Luke 5

And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.

When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.

For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken:

And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.

And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him.

And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and besought him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him.

And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus.

And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee.

And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?

But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.

And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, We have seen strange things to day.

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

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?

And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

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

And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.

What does Luke 5:35 mean?

Explanation

Luke 5:35 is a verse spoken by Jesus Christ as part of His response to a question regarding fasting.

The Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist question why Jesus' disciples do not fast as often as they do.

Jesus employs the metaphor of a wedding feast to explain why His disciples do not fast at this time.

The "bridegroom" in the metaphor represents Jesus Himself, and His presence with His disciples is likened to a festive and celebratory period during which fasting would be inappropriate.

The verse suggests that a time will come, referring to Jesus' crucifixion and ascent to heaven, when He will be "taken away" from them.

It is in that later period of absence and mourning that fasting would be more fitting for His followers.

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Historical Context

This verse is situated within the Gospel of Luke, which is generally thought to have been written around 80-110 A.D.

This Gospel was intended for a predominantly Gentile audience and emphasizes Jesus as the Savior of all people.

During the time when Jesus spoke these words, fasting was a common religious practice among Jews, serving as an expression of penitence, mourning, or a way to grow closer to God.

The Pharisees and followers of John the Baptist would have fasted regularly, and their query to Jesus stems from noticing a marked difference in the behavior of Jesus' disciples.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints can be drawn from this verse:

Eschatological Interpretation: Some theologians view this passage as an allusion to the "end times," pointing out the significance of the bridegroom being taken away as a reference to Jesus’ second coming. 2.

Christological Interpretation: The reference to Jesus as the bridegroom emphasizes His central role in the Christian faith and His intimate relationship with His followers, sometimes referred to as the "bride of Christ." 3.

Ecclesiastical Interpretation: This verse has been used to justify different liturgical practices in Christian denominations concerning periods of fasting or celebration.

Practical Applications

In a contemporary context, this verse can serve as an instruction on the appropriateness of religious observances.

It suggests that worshipers should be sensitive to the timing of their devotions and understand the seasons of rejoicing as well as those of mourning and penitence. This can help believers recognize when to engage in fasting, celebration, or other spiritual disciplines.

Cross-References

Matthew 9:15: "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."
Mark 2:19-20: "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.

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

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text for Luke 5:35 are:

"Bridegroom" (νυμφίος, nymphios): In the context of Jewish wedding customs, this would be a term for the groom, indicating a time of celebration.
"Taken away" (ἀπαρθῇ, aparthē): The verb used conveys the notion of removal or separation, and can have a stark, almost violent connotation.
"Fast" (νηστεύσουσιν, nēsteusousin): This refers to the act of abstaining from food, often for religious purposes.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including Jewish tradition, wedding feasts are a time of joy that suspends normal religious strictures, such as fasting.

In Greco-Roman society, wedding feasts could last several days, emphasizing the joyous nature of the event.

The metaphor of the bridegroom thus carries significance across various cultures as a symbol of celebration.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse can be examined through the lens of social science, which studies human behavior and cultural practices.

The practice of fasting is subject to analysis in terms of its psychological and physiological effects.

It's acknowledged that communal fasting and feasting practices play an integral role in social cohesion and religious expression.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have offered various interpretations of Luke 5:35:

William Barclay noted the appropriateness of Jesus' metaphor in signaling that His presence demands a response of joy, not asceticism.
John Calvin interpreted the "taking away" as indicative of the suffering that would come upon the disciples, necessitating fasting and prayer.
The Pulpit Commentary points to the importance of recognizing the season and appropriateness of religious practices, an echo of the wisdom texts of the Old Testament.

Luke 5

Luke 5

What does Luke 5:35 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 5:35 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?