Luke 5:33

Jesus Is Asked About Fasting

33 Some of the people who were there said to Jesus, "John's disciples often pray and go without eating. So do the disciples of the Pharisees. But yours go on eating and drinking."

Luke 5:33 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 5:33

And they say unto him
The Scribes and Pharisees, or the disciples of John; see ( Matthew 9:14 )

why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers?
set times apart frequently for fasting and prayer. The Ethiopic version reads, "why do the disciples of John baptize frequently, fast, and make prayers?" in which the former clause is added; and as without any authority, so without judgment, since it must suppose that the Pharisees did so likewise, whereas they rejected the baptism of John; for it follows, and "likewise" the disciples of "the Pharisees"; who fasted often, at least twice in the week, and made frequent prayers in the synagogues, and corners of the streets, and in widows' houses.

But thine eat and drink?
instead of fasting and praying; (See Gill on Matthew 9:14).

Luke 5:33 In-Context

31 Jesus answered them, "Those who are healthy don't need a doctor. Sick people do.

32 I have not come to get those who think they are right with God to follow me. I have come to get sinners to turn away from their sins."

33 Some of the people who were there said to Jesus, "John's disciples often pray and go without eating. So do the disciples of the Pharisees. But yours go on eating and drinking."

34 Jesus answered, "Can you make the guests of the groom go without eating while he is with them?

35 But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them. In those days they will fast."