Notes on "children of the bridechamber"

Bridechamber is from the Greek word "numphon". It was the room and furnishings to be used by the bride and groom to celebrate and consummate their union. In the Jewish culture in the time of Christ furnishing the Bridechamber was the role of the Grooms party (friends and family).

So in this case "children of the bridechamber" would refer to those in the party of the groom. The NIV translates this as Guests of the Bridegroom". I think the NIV fails to convey the familial role of the grooms party since these would be the closest friends and kinsmen of the groom and certainly closer than just guests.

Mathew Chapter 9 - Full Text

References in Scripture

Luke 9:15

Luke 9:15

15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.


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To Understand my faith better I have decided to construct these pages. They are strictly educational, non-commercial and to foster scholarly discussion. All Bible quotes are from the King James Version unless otherwise stated. I use the KJV because while not a perfect translation it is literal and out of Copyright. All mistakes are my own and if you differ from my thoughts I welcome your comments. J. Barry O'Connell Jr.