Children of the.
The Lord was the Bridegroom, and while He was on earth the 'sons' (companions, friends) of the bridechamber could not mourn nor fast; but in His absence they would do so. Mt 9:15; Mr 2:19; Lu 5:34. The friend of the Bridegroom (to whom John the Baptist likened himself) is spoken of in distinction from the bride herself. Joh 3:29.
And Jesus replied to them, Can the wedding guests mourn while the bridegroom is still with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.
Jesus answered them, Can the wedding guests fast (abstain from food and drink) while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.
And Jesus said to them, Can you make the wedding guests fast as long as the bridegroom is with them?
He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the groomsman who stands by and listens to him rejoices greatly and heartily on account of the bridegroom's voice. This then is my pleasure and joy, and it is now complete.