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Mark 2:18

New Testament Gospel ASV (1901)

What does Mark 2:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And John`s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting: and they come and say unto him, Why do John`s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And John`s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting: and they come and say unto him, Why do John`s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
Mark 2:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Mark 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
15And it came to pass, that he was sitting at meat in his house, and many publicans and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
16And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with the sinners and publicans, said unto his disciples, [How is it] that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
17And when Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.
18And John`s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting: and they come and say unto him, Why do John`s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not?
19And Jesus said unto them, Can the sons of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
20But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast in that day.
21No man seweth a piece of undressed cloth on an old garment: else that which should fill it up taketh from it, the new from the old, and a worse rent is made.
← Mark 2:17Mark 2:19 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast, etc..] Or “were fasting”; perhaps that very day, and so were the more displeased at this entertainment, Matthew had made for Christ and his disciples, and at their being at it; or fasting was usual with them: they fasted often, both John's disciples, and the disciples of the Pharisees, or the Pharisees themselves; so the Vulgate Latin reads: of their frequent fasting, (see Gill on “<400914>Matthew 9:14”), and they came: both the disciples of John, (<400914>Matthew 9:14), and the Scribes and Pharisees, (<420530>Luke 5:30,33), and say unto him, why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? (see…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast - Were accustomed often to fast. Compare Luke 5:33; Luke 18:12. And they come and say - The disciples of John come, Matthew 9:4. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Mat 9:14; Luk 5:33. Mark 2:23”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:18-22 This controversy deals with fasting, which Jesus did not practice with his disciples. The Pharisees regularly fasted two days a week, on Mondays and Thursdays (Luke 18:12), and Jews often fasted when mourning or specially seeking the Lord’s favor (Lev 16:29-31; 1 Sam 31:13; 2 Sam 1:12; 12:21-23; Ezra 8:23; Esth 4:3; Matt 6:16).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the disciples: Mat 9:14-17; Luk 5:33-39 Why: Mat 6:16, Mat 6:18, Mat 23:5; Luk 18:12; Rom 10:3 Mark 2:19”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification