New Testament
Matthew 9:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus answered, "Do wedding guests mourn while the groom is still with them? Of course not. But the time will come when the groom is taken away from them, and then they'll fast.
Compare translations
And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
What Matthew 9:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of a wedding to explain the joy of His presence among His followers. Just as wedding guests celebrate and do not mourn while the bridegroom is present, His disciples should not fast or mourn while He is with them. This indicates that His presence brings joy and fulfillment. However, Jesus also hints at a future time when He will be taken away, suggesting His impending death and departure. At that time, fasting will be appropriate as a sign of mourning and longing for His return. This teaching emphasizes the importance of recognizing the right time for celebration and mourning in the life of faith, highlighting the relationship between Jesus and His followers as one of joy and hope, even amidst future sorrow.
How to apply Matthew 9:15 to your life
This verse encourages believers to celebrate the presence of Christ in their lives. In times of joy, we should embrace that joy fully, while also recognizing that there are times for mourning and fasting. Understanding the seasons of our spiritual journey helps us grow closer to God.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 9:15
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 9:15
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 9:15 mean about fasting?
In Matthew 9:15, Jesus uses the analogy of a wedding to illustrate that His presence brings joy, much like a bridegroom at a wedding. He indicates that fasting is not appropriate while He is with His disciples, as they should be celebrating His presence. However, He also foreshadows a time when He will be taken away, suggesting that fasting will then be a fitting response to His absence, reflecting a time of mourning and longing for His return.
Why did Jesus compare Himself to a bridegroom?
Jesus compares Himself to a bridegroom in Matthew 9:15 to convey the joy and celebration associated with His presence among His followers. Just as wedding guests rejoice in the presence of the bridegroom, His disciples should experience joy while He is with them. This metaphor emphasizes the intimate relationship between Jesus and His followers, highlighting that His presence is a source of happiness and fulfillment in their lives.
When is it appropriate to fast according to this verse?
According to Matthew 9:15, fasting is appropriate during times of mourning or longing, particularly when Jesus is no longer physically present with His followers. This indicates that there are seasons in the spiritual journey where fasting can be a meaningful expression of seeking God, reflecting on one's relationship with Him, and yearning for His return. It teaches believers to discern the right times for celebration and for fasting.
How can I apply Matthew 9:15 in my life?
To apply Matthew 9:15 in your life, recognize the importance of celebrating the presence of Christ during joyful times. Embrace moments of joy and gratitude, understanding that they are gifts from God. Additionally, be mindful of times when fasting may be appropriate, such as during periods of spiritual longing or mourning. This balance helps you grow in your faith and deepens your relationship with God.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.