30 bible verses about fasting kjv (With Explanation)

Today we will talk about bible verses about fasting in the King James Version (KJV). Fasting is a spiritual practice that many Christians participate in, often as a way to draw closer to God and seek His guidance. It is not merely about abstaining from food; rather, it involves a deeper intention of prayer and reflection. Through fasting, we can humble ourselves and focus on building a stronger relationship with the Lord. It reminds us to rely on Him for our need rather than the physical comforts of this world. As we navigate through these verses together, let’s open our hearts and minds, allowing God’s wisdom to guide us into a more profound understanding of fasting.

Bible Verses About Fasting KJV

The Purpose of Fasting

Fasting is not just about going without food; it’s about directing our attention toward God. In looking at these bible verses about fasting, we recognize that it serves as a tool for deepening our faith and renewing our spirits. When we fast, we often seek God’s presence in times of need, to hear His voice more clearly and seek His will for our lives. By focusing not on our hunger but on our relationship with God, we open a door to deeper insight and spiritual clarity. Through the lens of these verses, we can see that the purpose behind fasting is to cultivate a heart that yearns for God’s guidance and strength.

Matthew 4:2

“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.” – Matthew 4:2

Luke 4:2

“Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.” – Luke 4:2

Isaiah 58:6

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6

Acts 13:3

“And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” – Acts 13:3

Joel 2:12

“Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.” – Joel 2:12

The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting

Engaging in fasting as a spiritual discipline is an invitation to strengthen our relationship with God. When we commit to regularly fasting, we are not just showing dedication; we are actively choosing to place God at the forefront of our lives. These bible verses about fasting remind us that it is an amiable act, allowing us to declare our dependence on Him. The practice turns our focus away from the flesh and invites our hearts to align with God’s will. As we fast, we not only discipline ourselves but also open ourselves up to the freedom found in embracing God’s spirit, allowing us to experience His love and grace more profoundly.

Matthew 6:16

“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” – Matthew 6:16

Matthew 9:15

“And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” – Matthew 9:15

2 Samuel 12:16

“David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.” – 2 Samuel 12:16

Ezra 8:23

“So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.” – Ezra 8:23

Daniel 9:3

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” – Daniel 9:3

Fasting for Humility

When we engage in fasting, we often find ourselves in a position of vulnerability and humility. In these moments, we are reminded of our human limitations and our need for God’s strength. This reflection serves as a reminder that fasting isn’t about showcasing our willingness to sacrifice but rather recognizing how small we are in comparison to His greatness. These bible verses about fasting teach us that entering into a state of humility allows us to align ourselves more closely with God’s heart. Through humbling ourselves, we cultivate a spirit receptive to divine wisdom and guidance, inviting God to lead us in directions that benefit our souls.

Psalm 35:13

“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.” – Psalm 35:13

Psalm 69:10

“When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.” – Psalm 69:10

Matthew 23:12

“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” – Matthew 23:12

James 4:10

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” – James 4:10

Isaiah 57:15

“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” – Isaiah 57:15

Fasting and Prayer

Fasting and prayer go hand in hand as two essential components of our spiritual journey. When we combine these practices, we create an inviting atmosphere for God to work in our lives. The verses highlight the importance of approaching fasting with a purpose, seeking to grow in our communication with God. It’s through prayer that we express our hearts’ deepest desires to Him, and fasting allows us to create space to hear His gentle leading. Together, they cultivate a faith that is keenly aware of the movements of God, transforming our lives in alignment with His will. When we commit to these practices, we discover clarity and comfort in His presence.

Mark 9:29

“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” – Mark 9:29

Acts 14:23

“And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” – Acts 14:23

1 Corinthians 7:5

“Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5

Luke 2:37

“And she was a widow of about four-score and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” – Luke 2:37

1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Fasting in Times of Crisis

Often, we turn to fasting in our most challenging moments or crises. The bible verses remind us that during such times, we can seek God’s direction and comfort through fasting. It’s in our desperation that we can draw closer to God, finding refuge in His promises. Fasting in times of crisis provides us a way to release our burdens and worries, allowing God to take the lead in our lives as we trust Him to guide us through. By acknowledging our struggles and laying them before God in fasting, we seek His strength and intervention, believing in His ability to bring forth restoration and peace.

Esther 4:16

“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.” – Esther 4:16

Joel 1:14

“Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD.” – Joel 1:14

Jonah 3:5

“So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.” – Jonah 3:5

2 Chronicles 20:3

“And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3

Nehemiah 1:4

“And it came to pass, when I heard these words, I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4

Fasting for Deliverance

In times when we feel trapped or in need of deliverance from situations, fasting can serve as a powerful act of seeking freedom. Through these bible verses, we learn how fasting can play a role in seeking God’s strength to overcome challenges or sin. When we acknowledge our reliance on God through fasting, we invite His power to work in our lives. It’s a choice to surrender our concerns and trust in His ability to bring about transformation. Fasting as an expression of our faith positions us to receive God’s gracious help, giving us hope that we can be freed from whatever holds us captive.

Matthew 17:21

“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21

Luke 4:18

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” – Luke 4:18

Psalms 107:6

“Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.” – Psalms 107:6

Psalm 46:1

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1

Romans 15:4

“For whatsoever was written aforetime was written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” – Romans 15:4

Fasting for Guidance

When we find ourselves at pivotal crossroads in life, seeking God’s guidance through fasting becomes an essential practice. As we study these bible verses about fasting, we see that creating space to hear from God can lead us to make wise decisions. Fasting allows us to quiet the distractions of this world and tune our hearts toward His voice. In acknowledging our need for His direction through prayer and fasting, we invite the Holy Spirit to enlighten our paths. As we seek His wisdom, we can trust that God will reveal the next steps, providing us with comfort and peace in our journey.

Acts 1:14

“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.” – Acts 1:14

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

Isaiah 30:21

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” – Isaiah 30:21

Romans 12:2

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2

James 1:5

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” – James 1:5

The Rewards of Fasting

Fasting isn’t just an act of sacrifice; it has its rewards, both spiritually and emotionally. Through the verses, we understand that God sees our efforts in fasting and honors them with blessings. The practice of fasting enriches our spiritual lives, encouraging us to grow deeper in faith and commitment. As we draw closer to God through our fasting, we unlock new levels of understanding and spiritual clarity. The rewards of fasting go beyond immediate results; they result in a strengthened relationship with God that can be a source of continued blessing and joy throughout our journey of faith.

Isaiah 58:8

“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rearward.” – Isaiah 58:8

Matthew 6:18

“That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.” – Matthew 6:18

Philippians 4:19

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

Psalms 37:25

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” – Psalms 37:25

Hebrews 11:6

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on the bible verses about fasting, we realize that this beautiful practice is a force for good in our spiritual lives. It stretches us, challenges us, and deepens our relationship with God. Fasting isn’t merely about abstaining from food; it’s an intentional journey where we seek understanding, deliverance, guidance, and closeness to our Creator. As we equip ourselves with the knowledge of these verses, we embrace the transformative power of fasting, knowing that every sacrifice made is an invitation for God to show up in powerful ways. Together, let’s commit to letting our fasts be both an act of humility, an expression of our faith, and a pathway leading us towards God’s heart.

As we close this exploration, let’s remember to approach fasting with an open heart, believing in the blessings and rewards that God has promised to those who earnestly seek Him. May we continuously grow, both individually and collectively, as we embrace the journey of prayer and fasting in our lives.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4