Definition and Etymology:
The term "fasteth" is an archaic form of the verb "fast," which refers to the practice of abstaining from food and sometimes drink for a period of time, often for religious or spiritual purposes. The word is derived from the Old English "fæstan," meaning to hold firmly or to observe.

Biblical Context and Usage:
Fasting is a significant spiritual discipline in the Bible, practiced by individuals and communities as a means of seeking God, expressing repentance, or preparing for a divine encounter. The practice is mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

Old Testament Examples:
Fasting is frequently associated with mourning, repentance, and supplication. In the Book of Esther, Queen Esther calls for a fast among the Jews as they face potential annihilation: "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do" (Esther 4:16). Similarly, the prophet Joel calls for a fast as a response to a locust plague and a call to repentance: "Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD" (Joel 1:14).

New Testament Examples:
In the New Testament, fasting is often linked with prayer and spiritual preparation. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry: "After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry" (Matthew 4:2). Jesus also taught about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and humility: "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward" (Matthew 6:16).

Theological Significance:
Fasting is seen as a way to humble oneself before God, to seek His guidance, and to demonstrate earnestness in prayer. It is an act of self-denial that can lead to spiritual renewal and a deeper relationship with God. The practice is often associated with repentance and a desire for purification, as seen in the Day of Atonement, where fasting is commanded as a means of afflicting one's soul (Leviticus 16:29-31).

Practical Application:
In contemporary Christian practice, fasting can take various forms, from abstaining from all food and drink to giving up certain types of food or activities. It is often observed during specific liturgical seasons, such as Lent, as a way to prepare for Easter. Fasting is encouraged as a personal spiritual discipline to draw closer to God, seek His will, and intercede for others.

Cautions and Considerations:
While fasting is a valuable spiritual practice, it should be approached with the right heart and motives. Jesus warned against fasting for the sake of appearance or self-righteousness. Instead, it should be done in secret, with a focus on God rather than on human recognition (Matthew 6:17-18). Additionally, those with health concerns should consider their physical limitations and seek guidance if necessary.

The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety.
... For God loveth him who in a den of darkness fasteth with chastity, rather than
him who in secret chambers liveth delicately without restraint. ...
/.../xi the testament of joseph concerning.htm

Letter xxxvi. (AD 396. )
... in the words of the apostles, "it is evil for that man who eateth with offence,"
[1581] it is equally true that it is evil for that man who fasteth with offence ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxxvi a d 396.htm

Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ
... Verse 2. "And when he fasteth forty days and forty nights, He was afterwards an
hungered." Verse 3. 'Then came to Him the tempter,' and said, 'If you be the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/knox the first temptation.htm

Psalm LXIX.
... For he that consenteth not to men seducing to evil, fasteth from them; and through
this fasting earneth reviling, so that he is upbraided because he consenteth ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxix.htm

Fasteth (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fasteth (1 Occurrence). 1 Kings 21:27 And it cometh
to pass, at Ahab's hearing these words, that he rendeth ...
/f/fasteth.htm - 6k

Gently (19 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 21:27 And it cometh to pass, at Ahab's hearing these words, that he rendeth
his garments, and putteth sackcloth on his flesh, and fasteth, and lieth in ...
/g/gently.htm - 12k

Fastest (1 Occurrence)

/f/fastest.htm - 6k

Rendeth (23 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 21:27 And it cometh to pass, at Ahab's hearing these words, that he rendeth
his garments, and putteth sackcloth on his flesh, and fasteth, and lieth in ...
/r/rendeth.htm - 13k

Ahab's (14 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 21:27 And it cometh to pass, at Ahab's hearing these words, that he rendeth
his garments, and putteth sackcloth on his flesh, and fasteth, and lieth in ...
/a/ahab's.htm - 10k

Fasting (34 Occurrences)

/f/fasting.htm - 23k

Lieth (135 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 21:27 And it cometh to pass, at Ahab's hearing these words, that he rendeth
his garments, and putteth sackcloth on his flesh, and fasteth, and lieth in ...
/l/lieth.htm - 36k

Putteth (182 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 21:27 And it cometh to pass, at Ahab's hearing these words, that he rendeth
his garments, and putteth sackcloth on his flesh, and fasteth, and lieth in ...
/p/putteth.htm - 38k

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