### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **nēsteúō**, represented by `{{G3522}}`, defines the religious act to **abstain from food**, or to **fast**. It appears **23 times** across **16 unique verses**, highlighting its role as a specific spiritual discipline. The term fundamentally refers to the act of not eating for a religious purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3522}}` is used in several key contexts. It is presented as a common practice among the disciples of John and the Pharisees, who question why Jesus' disciples do not fast as they do ([[Matthew 9:14]], [[Luke 5:33]]). Jesus himself fasted for forty days and nights, after which he was hungry [[Matthew 4:2]]. He taught that fasting should not be a public display with a **sad countenance** `{{G4659}}`, but a private act of devotion to God [[Matthew 6:16-18]]. Jesus also prophesied that his disciples would fast in the days after the "bridegroom" is **taken away** `{{G522}}` from them ([[Matthew 9:15]], [[Mark 2:20]]). The early church practiced fasting in conjunction with prayer and worship, as when the leaders at Antioch fasted before sending out Barnabas and Saul [[Acts 13:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and purpose of fasting:
* `{{G4336}}` **proseúchomai** (to pray to God): Fasting is frequently paired with prayer. The leaders of the church at Antioch had **fasted** and **prayed** before sending out their missionaries [[Acts 13:3]], and Cornelius was both **fasting** and **prayed** when an angel appeared to him [[Acts 10:30]].
* `{{G3008}}` **leitourgéō** (to perform religious or charitable functions): Fasting is presented as an element of religious service. In [[Acts 13:2]], leaders **ministered** to the Lord and **fasted**.
* `{{G2068}}` **esthíō** (to eat) and `{{G4095}}` **pínō** (to drink): These words represent the direct opposite of fasting and are used to highlight the different practices of Jesus' disciples, who would **eat** and **drink** while others fasted [[Luke 5:33]].
* `{{G4659}}` **skythrōpós** (of a sad countenance): Jesus uses this term to warn against the hypocritical practice of fasting to be seen by others, instructing his followers not to be of a **sad countenance** when they fast [[Matthew 6:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3522}}` is significant, focusing on the motive and timing of the practice.
* **Sincere Devotion:** The primary emphasis is on fasting as an act directed toward God, not for human approval. Jesus contrasts the hypocrites who **disfigure** `{{G853}}` their faces to **appear** `{{G5316}}` to be fasting, who have their earthly **reward** `{{G3408}}`, with those who fast in secret to be rewarded by the Father ([[Matthew 6:16]], [[Matthew 6:18]]).
* **A Component of Worship:** Fasting is not an end in itself but is linked with other acts of worship. It is done while believers **ministered** `{{G3008}}` to the Lord and **prayed** `{{G4336}}`, indicating its function as a tool for spiritual focus and seeking God [[Acts 13:2-3]].
* **A Response to Christ's Absence:** Jesus frames fasting as an act appropriate for the time after he has been **taken away** `{{G522}}`. While the bridegroom is present, it is a time for celebration; afterward, it will be a time when his followers will **fast** ([[Matthew 9:15]], [[Luke 5:35]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3522}}` is far more than the simple act of abstaining from food. It is a defined spiritual practice associated with prayer, worship, and sincere devotion to God. The scriptural witness shifts the focus from a purely external ritual, as practiced by the Pharisees, to an internal act of the heart. It is presented as a meaningful discipline for believers, particularly in the period following Christ's physical departure from the world.
TRV