Topical Bible: Children of the Bridechamber

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The term "Children of the Bridechamber" is a metaphorical expression found in the New Testament, specifically in the Synoptic Gospels. It is used by Jesus to describe His disciples in the context of a discussion about fasting. The phrase is rich in cultural and theological significance, drawing from Jewish wedding customs and eschatological themes.

Biblical References:

The primary reference to the "Children of the Bridechamber" is found in the Gospel of Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:19, and Luke 5:34. In these passages, Jesus responds to a question about why His disciples do not fast like the Pharisees and the disciples of John the Baptist. Jesus answers:

· Matthew 9:15 : "Jesus replied, 'Can the wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom 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.'"
· Luke 5:34 : "Jesus replied, 'Can you make the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them?'"

Cultural Context:

In Jewish tradition, a wedding was a time of great joy and celebration. The "children of the bridechamber" refers to the friends and attendants of the bridegroom, who would participate in the festivities. These celebrations could last for several days, and during this time, fasting and mourning were considered inappropriate. The presence of the bridegroom signified a time of joy and feasting.

Theological Significance:

The metaphor of the bridegroom is significant in biblical theology, often used to describe the relationship between God and His people. In the Old Testament, God is depicted as the husband of Israel (Isaiah 54:5, Hosea 2:19-20). In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the bridegroom, and the Church is His bride (Ephesians 5:25-27, Revelation 19:7-9).

By referring to His disciples as the "children of the bridechamber," Jesus emphasizes the unique and joyous nature of His earthly ministry. His presence among them is akin to a wedding celebration, a time when traditional practices of fasting and mourning are set aside. This imagery underscores the inauguration of the Kingdom of God through Jesus' ministry, a time of fulfillment and divine presence.

Eschatological Implications:

The statement also carries eschatological implications. Jesus alludes to a future time when the bridegroom will be "taken from them," a reference to His impending crucifixion and departure from the world. This foreshadows a period of absence when His followers will fast and mourn, anticipating His return. The imagery of the bridegroom and the wedding feast is further developed in eschatological passages, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9).

Practical Application:

For believers, the concept of being "children of the bridechamber" invites a reflection on the joy and celebration inherent in the Christian faith. It calls for a recognition of the presence of Christ in the life of the believer and the anticipation of His return. While there are times for fasting and mourning, the overarching narrative is one of joy, hope, and the promise of eternal union with Christ, the Bridegroom.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Children of the Bridechamber

CHILDREN OF THE BRIDECHAMBER

See BRIDE-CHAMBER, SONS.

Library

The Secret of Gladness
... THE SECRET OF GLADNESS. 'And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the
bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?'"Mark 2:19. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the secret of gladness.htm

Matt. Ix. 9
... What then saith Jesus? "Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom
is with them." Before, He called Himself a physician, but here a ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxx matt ix 9.htm

A Teacher with Authority
... "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. ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter ii a teacher with.htm

The Call of Matthew
... fast not? 15. And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber
mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the call of matthew.htm

The Publicans' Friend
... fast not! 19. And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber
fast, while the bridegroom is with them! as long as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the publicans friend.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... Then Christ's spouse puts off her mourning; for how can the children of the
bridechamber mourn, when the bridegroom is with them? Matthew 9:15. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... led to gross impropriety, [1736] did not obtain, [1737] though all the invited guests
bore the general name of children of the bridechamber' (ben?? Chuppah). ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
... But this expression is quite different from that of "children of the bridechamber,"
which occurs in Matthew 9:15, where the scene is once more laid in Galilee. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 9 mothers daughters and.htm

Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer
... and drink? And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the
bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? But the ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/v jesus christ the divine.htm

The Kingdom of God Conceived as the Inheritance of the Poor.
... disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the
bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? As long as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xi the kingdom of.htm