Mark 2

And again he entered into Capernaum, after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house.

And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them.

And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.

When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?

And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts?

Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk?

But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house.

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them.

And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.

And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?

When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

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?

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.

No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.

And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day that which is not lawful?

And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him?

How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were with him?

And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

What does Mark 2:19 mean?

Explanation

Mark 2:19 is a proverbial saying of Jesus, responding to a question regarding fasting.

In this scripture, Jesus is questioned as to why his disciples do not fast like the disciples of John the Baptist and the Pharisees do.

Jesus uses the metaphor of a wedding to explain that fasting would be inappropriate for his disciples at this time.

The "bridegroom" in the metaphor represents Jesus, while the "children of the bridechamber" symbolize his companions or disciples.

The overall message is that it is a time for rejoicing and celebrating with Jesus, rather than for mourning or fasting.

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Historical Context

This verse is found in the Gospel of Mark, which is generally accepted as the earliest written of the four canonical Gospels, likely penned in the late 60s or early 70s CE.

During Jesus' time, fasting was a common religious practice, often associated with repentance, mourning, or seeking divine favor.

The Pharisees fasted twice a week (Luke 18:12), and the disciples of John the Baptist also fasted regularly.

The question posed to Jesus reflects a concern for religious adherence to the norms of the day.

Jesus' response indicates a new approach to religious practice, reflective of his mission and identity.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse is seen as reflecting the inauguration of a new covenant in Jesus.

The presence of the bridegroom (Christ) signifies the commencement of a joyous new era.

The traditional practices associated with the old covenant, such as fasting for repentance, are presented as temporarily set aside due to the advent of Jesus' ministry.

Differing viewpoints may see Jesus emphasizing the relationship over ritual; he communicates that the spiritual well-being of his followers is found in him rather than in religious observances.

Other theological interpretations might focus on eschatological themes, where Jesus alludes to an expected time when he will be taken away, and then fasting will be appropriate.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in several ways.

In a literal sense, it encourages believers to recognize the significance of being in the presence of Christ and to respond appropriately with joy and celebration.

Metaphorically, it suggests that religious observances should not be performed out of routine or tradition alone but should reflect the current workings and presence of God in one's life.

Additionally, this passage advocates for discerning the appropriate times for different spiritual disciplines. Fasting may be fitting during times of repentance or deep spiritual seeking, but not when it overshadows the significance of significant spiritual events or experiences.

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."
Luke 5:34-35: "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."
Isaiah 62:5: "For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee."

Language Study

The key words in the original language are "bridegroom" (νυμφίος, nymphios) and "children of the bridechamber" (υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος, huioi tou nymphōnos).

"Nymphios" refers to a man about to be married or newly married, and its usage here is metaphorical, representing Jesus.

"Huioi tou nymphōnos" can also be translated as "attendants of the bridegroom," which in context refers to Jesus' disciples, emphasizing their close relationship with him.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Jewish tradition, marriage feasts were significant and joyous occasions marked by celebration and feasting, often lasting up for a week.

Fasting would be highly inappropriate at such times of communal joy.

In comparing it to other religious interpretations, such as those found in Buddhism or Hinduism, fasting is customarily used as a tool for self-discipline or spiritual clarity and might be practiced regardless of joyous occasions.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the verse does not directly intersect with scientific concepts.

However, modern understandings of psychology might suggest that human behavior and religious practices like fasting are influenced by a variety of social and environmental factors, and the human need for celebration and joy is recognized as important for mental health.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of this verse. William Barclay notes the contrast between the joy that Jesus brings and the ascetic practices associated with John the Baptist.

Some commentaries, such as the MacArthur Study Bible, emphasize that Jesus was underscoring the inappropriateness of fasting during a time of celebration, much like mourning at a wedding would be out of place.

Others might focus on the prophetic hint Jesus gives about his eventual departure, "the bridegroom will be taken away", as pointing to his death, after which his disciples will fast.

Mark 2

Mark 2

What does Mark 2:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Mark 2:19 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Mark Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?