Bible Strands
Matthew 9:14
Then John’s disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast so often, but Your disciples do not fast?”
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — John’s disciples approach Jesus to question why they and the Pharisees fast frequently while His followers do not. This exchange follows Jesus’ declaration that He came to call sinners rather than the righteous.
The words — προσέρχονται (proserchontai) means “they come near,” denoting a deliberate approach. διὰ (dia) translates as “because of,” structuring their inquiry as a request for the underlying reason.
The thread — The identical question appears in Mark 2:18 and Luke 5:33, where the contrast between John’s fasting and Jesus’ disciples’ eating is raised. Matthew 6:16 later addresses the proper conduct of those who do fast.
Why it lands — The text requires a direct answer to the tension between established ritual and immediate ministry. A reader must determine whether to maintain traditional discipline or adapt practice to the presence of Jesus.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
Cross-references
- Luke 5:33 Then they said to Him, “John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking.”
- Mark 2:18 Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were often fasting. So people came to Jesus and asked, “Why don’t Your disciples fast like John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees?”
- Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.
- Matthew 11:18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’
- Proverbs 20:6 Many a man proclaims his loving devotion, but who can find a trustworthy man?
- Luke 18:9 To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable:
- John 3:25 Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.
- Matthew 11:2 Meanwhile John heard in prison about the works of Christ, and he sent his disciples
- John 4:1 When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware He was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John