Luke 5:33

The old and the new

33 Some people said to Jesus, "The disciples of John fast often and pray frequently. The disciples of the Pharisees do the same, but your disciples are always 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, "Healthy people don't need a doctor, but sick people do.

32 I didn't come to call righteous people but sinners to change their hearts and lives."

33 Some people said to Jesus, "The disciples of John fast often and pray frequently. The disciples of the Pharisees do the same, but your disciples are always eating and drinking."

34 Jesus replied, "You can't make the wedding guests fast while the groom is with them, can you?

35 The days will come when the groom will be taken from them, and then they will fast."