Luke 5:34
New International Version
Jesus answered, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?

New Living Translation
Jesus responded, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not.

English Standard Version
And Jesus said to them, “Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?

Berean Standard Bible
Jesus replied, “Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them?

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus said to them, "Are you able to make the sons of the bridechamber to fast while the bridegroom is with them?

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

New King James Version
And He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them?

New American Standard Bible
And Jesus said to them, “You cannot make the attendants of the groom fast while the groom is with them, can you?

NASB 1995
And Jesus said to them, “You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you?

NASB 1977
And Jesus said to them, “You cannot make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you?

Legacy Standard Bible
And Jesus said to them, “Can you make the attendants of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them?

Amplified Bible
Jesus said to them, “Can you make the wedding guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?

Christian Standard Bible
Jesus said to them, “You can’t make the wedding guests fast while the groom is with them, can you?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jesus said to them, “You can’t make the wedding guests fast while the groom is with them, can you?

American Standard Version
And Jesus said unto them, Can ye make the sons of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

Contemporary English Version
Jesus told them, "The friends of a bridegroom don't go without eating while he is still with them.

English Revised Version
And Jesus said unto them, Can ye make the sons of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jesus asked them, "Can you force wedding guests to fast while the groom is still with them?

Good News Translation
Jesus answered, "Do you think you can make the guests at a wedding party go without food as long as the bridegroom is with them? Of course not!

International Standard Version
But Jesus told them, "You can't force the wedding guests to fast while the groom is still with them, can you?

Majority Standard Bible
Jesus replied, ?Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them?

NET Bible
So Jesus said to them, "You cannot make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you?

New Heart English Bible
He said to them, "Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

Webster's Bible Translation
And he said to them, Can ye make the children of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

Weymouth New Testament
"Can you compel the bridal party to fast," replied Jesus, "so long as they have the bridegroom among them?

World English Bible
He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And He said to them, “Are you able to make the sons of the bride-chamber—in the Bridegroom being with them—to fast?

Berean Literal Bible
And Jesus said to them, "Are you able to make the sons of the bridechamber to fast while the bridegroom is with them?

Young's Literal Translation
And he said unto them, 'Are ye able to make the sons of the bride-chamber -- in the bridegroom being with them -- to fast?

Smith's Literal Translation
And he said to them, Ye cannot make the sons of the nuptial chamber fast, when the bridegroom is with them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To whom he said: Can you make the children of the bridegroom fast, whilst the bridegroom is with them?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And he said to them: “How can you cause the sons of the groom to fast, while the groom is still with them?

New American Bible
Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?

New Revised Standard Version
Jesus said to them, “You cannot make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them, can you?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He said to them, You cannot make the sons of the wedding feast fast, so long as the bridegroom is with them.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But he said to them, “You cannot make the children of the bridal chamber fast as long as the groom is with them.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And he said to them: Can you make the sons of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

Godbey New Testament
And He said to them, Whether are you able to make the sons of the bridechamber to fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

Haweis New Testament
And he said unto them, Can you make the children of the bridechamber fast, as long as the bridegroom is with them?

Mace New Testament
to which he answered, would you have the bridemen fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

Weymouth New Testament
"Can you compel the bridal party to fast," replied Jesus, "so long as they have the bridegroom among them?

Worrell New Testament
And Jesus said to them, "Can ye make the sons of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

Worsley New Testament
And He said unto them, Can ye make those of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Questions about Fasting
33Then they said to Him, “John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking.” 34 Jesus replied, Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while He is with them? 35But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.”…

Cross References
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.

Mark 2:19
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.

John 3:29
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.

Revelation 19:7
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.

Isaiah 62:5
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.

Hosea 2:19-20
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.”

Jeremiah 33:11
the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those bringing thank offerings into the house of the LORD, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD of Hosts, for the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever.’ For I will restore the land from captivity as in former times, says the LORD.

2 Corinthians 11:2
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.

Ephesians 5:25-27
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.

Matthew 22:2
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son.

John 2:9
and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not know where it was from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside

Song of Solomon 3:11
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.

Song of Solomon 5:1
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.

Isaiah 54:5
For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.

Matthew 25:1-13
“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. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And he said to them, Can you make the children of the bridal chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

the children.

Judges 14:10,11
So his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do…

Psalm 45:14
She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.

Song of Solomon 2:6,7
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me…

bridegroom.

Psalm 45:10-16
Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house; …

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.

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.

