Matthew 9:14

Then John’s ¹  disciples came to Jesus ²  and asked, “Why do we and the Pharisees ³  fast often, ⁴  but your disciples don’t fast?”

Pr 20:6; Mt 6:16; Mt 11:2; Mt 11:18,19; Mr 2:18-22; Lu 5:33-39; Lu 18:9-12; Joh 3:25; Joh 4:1

¹ sn John refers to John the Baptist.

² tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been supplied in the translation for clarity.

³ sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.

⁴ sn John’s disciples and the Pharisees followed typical practices with regard to fasting and prayer. Many Jews fasted regularly (Lev 16:29-34; 23:26-32; Num 29:7-11). The zealous fasted twice a week on Monday and Thursday.