Today we will talk about bible verses for fasting. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through Gods word. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that helps us draw near to God, humble our hearts, and focus in prayer. As we read these bible verses for fasting, let us prepare our hearts, seek understanding, and let the Holy Spirit guide us. We will look at reasons, examples, attitudes, and results of fasting in Scripture. May these passages encourage us, teach us, and lead us into deeper times of prayer and dependence on God.
bible verses for fasting
Why We Fast (bible verses for fasting)
When we think about bible verses for fasting, we are asking why fasting matters. We, as a faith community, learn that fasting is not a magic formula. Instead, it is a humble practice that helps us focus on God, show dependence, and express sorrow, need, or commitment. In reading church history and Scripture, we see fasting used when people sought clear direction, repentance, or rescue. Fasting helps remove distractions so our prayers can be more intentional. We also fast to seek God’s presence and to break spiritual strongholds. The bible verses for fasting teach us that fasting often accompanies prayer and that God notices the heart behind our fasting. When we fast, we are practicing self-denial, and our actions should lead us closer to love, mercy, and justice toward others. We must remember that fasting is not about show or earning favor; it is about humility, seeking God, and aligning our will with His. As we study these bible verses for fasting together, let us keep our motives pure. Our fasting should be a step toward living out God’s commands to help the oppressed, clothe the naked, and feed the hungry. These verses remind us that fasting without compassion misses the point. So we fast to draw near to God, to repent, and to act in love. Let us keep a gentle, honest heart as we practice this discipline, bringing our needs and our praises before the Lord.
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
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
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
Acts 13:2
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. – Acts 13:2
Ezra 8:21
“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. – Ezra 8:21
How To Fast Rightly (bible verses for fasting)
As we study bible verses for fasting, we also ask how to fast in a way that pleases God. We know from Scripture that fasting is not meant for show. Jesus warned us against fasting to gain praise from men. We should fast with a humble heart, not with pride. Our fasting is private in many cases, seeking intimacy with God rather than public applause. We should continue to love and serve others while we fast. The right way to fast includes prayer, scripture reading, and a spirit of repentance and compassion. It also includes caring for those who are vulnerable. From the bible verses for fasting we learn to remove anger and selfishness from our hearts as we deny ourselves food or comforts. We must be honest with God about our motives. If we fast to prove our righteousness, we have missed the point. Instead, we fast to align our will with God’s will, to hear His voice, and to act justly. Practically, fasting can be full fasts, partial fasts, or other forms, depending on our health and calling. We should also seek wisdom from God and from those who care for us if fasting affects our health. Let us therefore fast with joy and trust, expecting God to work in us and through us. As a community, we encourage one another to fast in truth and love, guided by the bible verses for fasting and the Spirit of God.
Matthew 6:17
“But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; – Matthew 6:17
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
Isaiah 58:5
“Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? – Isaiah 58:5
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
Examples in the Old Testament (bible verses for fasting)
When we look through bible verses for fasting in the Old Testament, we find many examples that teach us how God used fasting among His people. We see leaders and whole nations fasting in times of danger, sorrow, or decision. Esther asked her people to fast for three days before she went to the king, trusting God for courage and deliverance. Daniel fasted while seeking revelation and understanding from God. The people of Nineveh proclaimed a fast and turned from their ways, and God had mercy on them. Kings and prophets called the people to fast when seeking the Lord to know a way forward. As we read these bible verses for fasting, we notice themes: humility, confession, corporate action, and urgent seeking. We learn that fasting in the Old Testament is often combined with sackcloth and ashes, public mourning, and prayer. These actions were outward signs of an inward turning to God. We can use these examples as models for our times: to fast personally when we need clarity; to fast together when our community faces trouble; to fast out of repentance when we or our nation need God’s mercy. The Old Testament shows that God responds when people truly seek Him. Let us be encouraged by these stories and let our own fasting reflect sincere hearts that want God’s will and mercy more than our own comfort.
