-15.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/hriiyJYqzvc?start=2177" 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/matthew/9.htm">Questions about Fasting</a> 14At that time 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?” 15<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsous (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">replied,</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynantai (V-PIM/P-3P) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">“How can</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: Mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></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/5207.htm" title="5207: huioi (N-NMP) -- A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a son, used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.">guests</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- 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/3567.htm" title="3567: nymphōnos (N-GMS) -- A bridal chamber. From numphe; the bridal room.">bridegroom</a> <a href="/greek/3996.htm" title="3996: penthein (V-PNA) -- To mourn, lament, feel guilt. From penthos; to grieve.">mourn</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: eph’ (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. "></a> <a href="/greek/3745.htm" title="3745: hoson (RelPro-AMS) -- How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As.">while</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3566.htm" title="3566: nymphios (N-NMS) -- A bridegroom. From numphe; a bride-groom.">He</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: met’ (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them?</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmerai (N-NFP) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">the time</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: eleusontai (V-FIM-3P) -- To come, go. ">will come</a> <a href="/greek/3752.htm" title="3752: hotan (Conj) -- When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.">when</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- 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/3566.htm" title="3566: nymphios (N-NMS) -- A bridegroom. From numphe; a bride-groom.">bridegroom</a> <a href="/greek/522.htm" title="522: aparthē (V-ASP-3S) -- To take away, remove; pass: To be taken away, withdrawn. From apo and airo; to lift off, i.e. Remove.">will be taken</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: ap’ (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them;</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">then</a> <a href="/greek/3522.htm" title="3522: nēsteusousin (V-FIA-3P) -- To fast, abstain from food. From nestis; to abstain from food.">they will fast. </a> 16No 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.…<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="/mark/2-19.htm">Mark 2:19-20</a> Jesus replied, “How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? As long as He is with them, they cannot fast. / But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast. <a href="/luke/5-34.htm">Luke 5:34-35</a> 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="/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="/revelation/19-7.htm">Revelation 19:7</a> Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. <a href="/isaiah/62-5.htm">Isaiah 62:5</a> For as a young man marries a young woman, so your sons will marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so your God will rejoice over you. <a href="/hosea/2-19.htm">Hosea 2:19-20</a> So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. / And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD.” <a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm">2 Corinthians 11:2</a> I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. <a href="/ephesians/5-25.htm">Ephesians 5:25-27</a> Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her / to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, / and to present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. <a href="/john/16-20.htm">John 16:20</a> Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. <a href="/john/16-22.htm">John 16:22</a> So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a> “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ... <a href="/revelation/21-2.htm">Revelation 21:2</a> I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. <a href="/revelation/21-9.htm">Revelation 21:9</a> Then one of the seven angels with the seven bowls full of the seven final plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” <a href="/songs/3-11.htm">Song of Solomon 3:11</a> Come out, O daughters of Zion, and gaze at King Solomon, wearing the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding—the day of his heart’s rejoicing. <a href="/songs/5-1.htm">Song of Solomon 5:1</a> I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And Jesus said to them, Can the children of the bridal chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.Can.<a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-10</a> Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom… <a href="/judges/14-11.htm">Judges 14:11</a> And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him.<a href="/psalms/45-14.htm">Psalm 45:14,15</a> She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee… when.<a href="/luke/24-13.htm">Luke 24:13-21</a> And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs… <a href="/john/16-6.htm">John 16:6,20-22</a> But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart… <a href="/acts/1-9.htm">Acts 1:9,10</a> And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight… and then.<a href="/isaiah/22-12.htm">Isaiah 22:12</a> And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:<a href="/acts/13-1.htm">Acts 13:1-3</a> Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul… <a href="/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23</a> And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/jeremiah/37-2.htm">Attendants</a> <a href="/luke/5-34.htm">Bridechamber</a> <a href="/luke/5-34.htm">Bride-Chamber</a> <a href="/joel/2-16.htm">Bridegroom</a> <a href="/john/3-29.htm">Bridegroom's</a> <a href="/matthew/8-12.htm">Children</a> <a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Food</a> <a href="/matthew/5-47.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-10.htm">Guests</a> <a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/jeremiah/25-10.htm">Newly-Married</a> <a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">Party</a> <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">Time</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-32.htm">Wedding</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/14-2.htm">Attendants</a> <a href="/mark/2-19.htm">Bridechamber</a> <a href="/mark/2-19.htm">Bride-Chamber</a> <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Bridegroom</a> <a href="/john/3-29.htm">Bridegroom's</a> <a href="/matthew/10-21.htm">Children</a> <a href="/matthew/26-48.