What Does the Bible say about Abstinence | Scripture | Bible | Fasting | PDF | Quiz

What Does the Bible say about Abstinence – The Bible offers a plethora of teachings on the subject of abstinence, from its well-known commandment to “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18) to its more nuanced teachings regarding abstinence before marriage and purity of body and mind.

Abstinence is widely seen as a virtue in the Bible, with God calling on believers to “abstain from all kinds of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Jesus taught that “anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28), and warned about the dangers of indulging in the pleasures of the flesh.

The Bible also emphasizes self-control, noting that “he who rules his spirit is greater than he who takes a city” (Proverbs 16:32). For those who wish to live in accord with biblical standards, abstinence is seen as a path to holiness and a way to honor God.

What Does the Bible say about Abstinence?

The Bible is the holy book of Christians and it is full of teachings about abstinence. Abstinence can be defined as a voluntary restriction from certain activities or desires, especially sexual activities or desires. In Christianity, abstinence is a moral and spiritual practice that is closely associated with obedience to God and living in a Christ-like manner. In this blog, we will be looking at what the Bible says is an abomination and how it can be used as an important guide in our lives.

How Abstinence from Sin Takes Courage and is Admirable

Abstaining from sin is a difficult task that takes a considerable amount of courage and self-discipline. To make the decision to abstain from sin is to consciously decide to turn away from something that could bring pleasure, comfort, or satisfaction in the short-term, for the sake of the greater good in the long term.

It is an admirable act of self-control and valor that should be respected and admired. This act of abstinence requires a moral and spiritual strength that is often overlooked and underestimated.

By abstaining from sin, one can demonstrate a commitment to a higher purpose, such as a greater faith, a greater commitment to personal values, or to a greater good. Abstaining from sin is a choice that takes courage, and it is an admirable act that should be celebrated.

What is Abstinence According to the Bible?

The Bible has a lot to say about abstinence. In the Old Testament, Leviticus 18:22 says, “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.” This verse is often used to refer to homosexuality, but it is more broadly applicable to all forms of sexual immorality.

Table on the Spiritual Benefits of Fasting

Please note that fasting should be approached with caution and wisdom. It’s not recommended for everyone, particularly those with certain health conditions. Always consult with a health professional before beginning a fast.

In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:18 says, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.” This verse is a reminder that sexual immorality is a sin against the body, which is why it is important to abstain from it.

Types of Abstinence in the Bible

Abstinence in the Bible can be divided into two main types: spiritual and physical. Spiritual abstinence is the practice of refraining from activities and desires that are contrary to the will of God. This could include things like avoiding gossip or refraining from certain types of entertainment. Physical abstinence is the practice of refraining from certain physical activities, such as sexual activities. This is an important part of living a moral and spiritual life.

1. Eating Blood – The Bible forbids the eating of blood (Leviticus 7:26-27; Deuteronomy 12:23-24) as it is seen as a sacred substance that should not be taken in by humans. This is likely due to its relationship to life, as it is seen as a representation of the life of the animal.
2. Work on the Sabbath – The Bible forbids work on the Sabbath, which is the seventh day of the week (Exodus 20:8-11). It is seen as a day of rest, to be spent with God and in prayer. It is seen as a time to focus on spiritual matters and to reflect on the blessings of God.
3. Idolatry – Idolatry is strictly forbidden in the Bible (Exodus 20:4-5; Deuteronomy 5:7-9). It is seen as an act of worshiping something other than God and is seen as a form of spiritual idolatry. This is because it is believed that the only true God is the one revealed in the Bible and that any form of idolatry is an act of betrayal against him.
4. Polygamy – Polygamy, or having multiple wives, is forbidden in the Bible (Deuteronomy 17:17). It is seen as a form of adultery, as it is an act of having multiple sexual relationships outside of marriage. This is likely due to the fact that it could lead to a breakdown in family units and is seen as a form of disrespecting the sanctity of marriage.
5. Divination – Divination, or the practice of using supernatural means to gain knowledge or foretell the future, is forbidden in the Bible (Leviticus 19:26; Deuteronomy 18:9-14). This is because it is seen as an attempt to gain knowledge or power that should come from God alone. It is believed that any attempts to use divination are an act of defiance against God and are therefore forbidden.

What Does the Bible Say About Abstaining from Sin?

The Bible has a lot to say about abstaining from sin. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 11:6 says, “The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires.” This verse is a reminder that it is important to abstain from evil desires and to live a righteous life. In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.

