Abstinence
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Abstinence in the Bible?
Abstinence as a form of asceticism reaches back into remote antiquity, and is found among most ancient peoples. It may be defined as a self-discipline which consists in the habitual renunciation, in whole or in part, of the enjoyments of the flesh, with a view to the cultivation of the life of the spirit.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding abstinence clarifies the biblical emphasis on self-control and the deliberate subordination of physical desires to spiritual obedience, illustrating how believers were expected to master their appetites for holy living.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Abstinence in this passage?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.