Luke 5:34
And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 20
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,
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 20
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
Μὴ
G3361
Μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱοὺς
the children
G5207
υἱοὺς
the children
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
9 of 20
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ᾧ
while
G3739
ᾧ
while
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 20
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 20
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
Cross References
John 3:29He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.Isaiah 62:5For 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.Isaiah 54:5For 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.Matthew 22:2The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,2 Corinthians 11:2For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.Zephaniah 3:17The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.Song of Solomon 5:8I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.Song of Solomon 6:1Whither is thy beloved gone, O thou fairest among women? whither is thy beloved turned aside? that we may seek him with thee.
Historical Context
Bridegroom imagery rich Old Testament background. Isaiah Jeremiah Hosea depict God as husband Israel as bride. Jewish weddings week-long celebrations feasting. Fasting during wedding inappropriate. Jesus presence is ultimate celebration. He brings kingdom inaug urates new age. Disciples experience joy now though suffering awaits. Early church maintained tension joy in Christ suffering in world. Paradox of Christian life. Modern church sometimes loses this balance either triumphalism no suffering or pessimism no joy. Biblical Christianity holds both.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Jesus self-identification as bridegroom reveal about His relationship with disciples church?
- How does bridegroom imagery challenge both joyless religion and superficial triumphalism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Can ye make children bridechamber fast while bridegroom is with them. Rhetorical question expects no. Children nymphōnos wedding guests attendants. Bridechamber wedding hall. Fast nēsteusai abstain food. While en hō during time. Bridegroom nymphios groom. Is with them presence. Fasting is mourning bridegroom presence is joy. Cannot mourn while celebrating. Jesus self-identification as bridegroom. Old Testament imagery God as husband Israel as bride. Jesus claiming divine prerogatives. Reformed theology sees Christ as husband church as bride. Intimate covenant relationship. Marriage most intimate human relationship pictures Christ and church.