God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” This verse reminds us that God will always provide a way out of temptation, and it is important to take that way out.

Steps the Bible Teaches us to Abstain from Evil

1. Flee from Evil – This is the first step in abstaining from evil. The Bible tells us to “flee from evil” (1 Corinthians 6:18). We should avoid situations that could lead us into temptation and sin.
2. Pray for Strength – When we are tempted to do wrong, we should ask God to give us the strength to resist. The Bible tells us to “pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40).
3. Put on the Armor of God – When we are tempted, we should put on the armor of God to protect us from evil. Ephesians 6:11-18 tells us to put on the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.
4. Surround Yourself with Godly People – We should surround ourselves with people who will encourage us to do what is right. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 13:20 “he who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
5. Memorize Scripture – Memorizing scripture can help us to resist temptation. When we are tempted, we can quote a verse of scripture to encourage us.
6. Study the Bible – The Bible is full of wisdom and knowledge that can help us to make wise choices. We should read and study the Bible so that we can better understand God’s will for our lives.
7. Be Accountable – We should be accountable to others for our actions. Having someone to talk to and confide in can help us resist temptation.
8. Give Thanks – The Bible tells us to give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Giving thanks to God will help us to focus on His goodness, instead of the temptation that we are facing.
9. Do Good – We should do good works and help others in need. This will help us to stay focused on doing what is right and pleasing to God.
10. Rely on the Holy Spirit – We should rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us abstain from evil. The Bible tells us that the Spirit will help us if we ask Him (Philippians 4:13).

Biblical Verses on Abstinence

There are many verses in the Bible that speak about abstinence. In the Old Testament, 1 Samuel 2:30 says, “Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained.” This verse reminds us that God will honor those who honor Him, and that it is important to abstain from sin and to honor God. In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:18–20 says, “Flee from sexual immorality.

All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This verse reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and it is important to honor God by abstaining from sexual immorality.

Hebrew Words about Abstinence

In the Old Testament, there are two main Hebrew words that are used to refer to abstinence. The first is “shomer”, which means to guard or watch over. This word is often used to refer to keeping oneself from sexual immorality. The second word is “ne’eman”, which means faithful or trustworthy. This word is often used to refer to being faithful in one’s relationship with God.

1. Natzakh (נצח): This Hebrew word means to abstain from something, to refrain from.
2. Chashek (חשק): This Hebrew word translates to abstinence, self-control, or self-denial.
3. Zokhef (זוכף): This Hebrew word means to hold back or restrain oneself.
4. Nivdal (נבדל): This Hebrew word means to separate oneself from something or abstain from it.
5. Nitna (נתנ): This Hebrew word means to give up something, to forgo or abstain from it.
6. Rakhok (רחוק): This Hebrew word means to keep away or to stay away from, to abstain.
7. Shav (שוו): This Hebrew word translates to abstain, to refrain from.
8. Vayemol (וימל): This Hebrew word means to stay away from something, to abstain or refrain from it.
9. Natata (נתתא): This Hebrew word means to give up something, to abstain or desist from it.
10. Nigzar (נגזר): This Hebrew word translates to abstain, to hold back, or to refrain from.

Greek Words about Abstinence

1. Apeíchein (ἀπείχειν): This is a verb in the Greek language that translates to “abstain” or “keep away from” something. It can also be used to mean “refrain” or “hold back” from something.
2. Aphemein (ἀφημεῖν): This is another verb in the Greek language that translates to “abstain” or “refrain” from something. It can be used to describe someone who is not doing something they should be doing or someone who is avoiding something.
3. Apheteia (ἀφητεια): This is a noun in the Greek language that translates to “abstinence”. It is used to refer to the practice of refraining from indulging in something, such as food, drink, or activities.
4. Ephéô (ἐφέω): This is a verb in the Greek language that translates to “abstain” or “refrain” from something. It can also be used to mean “stay away from” something.
5. Pheidéin (φειδεῖν): This is a verb in the Greek language that translates to “abstain” or “refrain” from something. It can also be used to mean “hold back” or “avoid” something.

