TSOM - FAST, FASTING

But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; in those days they will fast.” 

Luke 5: 35 (NIV)

(1)

INTRODUCTION

Some demons can only be rebuked with prayer accompanied by fasting. Fasting is a powerful spiritual tool and weapon. Our forefathers fasted for various spiritual reasons. Nowadays, its medical benefits have put fasting on the schedule of many believers and even non-believers. The Hebrew word for fasting is tsom, and it derives from the verb tsum, meaning to fast. Despite fasting no longer being a requirement for Christians, I do believe it is very beneficial for spiritual empowerment, strengthening, and keeping oneself healthy mentally, emotionally, and physically.

WITH PRAYER AND FASTING

Yeshua helped many throughout his earthly ministry. He opened the eyes of the blind, restored hearing to the deaf, fed the hungry, and healed the sick. Whoever they brought to Him was delivered from their ailment. 

One day, a Father brought his son to Yeshua. A demon was plaguing him. In Matthew 17: 14-23 (NIV), the account is described in detail.

¹⁴ And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,

¹⁵ Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.

¹⁶ And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.

¹⁷ Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.

¹⁸ And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.

¹⁹ Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?

²⁰ And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

²¹ Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Matthew 17: 14-23 (KJV)

Yeshua rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy and fled. From Yeshua's answer, it is clear that this type of demon can only be cast out through prayer and fasting. Sadly, some translations omit the fasting part, which I believe is a grave mistake.

DEFINITION AND TYPES OF FASTING

What is fasting? From a biblical perspective, fasting is voluntary abstention from food and sometimes drink, undertaken for spiritual purposes as a means of humbling oneself before God, seeking His guidance, expressing repentance, or preparing for spiritual endeavors. (2)

In the Old Testament, fasting was usually associated with mourning, repentance, and supplication. In the New Testament, it was also used many times in preparation for an assignment or to draw closer to God.

There are three basic types of fasting found in the scripture:

• water fast: abstaining from food and all liquids except water

• partial fast: abstaining only from certain types of food (ex. Daniel fast)

• dry fast: abstaining from all food and liquids (Ex. Esther)

BENEFITS OF FASTING

Fasting is a popular tool nowadays, even outside of religious circles. Its many great health benefits have led many all across nations to implement it in their daily schedules, even if not for spiritual reasons. (3)

Here are some of the benefits it has been associated with:

• promising effects on the cardiovascular system

• helps improve blood pressure, 

• helps improve cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. 

• enhances insulin sensitivity, 

• promotes weight loss,

• improves metabolic health 

• can boost immune function

• reduces inflammation

• enhances autophagy

• supports the body's defense against infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases

• is associated with neuroprotective properties

• improves cognitive function

• reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases

• has the ability to increase lifespan. (3)

In the modern world, there are so many different fasts. Here are some just to name a few:

• Extended Fasting – 24 Hours or More

• Intermittent Fasting – 16/8 Method

• Alternate-Day Fasting

• The 5:2 Diet

• Time-Restricted Eating – 12/12 Method

• Water Fasting

• Dry Fasting

• Fasting Mimicking Diet

• Juice Fasting

• One Meal a Day – OMAD (4)

TSOM - HEBREW WORD FOR FAST

The Hebrew word for fast is tsom. It derives from the word tsum, which means to fast, to cover over (the mouth). (5, 6)

Fasting was a symbolic reminder of human mortality, and it wasn’t exclusive to Jewish worship. It was often associated with death, in contrast to feasting being associated with life. Death and fasting often went hand in hand. (7)

40 DAYS AND NIGHTS

Yeshua announced that His ministry was meant for feasting, not fasting (Luke 5:33-35, Matthew 9:14-15, Mark 2:18-20). Yet before his ministry truly began, he fasted for forty days and nights in preparation for the insane task ahead of Him. Yeshua knew he would need the spiritual strengthening when temptation would come. Temptation did come, but Yeshua overcame it. He passed every test. Satan had found no ground in common with Him, and in so had no hold on Him. I would like to add that Yeshua also mentioned that when He is taken away, His disciples will fast. Our biblical forefathers all fasted, and I believe we should too. But there is no need for exaggeration. Fast as led by the Holy Spirit. (7)

After His wilderness journey, Yeshua was left alone to continue with His ministry undisturbed until the appointed time for the persecution to finalize at the cross. (7)

CONCLUSION

There are different reasons why people choose to fast, especially nowadays. Some fast because of medical benefits, others because of spiritual significance. Either way, fasting is a powerful tool from both perspectives, and our biblical forefathers all fasted regularly. The Hebrew word for fasting is tsom, and it derives from the verb tsum, meaning to fast. Yeshua Himself fasted in preparation for His assignment. But as I am reminding myself, I remind you too, let us fast as led by the Holy Spirit.

Application

Seek the Lord during this week regarding your personal life and fasting. Ask Him if you should implement fasting or abolish it for the upcoming season. Then ask Him further about what type of fast you should be seeking to bring into your schedule. 

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/b7e698_57a38fe7f67641d0b2aa90e122270ac5/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

SOURCES

1. Image was created via canva.com

2. Bible Hub. Fasting. Available at https://biblehub.com/topical/f/fasting.htm 

3. Rawan Mackieh et al. Unlocking the Benefits of Fasting: A Review of its Impact on Various Biological Systems and Human Health. Available at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38018193/ 

4. Bridgette Becker. Types of Fasting — 11 Methods Explained With Benefits. April 8, 2026. Available at https://wecarespa.com/types-of-fasting/ 

5. Bible Hub. Tsom. Available at https://biblehub.com/hebrew/6685.htm 

6. Bible Hub. Tsum. Available at https://biblehub.com/hebrew/6684.htm 

7. Sarah Fisher. Tsum/Tsom: FASTING on Tisha B’Av. August 7, 2022. Available at https://hebrewwordlessons.com/2022/08/07/tsum-tsom-fasting-on-tisha-bav/