Abstinence
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
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.
What 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?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Abstinence clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.