Fasting is a spiritual discipline that is mentioned numerous times in the Bible. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible passages that discuss fasting:
Old Testament Verses on Fasting
In the Old Testament, fasting was often done in times of grief, repentance, or urgent prayer. Here are some examples:
- When David’s child was ill, “David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground.” (2 Samuel 12:16 ESV)
- “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods.” (Ezra 8:21 ESV)
- “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do.” (Esther 4:16 ESV)
- “Therefore the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. Then you will defile your carved idols overlaid with silver and your gold-plated metal images. You will scatter them as unclean things. You will say to them, “Be gone!” And he will give rain for the seed with which you sow the ground, and bread, the produce of the ground, which will be rich and plenteous. In that day your livestock will graze in large pastures.” (Isaiah 30:18-23 ESV)
As these verses illustrate, fasting in the Old Testament was closely linked to mourning, repentance, seeking God urgently in prayer, and humbling oneself before God.
New Testament Verses on Fasting
In the New Testament, Jesus affirms that fasting remains an appropriate spiritual discipline for His followers to practice. However, He warns against fasting for the purpose of being seen by others:
- “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:16-18 ESV)
- “Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” (Matthew 9:14-15 ESV)
- “But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days.” (Mark 2:20 ESV)
- “And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.” (Luke 6:5-11 ESV)
In these New Testament passages, Jesus assumes his followers will fast and gives instructions on how to fast in the right mindset and attitude. He implies that fasting can accompany grief and mourning.
Purposes of Fasting
Based on biblical examples of fasting, here are some purposes that fasting serves:
- Repentance – Fasting is often accompanied by repentance, sorrow over sin, and crying out to God for mercy.
- Humility – Fasting reminds us of our weakness and total dependence on God for sustenance.
- Intercession – God’s people often fasted when interceding for the needs or protection of others.
- Preparation for spiritual warfare – Fasting can prepare us for confronting sin and overcoming spiritual opposition.
- Increasing spiritual authority and power – After times of fasting, Jesus and the disciples were able to cast out demons the disciples previously could not (Mark 9:29).
- Seeking God’s guidance – Fasting is often accompanied by intensive prayer while seeking God’s will and guidance.
Overall, the purpose of fasting is not to “get something from God” but to align our hearts with His and humble ourselves before Him. It is a way to prepare for a significant spiritual work or to demonstrate grief, repentance, and dependence on God.
How Should Christians Fast Today?
The New Testament does not prescribe any required fasting rituals or schedules. Based on principles from these passages, the following guidelines may help believers today apply fasting:
- Fasting should be done with a right heart attitude, avoiding pride and hypocrisy.
- A partial or normal fast may be appropriate over a 24-hour period or for an extended time.
- Plan your fast in advance, knowing what you will refrain from and when you will end the fast.
- Consider abstaining from food but still drinking water, juices, or smoothies during partial fasts.
- Focus extra time on prayer, Scripture, and worship during a fast.
- You may choose to fast silently or let others know you are fasting for a specific purpose.
- Couples could consider fasting together before major decisions or church commitments.
The purposes and benefits of fasting will be determined by our motives and the condition of our heart before God. When done with humility and sincerity, fasting remains a valuable biblical discipline for today’s believers.
Examples of Fasting in the Bible
Here are some key examples of people fasting in the Bible:
- Moses – Deuteronomy 9:9 says “When I went up the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the Lord made with you, I remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water.” Moses fasted 40 days on Mount Sinai.
- Hannah – 1 Samuel 1:7 notes that Hannah was in “bitterness of soul” and wept while fasting over her barrenness. God eventually answered her prayers.
- David – 2 Samuel 12:16 mentions David fasting and pleading for God’s mercy on his sick child’s life.
- Elijah – 1 Kings 19:8 recounts how Elijah fasted for 40 days and nights on his journey to Mount Horeb to meet with God.
- Daniel – Daniel 9:3 records that Daniel sought the Lord with fasting as he confessed his sins and interceded for Israel.
- Nehemiah – Nehemiah 1:4 notes that when Nehemiah heard sad news about Jerusalem, he mourned, fasted, and prayed to God.
- Esther – Esther 4:16 displays Esther asking the Jews in Susa to fast with her for three days before she went before the king.
- Anna – Luke 2:37 introduces Anna, who worshipped God with fasting and prayer night and day at the temple.
- Cornelius – Acts 10:30 shares that Cornelius was fasting and praying when the angel visited him.
- Paul – Acts 14:23 shows Paul and the elders praying and fasting together before appointing elders at the churches.
This list provides examples of fasting tied to mourning, repentance, seeking God urgently, and ministering to God and others. The purposes and results of fasting varied based on the needs of the moment.
Promises About Fasting
In addition to examples, Scripture gives these promises to those who fast with a right heart before God:
- “Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily.” (Isaiah 58:8 ESV)
- “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6 ESV)
- “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:18 ESV)
God rewards those who fast with humility and promises spiritual insight, freedom, joy, and greater intimacy with Him. Our motives and obedience are key to receiving these benefits.
Warnings About Fasting
The Bible also gives cautions about fasting:
- “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.” (Joel 2:12-13 ESV)
- “Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.” (Isaiah 58:5-8 ESV)
We learn that going without food alone does not please God. Fasting must be accompanied by repentance, renewed obedience, charity, and justice to be acceptable to the Lord.
Practical Tips for Fasting
If you want to start fasting, here are some tips:
- Start small – Try fasting for 1 meal, 1 day, or 1 week your first time.
- Drink water – Stay hydrated during a fast, especially if abstaining from all food.
- Limit physical activity – Reduce exercise and strenuous work during extended fasts.
- Tell others – Share your fast with family so they can support you.
- Rest and reflect – Use extra time to read Scripture, pray, journal, and rest.
- Break the fast well – Reintroduce small portions of healthy food when ending a prolonged fast.
- Fast regularly – Consider making 1 day a week or month your regular fasting day.
The goal of fasting is to draw nearer to God. Follow His lead faithfully and biblically as you fast.
Common Questions About Fasting
Here are answers to some frequent questions about fasting:
- Should pregnant or nursing mothers fast? – Pregnant or nursing mothers should not do extended or complete fasts according to normal standards of health and medical advice.
- Can children fast? – Children can be taught to fast for short periods when led by and supervised by parents or guardians.
- What about fasting for communion or before baptism? – Many churches encourage fasting to prepare for communion or baptism as a demonstration of spiritual devotion, though fasting is not biblically required for either.
- What is the connection between prayer and fasting? – Scripture often links prayer and fasting together. Fasting can be a physical expression and reminder of our deep need for God in prayer.
- What does fasting “undo the bonds of wickedness” mean? – As we humble ourselves through fasting, we are reminded of our dependence on God and sin is exposed in our hearts, leading to repentance and freedom that only God provides.
- Can medication be taken during a fast? – Those fasting should still take necessary medications as directed by a doctor.
The goal of fasting is to draw closer to God, not to harm oneself. Wisdom, medical advice, and spiritual guidance are key for questions on fasting specifics.
In Summary
Fasting is a valuable biblical discipline Christians have practiced for centuries. When accompanied by true repentance and right motives, fasting allows us to powerfully humble ourselves before God, pray more fervently, and rely wholly on His sustenance and grace. Biblical fasting brings believers closer to God and enables us to be guided by the Holy Spirit for the tasks God has called us to do. While fasting is not required in Scripture, it is commended and modeled for important spiritual purposes if done voluntarily and biblically.