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
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
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, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven. – Nehemiah 1:4
Jesus and the New Testament Examples (bible verses for fasting)
As we study bible verses for fasting in the New Testament, we meet Jesus who fasted and set an example for us. He fasted in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. His teaching shows that fasting is part of a life that seeks God, and the early church practiced fasting when making important decisions. We see the disciples questioned why they did not fast, and Jesus explained seasons for different spiritual practices. The apostles fasted and prayed when they ordained leaders and sought guidance. These bible verses for fasting in the New Testament teach us that fasting is meant to deepen communion with God and to prepare for service. We also see that fasting in the New Testament is joined with prayer and listening for the Spirit. When we fast, we should expect clarity in calling, spiritual strength, and growth in character. The New Testament shows fasting used for empowerment and direction rather than ritual obligation. Let us follow these examples, balancing our fasting with obedience to Christ, humility, and care for others. We fast to be ready for God’s work, to hear His voice, and to serve in love.
Matthew 4:2
“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. – Matthew 4:2
Matthew 9:14
“Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? – Matthew 9:14
Luke 2:37
“And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. – Luke 2:37
Acts 13:3
“And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. – Acts 13:3
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
Fasting and Prayer Together (bible verses for fasting)
When we read bible verses for fasting, a clear pattern appears: fasting and prayer are often joined. We find many moments in Scripture where fasting is paired with focused prayer to seek God’s will or power. This discipline helps us tune our hearts to God’s voice. We, as a community, see that fasting sharpens prayer; it is a way of saying no to the body so that we can say yes to God. The bible verses for fasting show us that prayer without action is incomplete, and fasting without prayer misses its purpose. When we fast and pray together, we often sense unity, clarity, and direction. It becomes easier to hear God and make decisions guided by the Spirit. The early church fasted and prayed before commissioning leaders, and prophets and kings fasted before seeking counsel from God. We are encouraged by these bible verses for fasting to make prayer the main part of our fasting. Our fasts should lead us to rely on God more deeply, to intercede for others, and to act in faith. Together we can practice fasting and prayer, trusting that God hears and answers in His timing and wisdom.
Matthew 17:21
“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. – Matthew 17:21
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
Acts 13:2
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. – Acts 13:2
Acts 13:3
“And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. – Acts 13:3
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us. – Ezra 8:23
Fasting for Repentance and Humility (bible verses for fasting)
We find many bible verses for fasting that show fasting used as a sign of repentance and humility. When we confess our sins and turn back to God, fasting helps us express sorrow and seriousness before the Lord. The Bible gives examples of people who humbled themselves, put on sackcloth, and fasted as they sought God’s mercy. We learn in these bible verses for fasting that God values the inner change more than rituals. Repentant fasting often includes prayer, confession, and a commitment to change. As a community, we remember that fasting is not a way to force God to act, but a means to show how much we depend on Him and how sorry we are for wrong choices. These verses encourage us to pair fasting with genuine repentance, to forgive others, and to pursue justice. When we fast with humble hearts, God is near to us and ready to restore. The bible verses for fasting teach us to humble ourselves under God’s hand and to seek His face, trusting His mercy to heal and renew our lives.
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
Jonah 3:8
“Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water: – Jonah 3:8
1 Samuel 7:6
“And they gathered themselves together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. – 1 Samuel 7:6
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
Ezra 10:6
“And Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and when he had seen the evil that was done, (for the people of Israel had mingled themselves with the people of those lands,) he sat down astonied until the evening sacrifice. and then he began to weep, and to fast, and to pray before the LORD. – Ezra 10:6
Fasting for Deliverance and Breakthrough (bible verses for fasting)
In our walk, we often need breakthrough and deliverance. The bible verses for fasting show that people fasted in times of crisis, danger, or spiritual attack. Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast when a great host came against Judah, and God gave victory. Esther called a fast for the Jews seeking deliverance from persecution. Daniel fasted while seeking revelation that would bring spiritual breakthrough. These stories from the bible verses for fasting remind us that God hears humble hearts and acts on behalf of His people. Fasting does not guarantee a specific outcome, but it places us in a posture to receive God’s help and intervention. It helps us rely on God’s strength rather than our own. When we fast with faith, we can expect spiritual sensitivity and a readiness to obey God’s direction. In our times of need, we join the examples in Scripture, asking God for deliverance and trusting Him to work in His perfect way. We fast and pray for breakthrough, being open to God’s answers, whether He moves immediately or leads us through growth and patience.
