Luke Chapter 5 · Verse 35
But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
Original Language Analysis
ἐλεύσονται
will come
G2064
ἐλεύσονται
will come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 16
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἡμέραις
days
G2250
ἡμέραις
days
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
3 of 16
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
καὶ
G2532
καὶ
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
5 of 16
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 16
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 16
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τότε
and then
G5119
τότε
and then
Strong's:
G5119
Word #:
11 of 16
the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)
ἐκείναις
those
G1565
ἐκείναις
those
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
14 of 16
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
Historical Context
Jesus predicts death even at beginning ministry. Disciples did not understand. After crucifixion they mourned. Between crucifixion resurrection they fasted in sorrow. After ascension early church fasted not in sorrow but in longing for return. Maranatha Come Lord Jesus. Fasting became spiritual discipline seeking God anticipating return. Not meritorious but means of grace. Modern church varies widely in fasting practice. Some neglect entirely others make legalistic. Biblical balance sees fasting as voluntary discipline expressing longing for God earnest seeking not earning favor.
Questions for Reflection
- How does prediction of bridegroom being taken away point to Christ death and disciples future mourning?
- What does already not yet tension between Christ first and second coming mean for church practice of fasting?
Analysis & Commentary
Days will come when bridegroom shall be taken away then shall they fast. Days hēmerai future time. Will come eleusontai inevitable. Bridegroom nymphios Christ. Taken away aparthē forcibly removed. Then tote at that time. Fast nēsteusousin abstain. Predicts His death departure. Bride groom removed is death metaphor. Disciples will mourn fast after crucifixion. Until resurrection they fasted mourned. Between ascension and return church fasts longing for return. Already not yet kingdom tension. Christ has come but not yet returned. Church lives in interim between advents. Reformed theology emphasizes inaugurated eschatology. Kingdom already here not yet consummated.