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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Fastens</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/f/fastens.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/job/16-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/f/fastens.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Fastens</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/f/fastening.htm" title="Fastening">◄</a> Fastens <a href="/topical/f/faster.htm" title="Faster">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Purpose:</b> <br>Fasting, in the biblical context, refers to the voluntary abstention from food, and sometimes drink, for a specific period. It is a spiritual discipline intended to humble oneself before God, seek His guidance, express repentance, or prepare for a significant spiritual endeavor. Fasting is often accompanied by prayer and is seen as a means to draw closer to God, demonstrating dependence on Him rather than on physical sustenance.<br><br><b>Old Testament Context:</b> <br>Fasting is a well-documented practice in the Old Testament, often associated with mourning, repentance, and seeking divine intervention. One of the earliest references is found in the Book of Judges, where the Israelites fasted and sought the Lord's guidance in battle (<a href="/judges/20-26.htm">Judges 20:26</a>). The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is the only fast explicitly commanded in the Mosaic Law, where the Israelites were to "afflict their souls" (<a href="/leviticus/16-29.htm">Leviticus 16:29-31</a>), traditionally understood as fasting.<br><br>The prophet Joel called for a fast as a response to a locust plague, urging the people to "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning" (<a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12</a>). Similarly, the people of Nineveh proclaimed a fast in response to Jonah's warning of impending judgment, which led to God's mercy (<a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-10</a>).<br><br><b>New Testament Context:</b> <br>In the New Testament, fasting continues to be a significant spiritual practice. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days and nights in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry (<a href="/matthew/4-2.htm">Matthew 4:2</a>). He taught about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing sincerity and humility: "When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites... But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen" (<a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16-18</a>).<br><br>The early church practiced fasting as part of their worship and decision-making processes. In <a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2-3</a>, the church in Antioch fasted and prayed before sending out Barnabas and Saul (Paul) on their missionary journey. Similarly, Paul and Barnabas appointed elders in the churches with prayer and fasting (<a href="/acts/14-23.htm">Acts 14:23</a>).<br><br><b>Theological Significance:</b> <br>Fasting is seen as an act of worship and devotion, a way to humble oneself before God and seek His will. It is not merely a physical act but a spiritual discipline that reflects a heart posture of dependence on God. Fasting is often associated with repentance and intercession, as seen in the examples of Daniel (<a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a>) and Esther (<a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a>).<br><br><b>Practical Application:</b> <br>While fasting is not mandated for Christians, it remains a valuable practice for spiritual growth and discernment. Believers are encouraged to fast with the right motives, focusing on God rather than the act itself. Fasting can be a powerful tool for breaking spiritual strongholds, seeking guidance, and deepening one's relationship with God.<br><br><b>Cautions:</b> <br>Fasting should be approached with wisdom and discernment, considering one's health and circumstances. It is not a means to manipulate God or earn His favor but a way to align oneself with His purposes. Jesus warned against fasting for outward show, emphasizing the importance of sincerity and humility in this spiritual discipline.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/2388.htm"><span class="l">2388. chazaq -- to be or grow firm or strong, strengthen</span></a><br><b>...</b> 4), encourage* (1), encouraged (2), encouraged* (3), encouragement (1), encourages<br> (1), established himself securely (1), fasten (1), <b>fastens</b> (1), fierce (1 <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/2388.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 8k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/allestree/the_government_of_the_tongue/section_xi_of_positiveness.htm"><span class="l">Of Positiveness.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> This is one of the most oppressive Monopolies imaginable: all others can concern<br> only something without us, but this <b>fastens</b> upon our natures, yea, and the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section xi of positiveness.htm</font><p><a href="/library/booth/godliness/chapter_vi_charity_and_loneliness.htm"><span class="l">Charity and Loneliness.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But then, there is something to be done first God lets down the sheet with<br> all its unclean contents, and Peter <b>fastens</b> his eyes upon it. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vi charity and loneliness.htm</font><p><a href="/library/robertson/sermons_preached_at_brighton/x_purity.htm"><span class="l">Purity.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> and get rid of the tendencies of disease which are from within, Christianity, leaving<br> all outward circumstances to ameliorate themselves, <b>fastens</b> its attention <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/x purity.htm</font><p><a href="/library/finney/lectures_on_revivals_of_religion/lecture_iii_how_to_promote.htm"><span class="l">How to Promote a Revival.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> So if a man thinks of God, and <b>fastens</b> his mind on any parts of God's character,<br> he will feel"emotions will come up, by the very laws of mind. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture iii how to promote.htm</font><p><a href="/library/mcgarvey/a_commentary_on_acts_of_the_apostles/acts_vii.htm"><span class="l">Acts VII</span></a> <br><b>...</b> party, while his Master and himself are side by side with Moses and others whom<br> they had persecuted: Thus he hurls back upon them, and <b>fastens</b> on them <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts vii.htm</font><p><a href="/library/melanchthon/the_apology_of_the_augsburg_confession/part_3_what_is_justifying.htm"><span class="l">What is Justifying Faith?</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Wherefore he puts them together as things that belong to one another, and connects<br> promise and faith. [There Paul <b>fastens</b> and binds together these two, thus <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 3 what is justifying.