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 2:20 mean?

Explanation

Mark 2:20 presents Jesus' response to a question about fasting.

The Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist had been questioning why Jesus' disciples did not fast.

Jesus uses the metaphor of a wedding, with Himself as the bridegroom, to explain that His presence with His disciples is a time for celebration, not mourning or fasting.

The reference to the bridegroom being taken away foretells His crucifixion and the subsequent time of sorrow and fasting the disciples would face in His absence.

Thus, the verse speaks to both the immediate joy of Christ's presence and the coming sorrow of His death.

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Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, fasting was a common religious practice among Jews, seen as a way of expressing penitence, mourning, or spiritual preparation.

John the Baptist's disciples and the Pharisees adhered to regular fasts.

This passage is set in a context of challenge and investigation into Jesus' authority and the practices of His followers.

Jesus teaches through this verse that there are appropriate times for different religious observances, and fasting is not suitable while He is present with them.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives focus on various aspects of this verse.

Traditional Christian interpretation understands Jesus as the bridegroom who is eventually taken away by death on the cross, initiating a new covenant.

In Roman Catholic theology, this passage supports liturgical seasons such as Lent as times of fasting in remembrance of Christ's Passion.

Some Protestant theology accents the joy and grace of Christ's presence and may see less emphasis on structured fasting.

In Orthodox and Eastern traditions, fasting is tied closely to spiritual preparation and is seen as very much a part of one's spiritual discipline, in anticipation of the eschatological wedding feast.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire personal reflection on when and why individuals fast or abstain from particular pleasures.

It underscores the impetus to fast, not out of ritual obligation, but as a genuine response to spiritual circumstances.

For believers, it is a reminder to rejoice in the presence of God in their lives and also to prepare for times of spiritual trial and absence through fasting and prayer.

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 54:5: "For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called."
Joel 2:12: "Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:"

Language Study

The term "bridegroom" (Greek: νυμφίος, "nymphios") was used to describe a man at his wedding, representing joy and celebration.

The phrase "shall be taken away" (Greek: ἀπαρθῇ, "aparthe") suggests an involuntary removal or departure, which in this context refers to Christ's impending death.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many cultures and religious traditions, the imagery of a wedding represents union, joy, and celebration.

For example, in Hinduism, the wedding ceremony is a very auspicious and joyous event.

The use of wedding language by Jesus connects with a universal human experience of celebration, and the departure of the bridegroom has a parallel in many myths where a key figure is taken away or leaves, prompting a time of mourning or difficulty.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the practice of fasting has been studied for its implications on physical health and mental well-being.

Research into intermittent fasting and calorie restriction has shown various potential health benefits.

These findings can provide a modern understanding of why periods of fasting, which can also be spiritually motivated, may yield benefits for individuals.

However, science does not address the theological meaning behind religious practices like fasting.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse.

William Lane notes that the use of the wedding metaphor underscores the inappropriateness of fasting while celebrating with the bridegroom.

Craig A.

Evans points out that Jesus is not abolishing fasting but showing its proper time and place in the context of God's kingdom.

John Calvin interprets the removal of the bridegroom as a reference to Jesus' death and relates the subsequent fasting to afflictions faced by Christians.

Matthew Henry views the passage as an assurance that Christ's followers will have the comfort and support of His presence in due time, with fasting serving as preparation for receiving such grace.

Mark 2

Mark 2

What does Mark 2:20 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 2:20 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?