3523. néstis

Lexicon

néstis: Fasting, without food

Original Word: νηστής
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: néstis
Pronunciation: NAYS-tees
Phonetic Spelling: (nace'-tis)
Definition: Fasting, without food
Meaning: fasting, not eating.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

fasting.

From the inseparable negative particle ne- (not) and esthio; not eating, i.e. Abstinent from food (religiously) -- fasting.

see GREEK esthio

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from né- (implying negation) and the same as esthió
Definition
not eating
NASB Translation
hungry (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3523: νῆστις

νῆστις, accusative plural νήστεις and (so Tdf. (cf. Proleg., p. 1183) νῆστις (see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 326; Fritzsche, Commentary on Mark, p. 796f; cf. (WHs Appendix, p. 157b); Buttmann, 26 (23)), ὁ, ἡ (from νή and ἐσθίω, see νήπιος), fasting, not having eaten: Matthew 15:32; Mark 8:3. (Homer, Aeschylus, Hippocrates (), Aristophanes, others.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root "νη-" (nē-), a negative prefix, and "ἐσθίω" (esthiō), meaning "to eat." Thus, it literally means "not eating" or "fasting."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of fasting in the Hebrew Bible is often represented by the word צוּם (tsum), Strong's Hebrew 6684, which similarly denotes abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. Another related term is תַּעֲנִית (ta'anit), which refers to a fast or a day of fasting. These Hebrew terms reflect the longstanding tradition of fasting as a means of seeking God's favor and expressing repentance.

Usage: The term νηστής is used in the context of fasting, often as a spiritual discipline or religious observance. It is associated with periods of abstaining from food to seek spiritual growth, repentance, or divine intervention.

Context: The concept of fasting, represented by the Greek term νηστής, is a significant practice in biblical tradition. Fasting is often associated with prayer, repentance, and seeking God's guidance. In the New Testament, fasting is seen as a means of humbling oneself before God and is frequently mentioned in the context of spiritual discipline.

In the Berean Standard Bible, fasting is highlighted in several passages. For instance, in Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus instructs His followers on the proper attitude and demeanor when fasting, emphasizing sincerity and humility rather than outward show. Fasting is portrayed as a private act of devotion, not for public display or self-righteousness.

The practice of fasting is also evident in the early church, as seen in Acts 13:2-3, where the believers fasted and prayed before commissioning Barnabas and Saul for missionary work. This illustrates the role of fasting in seeking divine direction and empowerment for ministry.

Fasting is a voluntary act of worship and dedication, reflecting a heart posture of dependence on God. It is a time to draw closer to God, often accompanied by prayer and meditation on Scripture. The discipline of fasting is a reminder of the believer's reliance on God for sustenance and spiritual nourishment.

Forms and Transliterations

νηστεις νήστεις νηστόν nesteis nēsteis nḗsteis

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 15:32 Adj-AMP
GRK: ἀπολῦσαι αὐτοὺς νήστεις οὐ θέλω
NAS: to send them away hungry, for they might faint
KJV: them away fasting, lest they faint
INT: to send away them hungry not I am willing

Mark 8:3 Adj-AMP
GRK: ἀπολύσω αὐτοὺς νήστεις εἰς οἶκον
NAS: I send them away hungry to their homes,
KJV: them away fasting to their own
INT: I shall send away them hungry to homes

Strong's Greek 3523
2 Occurrences

νήστεις — 2 Occ.