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kleiser/talks_on_talking/thoughts_on_talking.htm"><span class="l">Thoughts on Talking</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Mathews. * * * *. The fault of literary conversation in general is its too great<br> tenaciousness. It <b>fastens</b> upon a subject, and will not let it go. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/thoughts on talking.htm</font><p><a href="/library/chidley/fifty-two_story_talks_to_boys_and_girls/tire-trouble.htm"><span class="l">Tire-Trouble</span></a> <br><b>...</b> way. And finally tires may get rim-cut, which means that the steel rim<br> which <b>fastens</b> them on wears them through by rubbing. The <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/tire-trouble.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bunyan/the_works_of_john_bunyan_volumes_1-3/saved_by_grace.htm"><span class="l">Saved by Grace;</span></a> <br><b>...</b> He <b>fastens</b> conviction upon conviction"gives blow upon blow to human pride; proving<br> that there can be found nothing in our fallen nature to recommend the <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/saved by grace.htm</font><p><a href="/library/gordon/quiet_talks_on_johns_gospel/teaching_three_things_in_one.htm"><span class="l">Teaching Three Things in one Action.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Now He acts.[106] Quietly He rises from the table, picks up a towel and <b>fastens</b><br> its end in His waistband for convenience in use, after the servant's usual <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/teaching three things in one.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/f/fastens.htm"><span class="l"><b>Fastens</b> (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Fastens</b> (2 Occurrences). Job 16:9 He has torn me in his<br> wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fastens.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/n/nails.htm"><span class="l">Nails (16 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> He who smoothes with the hammer encourages him who strikes the anvil, saying of<br> the soldering, "It is good;" and he <b>fastens</b> it with nails, that it might not <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/n/nails.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/latch.htm"><span class="l">Latch (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To smear; to anoint. 2. (n.) That which<br><b>fastens</b> or holds; a lace; a snare. 3. (n.) A movable piece <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/latch.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/latchet.htm"><span class="l">Latchet (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3:16). Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n.) The string that <b>fastens</b> a shoe; a<br> shoestring. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LATCHET. lach <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/latchet.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/lock.htm"><span class="l">Lock (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2. (n.) Anything that <b>fastens</b>; specifically, a fastening, as for a door, a lid,<br> a trunk, a drawer, and the like, in which a bolt is moved by a key so as to <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/lock.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/g/goldsmith.htm"><span class="l">Goldsmith (6 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> He who smoothes with the hammer encourages him who strikes the anvil, saying of<br> the soldering, "It is good;" and he <b>fastens</b> it with nails, that it might not <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/g/goldsmith.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fast.htm"><span class="l">Fast (157 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 15. (a.) In a fast or rapid manner; quickly; swiftly; extravagantly; wildly; as,<br> to run fast; to live fast. 16. (n.) That which <b>fastens</b> or holds; especially <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fast.htm - 49k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/faster.htm"><span class="l">Faster (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/faster.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fastening.htm"><span class="l">Fastening (5 Occurrences)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fastening.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/e/encourages.htm"><span class="l">Encourages (4 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> He who smoothes with the hammer encourages him who strikes the anvil, saying of<br> the soldering, "It is good;" and he <b>fastens</b> it with nails, that it might not <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/e/encourages.htm - 7k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/astrology-Bible.html">What does the Bible say about astrology and the zodiac? Is astrology something a Christian should study? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Fastens (2 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/job/16-9.htm">Job 16:9</a></span><br />He has torn me in his wrath, and persecuted me. He has gnashed on me with his teeth. My adversary sharpens his eyes on me.<br /><span class="source">(See NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/41-7.htm">Isaiah 41:7</a></span><br />So the carpenter encourages the goldsmith. He who smoothes with the hammer encourages him who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, "It is good;" and he <span class="boldtext">fastens</span> it with nails, that it might not totter.<br /><span class="source">(WEB NAS)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/f/fastens.htm">Fastens</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/outrun.htm">Outrun (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/walk.htm">Walk (315 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fastest.htm">Fastest (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fastens.htm">Fastens (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/reached.htm">Reached (152 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/rust.htm">Rust (7 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/swallow.htm">Swallow (38 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/d/dew.htm">Dew (35 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/camel.htm">Camel (13 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/redeemer.htm">Redeemer (42 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/redemption.htm">Redemption (46 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/forward.htm">Forward (252 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/f/fastening.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Fastening"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Fastening" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/f/faster.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Faster"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Faster" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>