The Greek word nēstis, represented by G3523, refers to the state of fasting. The word is formed from the inseparable negative particle (not) and ἐσθίω, meaning "not eating, i.e. abstinent from food (religiously)". This specific term appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible.
In the biblical narrative, G3523 is used in the context of Jesus showing compassion for a large crowd. Having been with him for three days with nothing to eat, Jesus expresses his concern, stating he will not send them away fasting G3523, "lest they faint in the way" Matthew 15:32. A nearly identical account reinforces this, where Jesus again fears that sending the multitude away fasting G3523 will cause them to "faint by the way" Mark 8:3. In both instances, the term describes a physical state of hunger that could lead to weakness.
Several related words clarify the meaning of being without food:
- G1590 eklýō (to relax (literally or figuratively):--faint): This word is directly connected to G3523 as its immediate physical consequence. In both Matthew 15:32 and Mark 8:3, Jesus is concerned that the people, if sent away fasting, will faint on their journey.
- G5315 phágō (to eat (literally or figuratively):--eat, meat): This verb represents the action that is absent in the state of fasting. In the context of the crowd, Jesus notes they "have nothing to eat" Matthew 15:32, establishing the condition that necessitates his concern.
The conceptual weight of G3523 in its biblical usage is focused on physical reality and compassion.
- Human Weakness: The term directly links the state of fasting not to a spiritual discipline in these passages, but to the physical consequence of fainting G1590. It underscores the body's fundamental need for sustenance.
- Divine Compassion: The use of G3523 is prompted by Jesus' compassion for the multitude Matthew 15:32. His refusal to send them away fasting demonstrates his concern for their physical well-being.
- Condition for Peril: Being fasting G3523 is presented as a perilous condition for a journey. Jesus identifies it as the direct cause of the risk that the people "faint in the way" (Matthew 15:32, Mark 8:3).
In summary, G3523 nēstis is a precise term for being in a state of fasting, or not eating. While its base definition can include religious abstinence, its specific use in the New Testament highlights a purely physical condition of hunger. Its appearance in Matthew 15:32 and Mark 8:3 serves to underscore Jesus' practical compassion for the physical needs of the people, showing his concern that their lack of food would cause them to faint.
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