Mark 2:20
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)
ἡμέραῖς
days
G2250
ἡμέραῖς
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
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
4 of 16
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 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 #:
7 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 #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τότε
then
G5119
τότε
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
Cross References
Luke 17:22And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it.Revelation 19:7Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.Revelation 21:9And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.
Historical Context
This prediction came early in Jesus' ministry, indicating Jesus' clear awareness of His mission from the beginning. The disciples likely didn't grasp its significance until after resurrection. Violent death contrasted sharply with messianic expectations of political-military triumph. Early Christian fasting (Acts 13:2-3; 14:23) expressed dependence on God and mourning over Christ's physical absence, while maintaining joy in His spiritual presence.
Questions for Reflection
- How does fasting express longing for Christ's return and help mortify flesh's demands?
- In what ways do you live in tension between joy at Christ's presence and sorrow at His absence?
- How does anticipating Christ's return affect your current spiritual disciplines and priorities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus prophesies His death: 'But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them.' The phrase 'taken from them' (ἀπαρθῇ) suggests violent removal, foreshadowing crucifixion. This is Mark's first explicit reference to Jesus' coming passion. The verb echoes Isaiah 53:8: 'He was taken from the earth,' identifying Jesus as the suffering servant. Jesus predicts mourning that will accompany His death—appropriate occasion for fasting. This validates fasting as proper response to Christ's absence, not as merit-earning work. Reformed theology distinguishes Old Covenant fasting (anticipating Messiah) from New Covenant fasting (mourning Christ's physical absence while awaiting return).