Matthew 9:14

The Superiority of the New

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?”

Matthew 4:2

4:2 After he fasted forty days and forty nights he was famished. ⁵ 

Matthew 6:17

6:17 When ⁶  you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,

[9:14]  ¹ sn John refers to John the Baptist.

[9:14]  ² tn Grk “him”; the referent (Jesus) has been supplied in the translation for clarity.

[9:14]  ³ sn See the note on Pharisees in 3:7.

[9:14]  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.

[4:2]  ⁵ tn Grk “and having fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward he was hungry.”

[6:17]  ⁹ tn Here δέ (de) has not been translated.