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