Aramaic Words about Abstinence

1. ḥṣḥ (Hebrew: חצח): This word is derived from the root word חצח, meaning “to refrain” or “to abstain”. It is used to denote abstinence from a certain action or behavior.
2. šḥḥ (Hebrew: שחח): This word is derived from the root word שחח, meaning “to restrain” or “to abstain”. It is also used to denote abstinence from a certain action or behavior.
3. qśq (Hebrew: קסק): This word is derived from the root word קסק, meaning “to refrain” or “to abstain”. It is usually used to denote abstinence from a certain action or behavior.
4. ššm (Hebrew: ששם): This word is derived from the root word ששם, meaning “to abstain” or “to hold back”. It is commonly used to refer to abstaining from a certain action or behavior.
5. qrḥ (Hebrew: קרח): This word is derived from the root word קרח, meaning “to abstain” or “to refrain”. It is often used to denote abstinence from a certain action or behavior.
6. ʿqn (Hebrew: עקן): This word is derived from the root word עקן, meaning “to abstain” or “to refrain from”. It is used to refer to abstaining from a certain action or behavior.

Abstinence and Sin in the Bible

The Bible has a lot to say about abstaining from sin. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.” This verse is a reminder that sin is not only a personal issue, but it can have an effect on the entire nation.

In the New Testament, Romans 6:1–2 says, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” This verse reminds us that we are dead to sin, so it is important to abstain from it.

Abstinence in the King James Bible

The King James Bible has a lot of verses about abstinence. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 20:7 says, “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.” This verse is a reminder that it is important to lead a blameless life, and that being obedient to God will bring blessings to our children. In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:18–20 says, “Flee from sexual immorality.

All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

This verse is a reminder that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and it is important to honor God by abstaining from sexual immorality.

What Does the James Version of the Bible Say About Abstaining

The James Version of the Bible has a few verses about abstaining from sin. In the Old Testament, Psalm 119:37 says, “Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.” This verse is a reminder that it is important to turn away from sin and to live a life that is in line with God’s word. In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:18–20 says, “Flee from sexual immorality.

All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This verse reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and it is important to honor God by abstaining from sexual immorality.

Abstinence and Sexual Immorality in the Bible

The Bible has a lot to say about abstinence from sexual immorality. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 5:18–19 says, “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.”

This verse is a reminder that it is important to be faithful to our spouse and to abstain from sexual immorality. In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:18–20 says, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This verse reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and it is important to honor God by abstaining from sexual immorality.

Abstinence and Marriage in the Bible

The Bible has a lot to say about abstinence and marriage. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 5:18–19 says, “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.”

This verse is a reminder that it is important to be faithful to our spouse and to abstain from sexual immorality. In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 7:1–2 says, “Now for the matters you wrote about: ‘It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.’

But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband.” This verse is a reminder that it is important to be faithful to our spouse and to abstain from sexual immorality.

Abstinence in Christianity

Abstinence is an important part of the Christian faith. It is a way of living that is in line with the teachings of Jesus and the Bible. It is a way of living that is focused on loving God and loving others.

Abstinence is a way of living that is focused on holiness and purity, and it is a way of living that is focused on avoiding the temptations of sin. Abstinence is a way of living that is focused on honoring God with our bodies, and it is a way of living that is focused on abstaining from sexual immorality.

Abstinence and Sex in the Bible

The Bible has a lot to say about abstinence and sex. In the Old Testament, Proverbs 5:18–19 says, “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.” This verse is a reminder that it is important to be faithful to our spouse and to abstain from sexual immorality.

In the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6:18–20 says, “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This verse reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and it is important to honor God by abstaining from sexual immorality.

Abstinence in the New Testament

The New Testament has a lot to say about abstinence. In the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul says, “It is good for a man not to touch a woman.” This is a reminder that it is important to abstain from sexual immorality. In the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price.

Therefore honor God with your bodies.” This verse reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and it is important to honor God by abstaining from sexual immorality.

Abstinence in the Old Testament

The Old Testament has a lot to say about abstinence. In the book of Leviticus, God says, “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.” This verse is often used to refer to homosexuality, but it is more broadly applicable to all forms of sexual immorality.

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon says, “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer—may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.” This verse is a reminder that it is important to be faithful to our spouse and to abstain from sexual immorality.

Final Thoughts – What Does the Bible Say about Abstinance

Abstinence is an important part of the Christian faith. It is a way of living that is in line with the teachings of Jesus and the Bible. Abstinence is a way of living that is focused on holiness and purity, and it is a way of living that is focused on avoiding the temptations of sin. The Bible has a lot to say about abstinence, and it is important to be familiar with these verses in order to live a life of obedience to God and to abstain from sin.