Question 1

What does "Fast" mean in the King James Bible?

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Fast" means "firm." The link between spiritual fasting and spiritual fastness. To fast (abstain from food) was to make oneself fast (firm/fixed) in devotion. 'Hold fast' meant grip with unbreakable firmness, not grab quickly. 'Stand fast in the faith' meant be immovable, not be speedy. The speed meaning severed fasting from fastness.

Question 2

Why did the word "Fast" disappear from modern English?

Accepted Answer

The older meaning 'firm/fixed/secure/steadfast' (Old English faest) was eclipsed by the speed meaning. Modern readers read 'hold fast' as 'hold quickly' rather than 'hold firmly.' The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by ~1800 (the 'firm' sense faded as 'quick' took over).

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Fast"?

Accepted Answer

"Fast" was replaced by: "firm" (though this merely physical resistance; fast-as-firm meant unshakeable, loyal, permanently fixed); "secure" (though this implies safety from threat; fast meant intrinsically immovable regardless of threat); "steadfast" (though this closest match but a compound; fast alone once carried the full weight of immovability).

What Does “Fast” Mean in the Bible?

What Was Lost