Today we will talk about fasting verses in the bible. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Fasting is a spiritual practice that appears again and again across Scripture as a way to humble ourselves, seek God, and align our hearts with His will. As we explore fasting verses in the bible, we’ll look at examples, instructions, warnings, and the heart behind the practice. We approach this gently and practically, asking God to teach us as a community. Let us open our minds and hearts, ready to learn from the stories and teachings that show how fasting shaped the faith and decisions of God’s people.
fasting verses in the bible
Key Verse
We choose one guiding verse to help center our reading of fasting passages. This verse captures the heart Jesus wants us to bring to fasting — humility, secrecy, and God-focused devotion. As we work through the other fasting verses in the bible, we’ll keep this verse in mind.
Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:16-18
fasting verses in the bible
Understanding Fasting: Definition and Purpose
When we study fasting verses in the bible, we find that fasting is not just about skipping food — it’s about refocusing our lives toward God. In this section, we look at what fasting is and why we do it. We’ll unpack how Scripture shows fasting as a spiritual discipline meant to humble us, sharpen our dependence on God, and bring clarity when we need direction. Fasting often accompanies prayer, confession, and seeking, and the combination helps us to tune our hearts to God’s voice. We recognize that fasting can be physical (abstaining from food) but also spiritual — a deliberate turning away from distractions and comforts that keep us from God. Across the Bible, fasting is connected to repentance, to seeking mercy, to preparing for ministry, and to urgent requests for God’s intervention. As we read fasting verses in the bible, we come with honest questions and a willingness to learn how fasting has been used humbly and intentionally. We want to know both the “how” and the “why” — how to fast in a way that pleases God and why fasting can be a powerful tool for our spiritual growth. We will also notice that fasting is meant to put God first in our lives, not to earn His favor, but to draw nearer to His heart. These fasting verses in the bible help us understand that purpose and guide our practice with wisdom.
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains 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?” – Isaiah 58:6-7
Joel 2:12-13
“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
Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting… and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:16-18
Ezra 8:21
“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
Acts 13:2
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ ” – Acts 13:2
fasting verses in the bible
Fasting in the Old Testament: Examples and Lessons
When we read fasting verses in the bible from the Old Testament, we discover stories of leaders and communities who fasted in times of danger, repentance, and need. As we walk through these passages, we notice patterns: people fasted to seek God’s mercy, to mourn, and to prepare for significant spiritual work. This historical view shows us that fasting is a time-tested spiritual practice that shaped Israel’s responses to crisis and need. We see kings, prophets, and ordinary people humbling themselves before God and turning away from self-reliance. These fasting verses in the bible teach us that fasting is often communal and sacrificial. In the Old Testament, fasting was sometimes accompanied by tearing garments, wearing sackcloth, and ashes — outward signs pointing to an inward sorrow and dependence on God. But the heart of fasting was always reorientation toward God, not the performance of rituals. As we study them, we learn how fasting helped Israel confess sin, seek God in battle, and call communities back to covenant faithfulness. We also see how God responds when people fast with genuine hearts: He listens, moves, and restores. For us today, these fasting verses in the bible offer historical grounding, showing that fasting is an invitation to humble ourselves and trust God’s power to act on our behalf.
Esther 4:16
“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. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” – Esther 4:16
Daniel 9:3
“So I turned to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.” – Daniel 9:3
Nehemiah 1:4
“When I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4
Jonah 3:5
“Then the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.” – Jonah 3:5
1 Samuel 7:6
“And they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the Lord and fasted on that day and said there, ‘We have sinned against the Lord.’ And Samuel judged the people of Israel at Mizpah.” – 1 Samuel 7:6
fasting verses in the bible
Fasting in the New Testament: Jesus and the Early Church
As we read fasting verses in the bible from the New Testament, we see how Jesus modeled fasting and how the early church continued the practice. We notice that Jesus fasted as part of his preparation and dependence on the Father, and the apostles fasted when seeking God’s guidance for mission. These passages show us that fasting is not an Old Testament relic but a living discipline for followers of Jesus. We also see Jesus teaching about motives and warning against showy fasting that honors people instead of God. For the early church, fasting often accompanied worship and key decisions — a sign that they expected the Spirit to act when they humbled themselves. These fasting verses in the bible show that fasting supports both personal formation and communal mission. As we practice fasting today, we can follow Jesus’ example of combining solitude, prayer, and listening. The New Testament scenes encourage us that fasting can help us hear God more clearly, prepare for ministry, and participate in spiritual breakthrough when needed.
