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    When the Bridegroom Is Present

    Luke 5:33 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?"
    — Luke 5:33 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Just after defending His meals with sinners, Jesus is questioned again — this time about why those meals look like feasts at all. The objection sets up His teaching that joy, not fasting, fits the moment of the Bridegroom's arrival.

    Historical Context

    Both John's disciples and the Pharisees practiced regular fasts beyond the Day of Atonement requirement. Jesus' followers feasting around tax collectors looked scandalously casual.

    Original Language Insights

    The question contrasts ascetic discipline with apparent festivity. The implicit charge: your disciples aren't serious enough.

    Theological Significance

    Spiritual disciplines fit the season. When the King is among His people in person, feasting is the right liturgy; fasting will return in His absence (v. 35).

    Practical Application

    Don't force every spiritual season into one shape. There is a time to fast and a time to feast — discernment matters more than uniformity.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Luke 5:32

    "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

    The verse before — Jesus' presence at sinners' tables is the very setting that prompts the fasting question.

    Luke 5:34-35

    "Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?"

    Jesus' direct answer that follows v. 33.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, give me discernment to fast when You call me to, and to feast when You set the table. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Should Christians fast today?

    Yes — Jesus said 'when ye fast' (Matt. 6:16), not 'if.' But He also taught discernment about the season. The Bridegroom is now absent in body and present by Spirit, so both fasting and feasting have their place.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Luke 5 verse by verse:

    Before · Luke 5:31Exact verse

    And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

    Theme: The Great Physician

    Before · Luke 5:32Exact verse

    I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

    Theme: Jesus' Mission to Sinners

    Nearest commentary in Luke

    Later · 1 ch forward · Luke 6:31Nearest chapter

    And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

    Theme: The Golden Rule

    Later · 1 ch forward · Luke 6:36Nearest chapter

    Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

    Theme: Mercy & Character

    Later · 1 ch forward · Luke 6:37Nearest chapter

    Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

    Theme: Forgiveness

    Later · 1 ch forward · Luke 6:38Nearest chapter

    Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

    Theme: Generosity & Blessing

    Read Luke 4Commentary: Luke 4:18
    Read Luke 5 (full)Nearest commentary: Luke 5:32
    Read Luke 6Commentary: Luke 6:31
    Previous commentary: Luke 5:32Next commentary: Luke 6:27-28

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What does the Bible say about fasting?

    Fasting is the voluntary abstaining from food for spiritual purposes — practiced throughout the Bible as an expression of humility, repentance, and seeking God's guidance.

    Read answer

    What Is the Lord's Prayer?

    The Lord's Prayer is the model prayer Jesus taught His disciples, covering worship, submission to God's will, daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil.

    Read answer

    What Are the Different Types of Fasting in the Bible?

    Scripture describes several fasting types: absolute fasts (no food or water), normal fasts (no food), partial fasts (limited diet), and corporate fasts.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Fasting and Prayer?

    Fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer and seeking God's will.

    Read answer

    Why Should Christians Fast?

    Biblical fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer, seek God's will, express repentance, or prepare for spiritual battle.

    Read answer

    What Is the Lord's Prayer?

    The Lord's Prayer is the model prayer Jesus taught His disciples — covering worship, submission, daily needs, forgiveness, and spiritual protection in a simple framework.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Luke 1:37 – Meaning & Devotional

    "For with God nothing shall be impossible."

    Luke 6:31 – Meaning & Devotional

    "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

    Luke 6:31 – Meaning & Devotional

    "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Provision
    New Testament

    The Miraculous Catch of Fish

    After a fruitless night, Peter let down the nets at Jesus' word and caught so many fish the nets began to break.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Cleansing of the Ten Lepers

    Jesus cleansed ten lepers on the way to Jerusalem; only one — a Samaritan — returned to give thanks.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of Malchus' Ear

    Jesus restores the severed ear of the high priest's servant at His arrest in Gethsemane.

    Read the miracle
    Deliverance & Judgment
    Old Testament

    Lot's Wife Becomes a Pillar of Salt

    Lot's wife looks back at burning Sodom and is turned into a pillar of salt.

    Read the miracle

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Spiritual Warfare

    Fasting as Spiritual Warfare

    Fasting humbles the body and sharpens prayer — Jesus said some battles go out on

    Commentary

    1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 Commentary

    In-depth study • Joy & Prayer

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    1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Commentary

    In-depth study • Joy, Prayer & Gratitude

    Commentary

    1 Thessalonians 5:16 Commentary

    In-depth study • Joy & Prayer

    Q&A

    What Does the Bible Say About Fasting and Prayer?

    Prayer & Worship

    Q&A

    Prayer vs. Fasting — How Do They Work Together?

    Prayer & Worship

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