νηστεύω
nēsteuō (G3522)
to fast
AI Word Study
Based on the given data, the Greek word "νηστεύω" (nēsteuō) means "to fast." The fact that it occurs 21 times in the Bible suggests that fasting was an important practice in the culture and spirituality of the time. The high frequency of this word indicates that fasting was likely a common and significant aspect of ancient Mediterranean life. The meaning of "nēsteuō" can be seen in its singular focus on fasting, rather than abstaining from other behaviors. This suggests that when the word is used, the primary emphasis is on denying oneself food. The lack of additional definition or connotations in the lexicon data implies that fasting was viewed as a fundamental act of self-denial or asceticism. The significance of "nēsteuō" lies in its ubiquity in the Bible, where it is mentioned in the context of various stories, events, and figures. The multiple occurrences of this word likely attest to its importance in early Christian practice and may indicate that fasting played a key role in spiritual development, purification, or spiritual discipline within ancient Christian communities.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry afterward.
“Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.
But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face;
so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.
Then John’s disciples came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don’t fast?”
Jesus said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.
John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don’t fast?”
Jesus said to them, “Can the groomsmen fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they can’t fast.
But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.
They said to him, “Why do John’s disciples often fast and pray, likewise also the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink?”
He said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them?
But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them. Then they will fast in those days.”
Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.”
Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.