Matthew 4:1-2
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” – Matthew 4:1-2
Luke 4:1-2
“And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.” – Luke 4:1-2
Matthew 9:14-15
“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
Acts 13:2-3
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:2-3
Acts 14:23
“And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” – Acts 14:23
fasting verses in the bible
Fasting and Prayer: Seeking God Together
We find many fasting verses in the bible that connect fasting directly to prayer, showing the two as partners in seeking God. When we fast and pray together, we enter a shared spiritual posture of dependence and expectancy. The Bible shows that communities fasted in seasons of crisis, leaders fasted before making decisions, and individuals fasted while pleading for God’s mercy. As we read these fasting verses in the bible, we learn that fasting is not a ritual performed alone from prayer — it intensifies our prayer, clears distractions, and increases our readiness to listen. We should not think of fasting as a magic formula; rather, it is a way for us to humble ourselves and make room for God’s voice and Spirit. In the New Testament, the disciples and early church combined fasting and prayer when commissioning workers and seeking direction. The Old Testament also models prayer paired with fasting in moments of repentance and deliverance. For us, when we fast with prayer, we’re confirming that our hunger is for God’s guidance and presence, not just for an answer. These fasting verses in the bible encourage us to gather, pray, humble ourselves, and trust that God hears and responds in his timing.
Mark 9:29
“And he said to them, ‘This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.’ ” – Mark 9:29
Acts 13:2-3
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul… ‘ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:2-3
2 Chronicles 20:3
“And Jehoshaphat feared and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.” – Ezra 8:23
Nehemiah 1:4
“When I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4
fasting verses in the bible
Fasting as Repentance and Humility
We see across many fasting verses in the bible that fasting often accompanies repentance — a turning back to God. When we humble ourselves through fasting, we acknowledge our dependence and confess our need for God’s forgiveness and renewal. In scripture, fasting is a powerful expression of sorrow over sin and a desire for personal and communal transformation. As we study these fasting verses in the bible, we notice that God values the posture of the heart more than outward performance. The prophets repeatedly call God’s people to genuine fasting — not to impress others but to change the way they live. Likewise, individuals like Daniel and communities like Nineveh fasted and saw God respond with mercy. For us today, the message is clear: fasting helps us face our sin honestly, seek God wholeheartedly, and expect that He is merciful. The practice teaches humility and cultivates an openness to God’s restorative work. We come to fasting not to earn, but to repent and to receive God’s grace, trusting that He honors a broken and sincere heart.
Joel 2:12-13
“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…” – Joel 2:12-13
Daniel 9:3-5
“So I turned to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes… we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly…” – Daniel 9:3-5
Jonah 3:8-9
“Let everyone call out mightily to God. Let them return every one from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” – Jonah 3:8-9
Psalm 35:13
“But I, when they were sick, I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.” – Psalm 35:13
1 Samuel 7:6
“And they gathered at Mizpah 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
fasting verses in the bible
Corporate and Communal Fasting
Many fasting verses in the bible show us that fasting was often a community affair — entire towns or nations would fast to seek God’s mercy or help. We read of assemblies coming together, fasting and praying in unity, which creates a strong posture of dependence before God. Corporate fasting binds us together in purpose and shows that our issues are shared, not merely private. Scripture shows communities fasting in times of national crisis, before battle, and when seeking deliverance. This shared practice of fasting amplifies our petition and creates accountability. When we practice communal fasting, we encourage each other, grieve together, and hope together. The Bible’s examples teach that corporate fasting is a way to gather hearts toward God, to confess communal wrongs, and to ask for direction and deliverance. As we look at these fasting verses in the bible, we see how God responded to community humility with intervention and mercy. In our day, corporate fasting can help our churches and communities refocus on God’s priorities and invite his power to work among us.
Joel 2:15-16
“Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Consecrate the congregation; assemble the elders; gather the children…” – Joel 2:15-16
Jonah 3:5
“Then the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.” – Jonah 3:5
2 Chronicles 20:3-4
“Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord…” – 2 Chronicles 20:3-4
Nehemiah 9:1-2
“On the twenty-fourth day of this month the people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and with earth on their heads. And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins…” – Nehemiah 9:1-2
Acts 13:2
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ ” – Acts 13:2
fasting verses in the bible
Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough and Deliverance
We notice in fasting verses in the bible that fasting sometimes coincides with spiritual breakthroughs and deliverance. Whether facing demonic opposition, spiritual strongholds, or overwhelming circumstances, people turned to fasting paired with prayer to ask God for intervention. Scripture records occasions where fasting and earnest prayer brought restoration, deliverance, and clear movement of God. This pattern suggests that fasting can intensify our faith and prayer, making us more attentive to God’s work. Yet fasting is not a formula; it is a posture of dependence that invites God to act in mighty ways. We approach fasting humbly, seeking God’s help and trusting His timing. These fasting verses in the bible teach us that when we fast with faith and the right heart, God’s power can break chains and bring surprising breakthroughs. We keep our hope in the Lord, inviting His Spirit to move where we feel weak or stuck.
