5794 asceticism
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  5000 Humanity  »  5760 Human attitudes and behaviour  »  5794 asceticism

Rigorous self-denial of bodily pleasures and needs. This can be motivated either by a praiseworthy desire to dedicate oneself completely to God, or by an erroneous belief that the physical body is evil.

Types of ascetic practice

The ascetic practice of fasting

Esther 4:15-16 See also Judges 20:26; 2 Samuel 1:11-12; Jeremiah 36:5-6; Luke 2:37

The ascetic practice of wearing sackcloth and ashes

Daniel 9:3 See also 1 Kings 21:27; Nehemiah 9:1; Esther 4:3

The ascetic practice of celibacy

1 Corinthians 7:1 See also Exodus 19:15; 1 Samuel 21:4; 1 Corinthians 7:8,36-38; Revelation 14:4

People who practised asceticism

The Nazirites and asceticism

Numbers 6:1-8; Judges 13:4-5; Judges 16:17

John the Baptist and asceticism

Matthew 3:4 pp Mark 1:6; Matthew 11:18 pp Luke 7:33

John's disciples, the Pharisees and asceticism

Matthew 9:14 pp Mark 2:18 pp Luke 5:33; Luke 18:12

The Jews and the ascetic practice of regular fasting

Leviticus 23:26-32; Zechariah 7:1-5

Jesus Christ refuses to enforce ascetic practices

Mark 2:18-19 pp Matthew 9:14-17 pp Luke 5:34-35

Ascetic practice symbolises separation from the world and dedication to God

Asceticism as a sign of repentance

Jonah 3:6-9 See also 1 Samuel 7:6; Ezra 10:6; Joel 1:13-14

Asceticism accompanying prayer

Ezra 8:23 See also 2 Samuel 12:16; Nehemiah 1:4; Acts 14:23; 1 Corinthians 7:5

Ascetic dedication to God's service

1 Corinthians 9:27 See also Daniel 1:8; Matthew 19:12; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35

False asceticism opposed

Rejection of fasting without true repentance

Isaiah 58:3-7; Joel 2:12-14

Condemnation of ostentatious asceticism

Matthew 6:16-18

Asceticism not necessary for right worship and conduct

Colossians 2:20-23; 1 Timothy 4:1-5 Asceticism that is based on a negative view of the material world is rejected.

See also

8429  fasting
8451  mortification
8475  self-denial
8703  antinomianism
8750  false teachings



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