Lexical Summary nésteia: Fasting Original Word: νηστεία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fasting. From nesteuo; abstinence (from lack of food, or voluntary and religious); specially, the fast of the Day of Atonement -- fast(-ing). see GREEK nesteuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom nésteuó Definition fasting, a fast NASB Translation fast (1), fasting (2), fastings (1), hunger (1), without food (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3521: νηστείανηστεία, νηστείας, ἡ (νηστεύω, which see), a fasting, fast, i. e. abstinence from food, and a. voluntary, as a religious exercise: of private fasting, Matthew 17:21 (T WH omit; Tr brackets the verse); Mark 9:29 (T WH omit; Tr marginal reading brackets); Luke 2:37; Acts 14:23; 1 Corinthians 7:5 Rec. of the public fast prescribed by the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 16:29ff; 23:27ff (BB. DD. under the word b. a fasting to which one is driven by want: 2 Corinthians 6:5; 2 Corinthians 11:27; (Hippocrates, Aristotle, Philo, Josephus, Plutarch, Aelian, Athen., others; the Sept. for צום). The noun nēsteia describes the voluntary abstention from food and, by extension, from other legitimate pleasures for spiritual purposes. While Scripture never treats fasting as meritorious in itself, it presents the practice as a God-ordained aid that intensifies prayer, repentance, intercession, guidance seeking, and dedication to ministry. Old Testament Foundations Although the word in question appears only in the New Testament, its background stretches to Israel’s history. The Day of Atonement (“the fast,” Leviticus 16:29; Acts 27:9) embodied national contrition. Corporate fasts in times of crisis—such as those called by Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:3-4), Ezra (Ezra 8:21-23), and the people of Nineveh (Jonah 3:5)—established a pattern of humble petition that the early church naturally adopted. Fasting in the Life and Teaching of Jesus Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2), modeling dependence on the Father. He assumed His followers would fast: “When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites” (Matthew 6:16). Yet He cautioned against ostentation, insisting on secrecy of motive and heavenly reward. The Lord also hinted at a post-resurrection continuation of fasting: “The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast” (Matthew 9:15). Fasting in Apostolic Practice Luke 2:37 records that Anna “never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying,” illustrating fasting as regular devotion by the godly remnant awaiting redemption. Acts 14:23 shows Paul and Barnabas ordaining elders “with prayer and fasting,” signifying dependence on God for discernment in leadership selection. Acts 27:9 employs the term for the Day of Atonement, indicating that Luke’s Gentile readership would recognize “the fast” as a chronological marker within the Mediterranean sailing season. Fasting as Spiritual Warfare and Ministry Endurance Paul twice lists nēsteiai among the hardships validating his apostleship. In 2 Corinthians 6:5 he speaks of “in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger.” Again in 2 Corinthians 11:27 he recounts “in toil and labor and often without sleep, in hunger and thirst, often without food.” These references show fasting functioning not merely as a spiritual exercise but as a badge of sacrificial service. Whether imposed by circumstance or embraced voluntarily, the discipline sharpened Paul’s reliance on God. A textual variant attaches the phrase “and fasting” to Jesus’ instruction on casting out a demon (Matthew 17:21 / Mark 9:29). While modern critical editions bracket the words, the early church preserved the reading, reflecting its conviction that fasting, together with prayer, wields power against entrenched evil. Corporate Guidance and Appointments Beyond individual devotion, the church fasted when seeking divine direction. Acts 13:2-3 (using the cognate verb nēsteuō) records that the prophets and teachers in Antioch “were worshiping the Lord and fasting” when the Holy Spirit set apart Barnabas and Saul. Acts 14:23 shows the same rhythm when planting churches. The practice underscores that ecclesial decisions are to be birthed in self-denial and prayer. Fasting and the Liturgical Calendar Because Acts 27:9 equates “the fast” with the Day of Atonement, Christian tradition gradually associated fasting with fixed seasons (Lent, Advent) and special days of prayer. While Scripture does not prescribe such calendars, it validates the principle of communal fasts in response to sacred memories and present needs. Practical and Theological Insights 1. Purpose over privation: Biblical fasting subordinates the body to the spirit so that prayer becomes undistracted and fervent (Joel 2:12-13). Enduring Significance for the Church The six occurrences of nēsteia distill a theology of fasting that balances liberty and responsibility. Scripture does not mandate specific days or lengths, yet it portrays fasting as a normal, powerful expression of faith that deepens communion with God, sharpens discernment, and empowers witness. In every age, believers who voluntarily embrace this discipline find that “man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Englishman's Concordance Matthew 17:21 Noun-DFSGRK: προσευχῇ καὶ νηστείᾳ KJV: prayer and fasting. INT: prayer and fasting Luke 2:37 N-DFP Acts 14:23 N-GFP Acts 27:9 N-AFS 2 Corinthians 6:5 N-DFP 2 Corinthians 11:27 N-DFP Strong's Greek 3521 |
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