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Archaic KJV Word

What Does “Fast” Mean in the Bible?

In the King James Bible, Fast means firm in modern English. It is an archaic word from the 1611 KJV that has dropped out of everyday use.

What Was Lost

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.

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