Luke Chapter 5 · Verse 33
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?
Original Language Analysis
οἱ
the disciples
G3588
οἱ
the disciples
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 25
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 25
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οἱ
the disciples
G3588
οἱ
the disciples
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰωάννου
of John
G2491
Ἰωάννου
of John
Strong's:
G2491
Word #:
9 of 25
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
πυκνὰ
often
G4437
πυκνὰ
often
Strong's:
G4437
Word #:
11 of 25
clasped (thick), i.e., (figuratively) frequent; neuter plural (as adverb) frequently
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιοῦνται
make
G4160
ποιοῦνται
make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
14 of 25
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
the disciples
G3588
οἱ
the disciples
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἱ
the disciples
G3588
οἱ
the disciples
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίων
of the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίων
of the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
19 of 25
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
οἱ
the disciples
G3588
οἱ
the disciples
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐσθίουσιν
eat
G2068
ἐσθίουσιν
eat
Strong's:
G2068
Word #:
23 of 25
used only in certain tenses, the rest being supplied by g5315; to eat (usually literal)
Historical Context
Fasting was regular Jewish practice. John disciples continued. Pharisees fasted twice weekly. Jesus disciples did not fast while He was present. Not that fasting wrong but inappropriate during celebration. Jesus is bridegroom His presence is wedding feast. After ascension early church practiced fasting (Acts 13:2). But fasting is means not end. Can become empty ritual. Reformation recovered proper understanding fasting is spiritual discipline not meritorious work. Modern church some neglect fasting others make it legalistic requirement. Balance needed.
Questions for Reflection
- What does bridegroom analogy teach about appropriate times for fasting versus feasting?
- How should Christians practice fasting as discipline without making it legalistic requirement?
Analysis & Commentary
Why do disciples of John fast oft likewise Pharisees but thine eat drink. John disciples ascetic practice. Fast nēsteuousin abstain from food. Oft pykna frequently regular. Likewise homoiōs similarly. Pharisees religious fasting. But de contrast. Thine soi your disciples. Eat drink normal activities. Question challenges Jesus disciples lack of fasting. Jesus response bridegroom presence changes everything (vv. 34-35). Joy replaces mourning when Christ is present. After His departure they will fast. Reformed theology distinguishes old covenant preparation from new covenant fulfillment. Kingdom has come in Christ changes worship practice.