Definition: And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them? as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Mark 2:19. It’s a really important and symbolic passage about love and obedience. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling the disciples (the followers of Jesus) that true faith – and therefore, true joy – isn't about resisting temptation. It’s about being completely devoted to someone else. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Jesus said unto them…” : This is Jesus speaking directly to the disciples. “…Can the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?” : This is where it gets a little tricky. "Bridechamber" is a fancy word from the Bible – it means a special, holy, and devoted group of people, often representing a new covenant or relationship with God. So, “children of the bridechamber” refers to true followers of Jesus, those who are completely committed to him. “as long as they have the bridegroom with them…” : This is the key part. The bridegroom is incredibly important – he represents Jesus himself. When someone is truly devoted to him, they’re always with him and can't be tempted or distracted by anything else. “they cannot fast.” : Because they are with the bridegroom, they can’t fast. Fasting is a time of discipline and reflection – it’s about turning away from temptation. When you’re with someone truly devoted to Jesus, you don't need to focus on anything else because you’re already focused on him. So, what does this verse teach us? It means that genuine faith is about being completely united with God and following his will. It’s a state of being where we’re not worried about temptation or distractions, but are always seeking to please Him. It's about a deep, unwavering commitment – like a beautiful, holy wedding, where the focus is on the person you’re married to (God). In short, it’s saying that true faith isn't about resisting things; it's about being completely devoted to God and following his path. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific biblical story or concept?