### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tsûwm**, represented by `{{H6684}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to cover over the mouth**, and is used to signify **to fast**. It appears 21 times across 17 unique verses in the Bible. The term denotes the deliberate abstention from food, often as an expression of grief, repentance, or earnest supplication before God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H6684}}` is associated with moments of profound spiritual activity. It is an act of national repentance, as when Israel gathered at Mizpeh and **fasted**, confessing, "We have sinned against the LORD" [[1 Samuel 7:6]]. It is also a deeply personal expression of seeking God's intervention, such as when David **fasted** and besought God for his child [[2 Samuel 12:16]], or when Esther called on the Jews to **fast** before she approached the king [[Esther 4:16]]. However, scripture also warns against fasting with improper motives, as God questions those who **fast** for strife and debate rather than to be heard by Him [[Isaiah 58:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the practice and purpose of fasting:
* `{{H398}}` **ʼâkal** (to eat) and `{{H8354}}` **shâthâh** (to drink): These words define the physical activities that are abstained from during a fast. This is explicitly stated in Esther's command to "neither **eat** nor **drink** three days" [[Esther 4:16]].
* `{{H6031}}` **ʻânâh** (to afflict self): This term describes the internal posture that fasting is meant to produce. The people question God, "wherefore have we **afflicted** our soul," directly linking the act of fasting to self-humbling [[Isaiah 58:3]].
* `{{H1058}}` **bâkâh** (to weep): This word for weeping is frequently paired with fasting, indicating the deep sorrow or contrition that accompanies the act. Nehemiah, upon hearing of Jerusalem's state, **wept**, mourned, **fasted**, and prayed [[Nehemiah 1:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6684}}` is significant, highlighting key aspects of one's relationship with God.
* **Repentance and Grief:** Fasting serves as an outward sign of inward sorrow and repentance. King Ahab, upon hearing a divine judgment, put on sackcloth and **fasted** [[1 Kings 21:27]]. Similarly, the Israelites **fasted** and mourned after the deaths of Saul and Jonathan [[2 Samuel 1:12]].
* **Earnest Supplication:** The act is used to intensify prayer and seek divine favor in times of crisis. Ezra proclaimed a fast to beseech God for protection, stating, "So we **fasted** and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us" [[Ezra 8:23]].
* **The Posture of the Heart:** The prophets emphasize that the physical act of fasting is meaningless without a sincere heart. God challenges the people, asking if their fasts were truly for Him, showing that the motive behind the fast is what matters to God [[Zechariah 7:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6684}}` is far more than the simple act of abstaining from food and drink. It is a powerful biblical practice used to express deep repentance, profound grief, and desperate supplication. It functions as a physical demonstration of a spiritual reality, showing humility and total dependence on God. Ultimately, the scriptures show that the value of a fast is measured not by the external observance, but by the sincerity of the heart before God.
TRV