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Dictionary of Bible Themes – 8432 fasting, practice of
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Dictionary of Bible Themes
8000 The life of the believer
8400 The tasks of the believer
8429 fasting
8432 fasting, practice of
8432 fasting, practice of
8432 fasting, practice of
Although fasting is a negative practice, it is not an end in itself but is to be undertaken for a positive purpose.
Fasting is not an end in itself
Fasting as empty ritual is condemned Jer 14:11-12 See also Isa 58:1-7; Zec 7:4-7
Fasting as mere show is condemned Mt 6:16-18 See also Mt 9:14-15 pp Mk 2:18-20 pp Lk 5:33-35 Jesus Christ repudiated fasting for its own sake whilst granting that there is a time and a place for it.
Fasting imposed for false motives 1Sa 14:24-30
Attitudes appropriate to fasting
Humility Ps 35:13 See also 1Ki 21:27-29; Ezr 8:21; Ps 69:10
Repentance 1Sa 7:6 See also Ne 9:1-3; Joel 1:13-14; Joel 2:12-15
Fasting and prayer
Ne 1:4 See also Ezr 8:21-23; Ps 35:13; Da 9:3; Mt 17:20 fn pp Mk 9:29 fn; Lk 2:37; Lk 5:33; Ac 13:3; Ac 14:23; 1Co 7:3-5 The motivation here is similar to that in abstaining from food.
Fasting and worship
See also
| 6732 | repentance |
| 8620 | prayer, practicalities |
| 8622 | worship |
Dictionary of Bible Themes Scripture index copyright Martin H. Manser, 2009. As Editor, Martin Manser wishes to thank all those who compiled or edited the NIV Thematic Study Bible, on which this work is based.
