Mark 2:18
And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast: and they come and say unto him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰωάννου
of John
G2491
Ἰωάννου
of John
Strong's:
G2491
Word #:
5 of 30
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίων
of the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίων
of the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
9 of 30
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔρχονται
they come
G2064
ἔρχονται
they come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
12 of 30
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγουσιν
say
G3004
λέγουσιν
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
14 of 30
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 30
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
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰωάννου
of John
G2491
Ἰωάννου
of John
Strong's:
G2491
Word #:
19 of 30
joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Φαρισαίων
of the Pharisees
G5330
Φαρισαίων
of the Pharisees
Strong's:
G5330
Word #:
23 of 30
a separatist, i.e., exclusively religious; a pharisean, i.e., jewish sectary
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
25 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 6:18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.Luke 18:12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.Matthew 6:16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Historical Context
Jewish law required fasting only on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-31), but pious Jews added voluntary fasts. Pharisees fasted twice weekly (Monday and Thursday). John's disciples likely fasted in mourning and preparation, especially after John's imprisonment. Their ascetic practice reflected the Baptist's austere wilderness lifestyle. Early Christians adopted fasting as spiritual discipline (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23), but Jesus rejected fasting as religious requirement or merit badge.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern between spiritual disciplines that foster genuine godliness and empty rituals?
- What does the 'bridegroom' metaphor reveal about Christian balance between joy and sobriety?
- Are your spiritual practices motivated by love for God or desire to earn His approval?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This verse presents a question about fasting practices that exposes different spiritual approaches. 'The disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast' (imperfect tense indicating regular practice). Both groups emphasized ascetic discipline—John's disciples preparing for the coming kingdom, Pharisees demonstrating piety. The questioners contrast this with Jesus' disciples who don't fast, implying spiritual laxity. Jesus' response (vv. 19-20) redefines fasting's purpose: not mechanical ritual but appropriate response to circumstances. Reformed theology emphasizes that spiritual disciplines serve gospel purposes, not merit-earning works. Fasting expresses dependence on God and mourning over sin, but can become empty formalism.