Matthew 17:21
“But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
Mark 9:29
“And he said to them, ‘This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.’ ” – Mark 9:29
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free…” – Isaiah 58:6
Psalm 35:13
“But I, when they were sick, I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.” – Psalm 35:13
2 Chronicles 20:3-4
“Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah… And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord…” – 2 Chronicles 20:3-4
fasting verses in the bible
Right Motives in Fasting: Avoiding Hypocrisy
One clear thread in fasting verses in the bible is the warning against hypocritical fasting. Jesus taught that fasting should be a private, humble act focused on God — not an opportunity to gain praise from others. We must guard our hearts so our fasting doesn’t become a performance or a way to appear more spiritual. Scripture warns against outward displays that hide inward pride. Instead, fasting should make us more compassionate, generous, and attentive to God’s will. When we read these fasting verses in the bible, we are reminded to examine motives, ask God to purify our hearts, and practice fasting that aligns with justice and mercy. Isaiah spoke against hollow fasting that ignores the needs of the poor. Jesus taught us to wash our faces and not ostentatiously fast. In our community, we want fasting to deepen our love for God and others, not to score spiritual points. Let these fasting verses in the bible shape a humble and authentic approach.
Matthew 6:16-18
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:16-18
Isaiah 58:1-3
“Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet… ‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ ” – Isaiah 58:1-3
Zechariah 7:5-6
“Say to all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for the past seventy years, did you really fast for me, for me?’ ” – Zechariah 7:5-6
Luke 18:11-12
“The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men… I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ ” – Luke 18:11-12
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen… Is it not to share your bread with the hungry?” – Isaiah 58:6-7
fasting verses in the bible
Physical Discipline, Focus, and Spiritual Clarity
Fasting verses in the bible show fasting as a discipline that trains our bodies and redirects our desires. When we fast, we remind ourselves that food and comfort are not ultimate; God is. That act of self-discipline can increase spiritual clarity and focus, helping us to hear God better. The Bible gives examples of leaders and servants who fasted to prepare for important tasks, to seek clarity, or to devote themselves to prayerful service. While fasting doesn’t make us spiritually superior, it can create a space in which we are more attentive to Scripture, more sensitive to the Spirit, and more ready to obey. In practicing fasting, we learn patience, endurance, and the joy of depending on God. These fasting verses in the bible encourage us to combine physical discipline with spiritual devotion, using the practice to grow in holiness and to sharpen our spiritual senses.
Matthew 4:1-2
“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” – Matthew 4:1-2
Luke 4:1-2
“And Jesus… was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days… And he ate nothing during those days.” – Luke 4:1-2
1 Corinthians 9:27
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.” – 1 Corinthians 9:27
Ezra 8:21-23
“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… So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.” – Ezra 8:21-23
Psalm 63:1
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” – Psalm 63:1
fasting verses in the bible
Fasting for Guidance, Decisions, and Direction
We discover in fasting verses in the bible that many sought God’s guidance through fasting when big decisions loomed. Leaders fasted before appointing others, communities fasted before battle, and individuals fasted before taking action. In the book of Acts, the early church fasted when commissioning missionaries and before important choices. The Old Testament provides examples where fasting accompanied petitions for direction and protection. These fasting verses in the bible teach us that when decisions matter, fasting can be a humble means to seek God’s wisdom and to confirm his leading. We should not treat fasting as a superstitious sign but as a posture of dependence that helps us quiet our own agendas and listen for God. When we fast and pray together, we bring our plans before the Lord and invite his guiding hand to direct our steps.
Acts 13:2-3
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:2-3
Acts 14:23
“And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.” – Acts 14:23
Ezra 8:21-23
“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… So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.” – Ezra 8:21-23
Nehemiah 1:4
“When I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4
1 Samuel 7:6
“And they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the Lord and fasted on that day and said there, ‘We have sinned against the Lord.’ And Samuel judged the people of Israel at Mizpah.” – 1 Samuel 7:6
Final Thoughts
I have walked with you through many fasting verses in the bible and tried to show how fasting connects to humility, prayer, repentance, and seeking God’s direction. We learned from both Old and New Testament examples how fasting often accompanies important seasons of decision, confession, and dependence on God. The practice is meant to draw us nearer to God, not to impress others or earn favor.
We can take to heart that fasting requires right motives and a soft heart. When we fast in humility, with prayer and concern for justice, we align with God’s purposes. Whether we fast alone or with our community, these fasting verses in the bible invite us to trust God and listen more closely. Let us be careful, loving, and wise as we practice this discipline, always seeking God’s guidance and grace.
May our fasting be a doorway to deeper prayer, clearer hearing, and greater compassion. We invite God to lead us as we humble ourselves, and we trust that He will respond in His loving way.
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
30 Important bible verses about selflessness (With Explanation)