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
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… – Esther 4:16
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
Daniel 10:3
“I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. – Daniel 10:3
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
Corporate and National Fasting (bible verses for fasting)
Scripture includes many times when whole communities or nations fasted together. As we read bible verses for fasting, we learn that corporate fasting is a way to unite people in prayer and repentance. Leaders often called fasts when danger threatened the land or when they sought God for national guidance. Nineveh’s fast led to national repentance and God’s mercy. The prophet Joel called the people to sound the alarm and sanctify a fast. These bible verses for fasting teach us that when we come together in humility, God hears. Corporate fasting also helps set hearts in the same direction and builds spiritual unity. When we gather as a church or community to fast, we are saying that our need for God is greater than our differences. Corporate fasting can move God to act for the community and awaken people to his presence. Let us be willing to join together in fasting when our local church or nation needs God’s mercy, guidance, or healing.
Joel 2:15
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: – Joel 2:15
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
Ezra 8:21
“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. – Ezra 8:21
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
Spiritual Benefits and Results (bible verses for fasting)
When we practice fasting, bible verses for fasting show us spiritual benefits that often follow sincere seeking: clarity, strength, mercy, and revival. Isaiah says light shall break forth and our righteousness shall go before us when we fast in the right way. We see that fasting can lead to God’s healing and restoration. The Scriptures show that fasting makes us more sensitive to God, helps us overcome temptation, and opens doors for spiritual breakthrough. As a community, we have seen prayer and fasting bring conviction, conversions, and guidance in decisions. The bible verses for fasting remind us that God values justice, feeding the hungry, and caring for the broken as part of true fasting. When our fasting includes deeds of compassion, God promises to answer and to heal. We should expect both inward change and outward fruit when we fast with pure motives. The benefits are not automatic, but God often uses fasting to prepare us for deeper ministry, clearer revelation, and stronger 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 reward. – Isaiah 58:8
Isaiah 58:10
“And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: – Isaiah 58:10
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us. – Ezra 8:23
Psalm 69:13
“But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. – Psalm 69:13
Acts 13:2
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. – Acts 13:2
Practical Guidance and Encouragement (bible verses for fasting)
Finally, as we consider bible verses for fasting, we look for practical help and encouragement. The Bible gives both teaching and examples so we are not left wondering how to begin. We learn to consult our health and circumstances when choosing a type of fast. Some fast from food, others from certain foods, and some fast specific comforts or activities. The key is the heart: fasting should direct us to prayer, Scripture, and obedience. We should plan our fasting with purpose, pray for strength, and seek accountability if needed. The bible verses for fasting encourage us to be honest with God and to expect growth. We also learn to end fasts with thanksgiving and renewed commitment to follow Christ. As a community, we support one another in fasting seasons and look for God to move. These verses help us remember that fasting trains us in discipline, opens our ears to God’s voice, and helps us love others more deeply. Let us be encouraged to begin, to continue, and to seek God faithfully as we fast together.
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
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 6:17
“But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; – Matthew 6:17
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
Luke 2:37
“And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. – Luke 2:37
Final Thoughts
I have shared many bible verses for fasting and explanations to help us understand this practice. We see that fasting is woven throughout Scripture as a way to seek God, repent, gain clarity, and pursue justice. It is not a show but a humble turning of the heart toward God.
We can fast individually or together, always coupling our fasting with prayer, Scripture, and compassion for others. When we fast rightly, God hears and often brings breakthrough, healing, or deeper devotion.
Let us be encouraged to try fasting with the right heart, to support one another, and to trust God as we seek Him. May our fasting lead to greater love, faithfulness, and service in the name of Jesus.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
50 Important bible verses about staying positive in hard times (With Explanation)