### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **nēsteía**, represented by `{{G3521}}`, refers to **abstinence** from food. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses** in the Bible. The term encompasses both voluntary religious fasting and abstinence from a lack of food, and is used specifically to refer to the fast of the Day of Atonement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3521}}` is consistently linked with spiritual activities. It is paired with prayer as a means of driving out certain kinds of spirits ([[Matthew 17:21]], [[Mark 9:29]]). The practice was integral to the early church's acts of dedication, as elders were ordained after they had prayed with **fasting** [[Acts 14:23]]. It is also listed among the hardships Paul endured in his ministry, alongside tumults, labours, and watchings [[2 Corinthians 6:5]]. In one instance, it denotes a specific time of year, "the **fast**," which had passed, making sailing dangerous [[Acts 27:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and purpose of fasting:
* `{{G4335}}` **proseuchḗ** (prayer (worship)): This is the most common companion to `{{G3521}}`, highlighting that fasting is an act of devotion intended to enhance or accompany prayer [[1 Corinthians 7:5]].
* `{{G5500}}` **cheirotonéō** (to select or appoint): The act of ordaining church elders was done with prayer and fasting, showing that `{{G3521}}` was part of the process for consecrating leaders for service [[Acts 14:23]].
* `{{G192}}` **akrasía** (want of self-restraint): In the context of marriage, fasting and prayer are a temporary devotion, after which a couple should come together again to avoid temptation due to a lack of self-restraint [[1 Corinthians 7:5]].
* `{{G2873}}` **kópos** (labour, + trouble, weariness): Fasting is presented as a form of difficult labour, listed with other hardships endured for the sake of the gospel [[2 Corinthians 6:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3521}}` is centered on devotion and spiritual discipline.
* **A Tool for Spiritual Authority:** It is presented as a necessary discipline, along with prayer, for exercising spiritual power in situations of intense opposition [[Matthew 17:21]].
* **An Act of Dedicated Service:** The widow Anna is described as serving God in the temple with **fastings** and prayers night and day, portraying it as an act of continual worship [[Luke 2:37]].
* **A Mark of Ministerial Hardship:** Paul includes **fastings** often in his list of sufferings, positioning it as both a voluntary discipline and a consequence of his difficult circumstances, alongside hunger and thirst [[2 Corinthians 11:27]].
* **Consecration for God's Purpose:** Fasting is prescribed as a way for believers to give themselves to prayer, setting aside physical needs for a period of focused spiritual devotion [[1 Corinthians 7:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3521}}` signifies much more than simple abstinence from food. It is a profound spiritual practice woven into the fabric of worship, ministerial service, and exercising spiritual authority. Whether as a voluntary act of devotion or an endured hardship, **nēsteía** represents the deliberate prioritization of the spiritual over the physical.
TRV