Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Fasting”
The biblical word “Fasting” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (tsum (Hebrew), nesteia (Greek)), where it meant “Abstinence from food and drink; a disciplinary and penitential practice”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The act of voluntarily abstaining from food; a period of fasting for health or spiritual reasons”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greektsum (Hebrew), nesteia (Greek)Abstinence from food and drink; a disciplinary and penitential practice
Hebrew tsum (H6684) = to abstain from food; widespread in OT for repentance (Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur). Greek nesteia (ne- + edein, 'not to eat') = abstinence from food, common in NT (Mark 9:29).
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinieiuniumVoluntary abstinence from food for spiritual discipline and penance, especially during Lent
Latin ieiunium (from ieiunus, 'empty, fasting') was a core monastic discipline. Church law prescribed fasting on specific days and periods, especially Lent.
Modern English
EnglishfastingThe act of voluntarily abstaining from food; a period of fasting for health or spiritual reasons
From Old English fæstan (to fast, to abstain). Gerund form of 'fast' (adjective = firm, secure). Now used both in religious and health contexts.