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/matthew/10-10.htm">Food</a> <a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/matthew/14-9.htm">Guests</a> <a href="/matthew/9-19.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/11-17.htm">Mourn</a> <a href="/mark/2-19.htm">Newly-Married</a> <a href="/matthew/15-1.htm">Party</a> <a href="/matthew/14-9.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/matthew/10-19.htm">Time</a> <a href="/matthew/22-2.htm">Wedding</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 9</div>1. <a href="/matthew/9-1.htm">Jesus heals a paralytic</a> 9. <a href="/matthew/9-9.htm">calls Matthew from the receipt of custom;</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/9-10.htm">eats with tax collectors and sinners;</a> 14. <a href="/matthew/9-14.htm">defends his disciples for not fasting;</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/9-20.htm">cures the sick woman;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/9-23.htm">raises Jairus' daughter from death;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/9-27.htm">gives sight to two blind men;</a> 32. <a href="/matthew/9-32.htm">heals a mute man possessed of a demon;</a> 36. <a href="/matthew/9-36.htm">and has compassion on the multitude.</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'; 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His reply indicates His authority and understanding of spiritual matters, setting the stage for a deeper teaching moment. This response is part of a larger dialogue where Jesus often uses parables and metaphors to convey spiritual truths.How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while He is with them? Here, Jesus uses the imagery of a wedding feast, a common cultural event in Jewish society, to illustrate His point. Weddings were times of joy and celebration, not mourning. The "bridegroom" is a metaphor for Jesus Himself, and the "guests" are His disciples. This imagery is consistent with Old Testament references to God as the bridegroom (<a href="/isaiah/62-5.htm">Isaiah 62:5</a>) and is later echoed in the New Testament (<a href="/revelation/19-7.htm">Revelation 19:7-9</a>).But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; This phrase foreshadows Jesus' crucifixion and ascension. The "time" refers to the period after Jesus' earthly ministry when He will no longer be physically present with His disciples. This prediction aligns with prophecies about the Messiah's suffering and departure (Isaiah 53). It also sets the stage for the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will be with the disciples after Jesus' ascension (<a href="/john/16-7.htm">John 16:7</a>).then they will fast. Fasting, in Jewish tradition, is associated with mourning, repentance, and seeking God's guidance. Jesus indicates that after His departure, His followers will fast as a sign of longing for His return and as a spiritual discipline. This practice is seen in the early church (<a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2-3</a>) and is a way for believers to draw closer to God, reflecting a heart of devotion and dependence on Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> The central figure in this passage, Jesus is responding to a question about fasting. He uses the metaphor of a bridegroom to describe His presence with His disciples. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_bridegroom.htm">The Bridegroom</a> A metaphor for Jesus Himself, indicating His role in the spiritual union with His followers, akin to a marriage relationship. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_guests_of_the_bridegroom.htm">The Guests of the Bridegroom</a> Refers to Jesus' disciples, who are in a time of joy and celebration because of His presence. 4. <a href="/topical/f/fasting.htm">Fasting</a> A spiritual discipline often associated with mourning or seeking God's presence, which Jesus indicates will be appropriate when He is no longer physically present. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_time_of_absence.htm">The Time of Absence</a> Refers to the period after Jesus' crucifixion and ascension, when His physical presence is no longer with the disciples, marking a time for fasting and reflection.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_the_bridegroom_metaphor.htm">Understanding the Bridegroom Metaphor</a> Recognize Jesus as the bridegroom, symbolizing a deep, covenantal relationship with His followers. This relationship is characterized by joy and celebration in His presence. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fasting.htm">The Role of Fasting</a> Fasting is a spiritual discipline that becomes significant in the absence of Jesus' physical presence. It is a time for seeking God, mourning sin, and preparing for His return. <a href="/topical/l/living_in_anticipation.htm">Living in Anticipation</a> As believers, we live in the tension between the "already" of Christ's first coming and the "not yet" of His return. Our lives should reflect both the joy of His presence through the Holy Spirit and the longing for His return. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_celebration.htm">Community and Celebration</a> The presence of Jesus calls for communal celebration and joy. Engage in fellowship and worship, reflecting the joy of being in relationship with Christ. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_christ's_return.htm">Preparation for Christ's Return</a> Use times of fasting and prayer to prepare your heart for the return of Christ, aligning your life with His will and purposes.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 9</a> <a href="/q/main_theme_of_'the_bridegroom'.htm">What is the main theme of "The Bridegroom"?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_jesus_and_paul_differ_on_divorce.htm">Why does Jesus say divorce is only allowed for sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9), while Paul later allows for abandonment (1 Corinthians 7:15)?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_luke_9_60_with_honoring_parents.htm">Luke 9:60: How can Jesus' instruction to 'let the dead bury their own dead' be reconciled with the biblically mandated responsibility to honor parents?</a> <a href="/q/which_psalms_are_in_hallel.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'prayer and fasting'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) Can the children of the bridechamber mourn?