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Attendants Bridechamber Bride-Chamber Bridegroom Children Disciples Drink Eat Fast Friends Guests Jesus John's Newly-Married Often Pharisees Wedding
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Attendants Bridechamber Bride-Chamber Bridegroom Children Disciples Drink Eat Fast Friends Guests Jesus John's Newly-Married Often Pharisees Wedding
Luke 5
1. Jesus teaches the people out of Peter's ship;
4. shows how he will make them fishers of men;
12. cleanses the leper;
16. prays in the desert;
17. heals a paralytic;
27. calls Matthew the tax collector;
29. eats with sinners, as being the physician of souls;
33. foretells the fasting and afflictions of the apostles after his ascension;
36. and illustrates the matter by the parable of patches.














Jesus replied
The phrase "Jesus replied" indicates a direct response from Jesus, showcasing His role as a teacher and authority. The Greek word used here is "ἀποκριθεὶς" (apokritheis), which means to answer or respond. This highlights Jesus' willingness to engage with questions and challenges, often using them as teaching moments. His replies are not just answers but are filled with wisdom and insight, reflecting His divine understanding.

Can you make
The phrase "Can you make" suggests a rhetorical question, implying the impossibility or inappropriateness of the action. The Greek word "δύνασθε" (dunasthai) is used, which means to be able or to have power. This emphasizes the authority and appropriateness of actions in the presence of Jesus, the Son of God. It suggests that certain actions, like fasting, are not fitting in the context of Jesus' presence.

the guests of the bridegroom
This phrase refers to those who are invited to a wedding celebration. In the Jewish tradition, a wedding was a time of great joy and festivity. The Greek word "υἱοὶ τοῦ νυμφῶνος" (huioi tou numphōnos) literally means "sons of the bridal chamber," indicating close companions or friends of the bridegroom. This metaphor highlights the joy and celebration associated with Jesus' presence, as He is often depicted as the bridegroom in the New Testament, symbolizing His relationship with the Church.

fast
Fasting is a spiritual discipline involving abstaining from food for a period of time, often for prayer and reflection. The Greek word "νηστεύειν" (nēsteuein) is used here, which means to fast. In the Jewish context, fasting was a sign of mourning or penitence. Jesus' question implies that fasting is not appropriate during a time of joy and celebration, such as when He, the bridegroom, is present.

while he is with them
This phrase underscores the significance of Jesus' physical presence among His followers. The Greek "ὅταν ὁ νυμφίος μετ' αὐτῶν ἐστιν" (hotan ho numphios met' autōn estin) emphasizes the temporal nature of Jesus' earthly ministry. It suggests that there is a time for celebration and a time for fasting, and that discernment is needed to understand the appropriate response to Jesus' presence. This highlights the unique and transformative nature of Jesus' ministry, which brings joy and fulfillment to those who recognize Him as the Messiah.

(34) Can ye make . . .?--The question is somewhat stronger in form than the simple, "Can the children of the bride-chamber fast?" in the other reports.

Verses 34, 35. - And he said unto them Can ye make the children of the bride-chamber 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. On this reply of the Lord Jesus Godet very beautifully writes. "In the midst of this feast of publicans, the heart of Jesus is overflowing with joy; it is one of the hours when his earthly life seems to his feeling like a marriage-day. But suddenly his countenance becomes overcast: the shadow of a painful vision passes across his brow: 'The days will come,'... said he, in a solemn tone. At the close of this nuptial week, the Bridegroom himself will be suddenly smitten and cut off; then will come the time of fasting for those who to-day are rejoicing; there will be no necessity to enjoin it. In this striking and poetic answer Jesus evidently announces his violent death." The imagery of the bridegroom is drawn from Hosea 2:19, 20, and perhaps also from the more mystical Scripture, Psalm 45. and the Song of Songs. Jesus here clearly regards himself as the Christ, as identical with the long looked-for Divine Deliverer; but at this comparatively early stage of his public career he was fully conscious that in his Person, with the triumphant would be joined the suffering Messiah. The word rendered "shall be taken away from (them)," ἀπαρθῆ, only occurs here in the New Testament; it points evidently to a death of violence. While the intimation given to Nicodemus (John 3:14) was the first private, so this seems to have been the first public announcement of the last scene of the earth-life.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

replied,
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Can you
δύνασθε (dynasthe)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1410: (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.

make
ποιῆσαι (poiēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

guests
υἱοὺς (huious)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5207: 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
Strong's 3588: 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
Strong's 3567: A bridal chamber. From numphe; the bridal room.

fast
νηστεῦσαι (nēsteusai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3522: To fast, abstain from food. From nestis; to abstain from food.

while
(hō)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

[He]
νυμφίος (nymphios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3566: A bridegroom. From numphe; a bride-groom.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

with
μετ’ (met’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (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
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


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Luke 5:33
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