Old Testament readings use the Septuagint , the Scripture the apostles quoted. Masoretic numbering shown for reference.Learn why

abstain

verb intransitive

[L. abstineo, to keep from; abs and teneo, to hold. See Tenant.]

In a general sense, to forbear, or refrain from, voluntarily; but used chiefly to denote a restraint upon the passions or appetites; to refrain from indulgence. Abstain from meats offered to idols. Acts 15:29. To abstain from the use of ardent spirits; to abstain from luxuries.