Bible Dictionary

Fast

To voluntarily abstain from food, or from food and drink, for a period of time.

Quick Reference

Total Entries

516

Entry Position

174 of 516

Letter

F

Meaning

To voluntarily abstain from food, or from food and drink, for a period of time.

Key Scriptures

  • Exodus 34:28
  • 2 Samuel 12:16
  • Ezra 8:21
  • Joel 2:12
  • Matthew 6:16-18
  • Matthew 9:14-15
  • Acts 13:2-3
  • Acts 14:23

Also Called

fasting

Original Language

Hebrew

צוּם

tsum

to fast

Greek

νηστεύω

nēsteuō

to fast

Meaning

To fast is to voluntarily abstain from food, or from food and drink, for a period of time.


Biblical Usage

In Scripture, fasting refers to voluntarily abstaining from food for a time.

Fasts are recorded during times of prayer, mourning, repentance, seeking God, and special occasions.


Key References

  • Exodus 34:28
  • 2 Samuel 12:16
  • Ezra 8:21
  • Joel 2:12
  • Matthew 6:16-18
  • Matthew 9:14-15
  • Acts 13:2-3
  • Acts 14:23

  • Prayer
  • Repentance
  • Worship
  • Mourning
  • Humility

Study More

Continue your Bible study by exploring related Scriptures, dictionary terms, and connected topics.

Scriptures

  • Exodus 34:28
  • 2 Samuel 12:16
  • Ezra 8:21
  • Joel 2:12
  • Matthew 6:16-18
  • Matthew 9:14-15
  • Acts 13:2-3
  • Acts 14:23

Related Terms

Study Topics

fasting prayer worship repentance