--The words were full of meaning in themselves, but they only gain their full significance when we connect them with the teaching of the Baptist recorded in <a href="/john/3-29.htm" title="He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.">John 3:29</a>. He had pointed to Jesus as "the Bridegroom." He had taught them that the coming of that Bridegroom was the fulfilling of his joy. Would he have withdrawn from the outward expression of that joy?The children of the bridechamber--i.e., the guests invited to the wedding. The words implied, startling as that thought would be to them, that the feast in Matthew's house was, in fact, a wedding-feast. His disciples were at once the guests of that feast individually; and collectively they were the new Israel, the new congregation or Ecclesia, which was, as our Lord taught in parable (<a href="/matthew/22-2.htm" title="The kingdom of heaven is like to a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,">Matthew 22:2</a>), and St. Paul directly (<a href="/context/ephesians/5-25.htm" title="Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;">Ephesians 5:25-27</a>), and St. John in apocalyptic vision (<a href="/revelation/19-7.htm" title="Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready.">Revelation 19:7</a>; <a href="/revelation/21-2.htm" title="And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.">Revelation 21:2</a>), the bride whom He had come to make His own, to cleanse, and to purify. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - And Jesus said unto them, Can. It is a moral impossibility (ch. 6:24). The children (sons, Revised Version) of the bride-chamber (οἱ υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος). Edersheim ('Life,' etc., 1:663) points out that these are not the shoshbenim, the friends of the bridegroom, who conducted the bride with music, etc., to the house of her parents-in-law, and to the bride-chamber, and who naturally remained to take part in the wedding feast; for (1) the custom of having shoshbenim prevailed in Judaea, but not in Galilee; (2) Talm. Jeremiah, 'Succah,' § 2:5, expressly distinguishes between the two terms: "Those who are shoshbenim, and all the sons of the bride-chamber, are free from the obligation of booths (חופה פטורין סן סוכה שושבינן וכל בני)." They appear to be those, invited by either party, who come to take part in the wedding festivities. They are, therefore, in full sympathy with bridegroom and bride, and, like them, cannot but rejoice. Mourn; parallel passages, "fast," but Matthew's word, as less closely connected with the cause of the objection raised, seems the more original. As long as the bridegroom is with them? Nosgen sees in this a claim to be the expected Bridegroom of Israel (<a href="/hosea/2-19.htm">Hosea 2:19, 20</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/3-1.htm">Jeremiah 3:1-14</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/16-8.htm">Ezekiel 16:8</a>). But the days will come. Christ speaks with prophetic assurance of the coming of such a time (ἐλεύσονται δὲ ἡμέραι). Observe his consciousness alike of his position and of what is coming upon him. When the bridegroom shall be taken (away, Revised Version) from them. His removal shall be effected, not by his own action, but by external agents (ἀπαρθῇ). In these unsettled times, with their frequent though mostly unimportant popular risings, it cannot have been a very unusual thing for the bridegroom to be carried off, not indeed before the consummation of the marriage, but before the end of the week of festivities. And then shall (will, Revised Version; there is no trace of a command, Christ is but stating a fact) they fast. Christ here endorses the principle of Christian fasts (cf. <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16</a>), but regards them as springing; not from any legal obligation, but flora personal grief, in this case at his absence (cf. <a href="/john/16-20.htm">John 16:20</a>). The only later passages in the New Testament where Christian fasting is mentioned, are <a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2, 3</a>; <a href="/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/6-5.htm">2 Corinthians 6:5</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-27.htm">2 Corinthians 11:27</a>. In the 'Didache,' § 8, we have the earliest formal recognition or' it as a practice. It is there forbidden to fast on the same days as the Pharisees. Observe that this verse was understood in Tertullian's time as expressly commanding a fast during the forty hours in which our Lord was in the grave ('De Jejun.,' § 2), and that, from Irenseus's expression in Eusebius ('Ch. Hist.,' 5:24), this fast had been kept almost from apostolic times. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/9-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. replied, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “How can δύνανται (dynantai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible. 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. attendants υἱοὶ (huioi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5207.htm">Strong's 5207: </a> A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship. of the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <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. bridegroom νυμφῶνος (nymphōnos) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3567.htm">Strong's 3567: </a> A bridal chamber. From numphe; the bridal room. mourn πενθεῖν (penthein) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_3996.htm">Strong's 3996: </a> To mourn, lament, feel guilt. From penthos; to grieve. while ὅσον (hoson) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3745.htm">Strong's 3745: </a> How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As. [He] νυμφίος (nymphios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3566.htm">Strong's 3566: </a> A bridegroom. From numphe; a bride-groom. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <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. with μετ’ (met’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. them? αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <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. But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [the] time ἡμέραι (hēmerai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. will come ἐλεύσονται (eleusontai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. when ὅταν (hotan) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3752.htm">Strong's 3752: </a> When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <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. bridegroom νυμφίος (nymphios) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3566.htm">Strong's 3566: </a> A bridegroom. From numphe; a bride-groom. will be taken away ἀπαρθῇ (aparthē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_522.htm">Strong's 522: </a> To take away, remove; pass: To be taken away, withdrawn. From apo and airo; to lift off, i.e. Remove. from ἀπ’ (ap’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. them; αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <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. then τότε (tote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. they will fast. νηστεύσουσιν (nēsteusousin) Verb - Future 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. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/9-15.htm">Matthew 9:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/9-15.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 9:15 Jesus said to them Can the friends (Matt. 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