Today we will talk about verses about fasting in the Bible. Fasting is a practice that can help deepen our relationship with God. It’s a way for us to seek guidance, humility, and spiritual strength. When we set aside food or other needs, we create space in our hearts for prayer and reflection. Many of us might wonder what fasting truly means and how it can enrich our walk with Christ. Let us delve into the Scriptures together to uncover the rich teachings and encouragements regarding fasting. By looking at these verses, we can better understand the beautiful benefits of this spiritual discipline and how it can encourage us toward a deeper spiritual journey.
Bible Verses About Fasting in the Bible
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is often seen as a way to acknowledge our need for God. It’s more than simply abstaining from food; it’s an act of devotion that connects us more closely with our Creator. As we explore the purpose of fasting, we realize that it’s about surrendering our own desires to seek God’s heart and purpose in our lives. When we fast, we open ourselves up to His guidance and revelation, making our spiritual connection stronger. This discipline allows us to prioritize spiritual nourishment over physical needs, reminding us that our true sustenance comes from God Himself.
Matthew 6:16
“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.” – Matthew 6:16
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” – Joel 2:12
Luke 5:33
“They said to him, ‘John’s disciples often fast and pray, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours go on eating and drinking.'” – Luke 5:33
Acts 13:3
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3
Fasting and Prayer
Fasting and prayer go hand in hand, creating a powerful combination that can transform our spiritual lives. Through fasting, we learn to depend on God’s strength rather than our own. During this time, as we pray, we can hear God’s voice more clearly and receive direction in our lives. When we commit to prayer while fasting, we encourage our spirits and invite God to work on our behalf. This partnership of fasting and prayer allows us to bring our needs before our Father with sincerity, ensuring He’s at the center of our lives.
Matthew 17:21
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
Luke 2:37
“and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” – Luke 2:37
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Types of Fasting
Understanding the different types of fasting can help us choose the right approach for us personally. In the Bible, we see many forms of fasting—total fasting, partial fasting, and more—each serving specific spiritual purposes. By identifying the type of fasting we feel called to practice, we’re better equipped to engage fully in our spiritual journey. Whether it’s abstaining from specific foods, certain activities, or even taking time away from technology, fasting can be tailored to help us draw closer to God and grow in our faith.
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do.” – Esther 4:16
Daniel 10:3
“I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips, and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” – Daniel 10:3
Luke 4:2
“where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them, he was hungry.” – Luke 4:2
Matthew 4:2
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” – Matthew 4:2
Acts 14:23
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” – Acts 14:23
The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
When we engage in fasting, we often encounter incredible spiritual breakthroughs. God uses this discipline to cleanse our hearts and renew our minds. We might find clarity, peace, and a deepened understanding of His will for our lives. Fasting allows us to break free from distractions, leading us closer to the heart of God. As we expect these spiritual benefits, we must remember that they come through sincere prayer and a humble heart, as we lay aside our physical comforts to seek Him first.
Isaiah 58:9
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk.” – Isaiah 58:9
Matthew 6:18
“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 6:18
Psalm 35:13
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered.” – Psalm 35:13
Matthew 5:6
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” – Matthew 5:6
2 Chronicles 20:3
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3
Fasting in Times of Crisis
During our most challenging moments, fasting can be a vital lifeline. When we face trials, the act of fasting focuses our hearts and minds on seeking God’s help and perspective. Instead of turning to worry or fear, we can turn our attention to prayer and supplication before the Lord. Fasting during crises not only brings comfort but also strengthens our faith and reliance on God’s plans. In hard times, we are reminded of our dependence on Him, and this discipline helps us navigate turbulent waters with grace.
Nehemiah 1:4
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4
Esther 4:3
“In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.” – Esther 4:3
Jeremiah 36:6
“So you go to the house of the Lord. Proclaim the words of the Lord in the hearing of the people. Say: ‘You must fast this day in the presence of the Lord.'” – Jeremiah 36:6
Jonah 3:5
“The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.” – Jonah 3:5
Acts 27:33
“Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. ‘For the last fourteen days,’ he said, ‘you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food; you haven’t eaten anything.'” – Acts 27:33
Fasting and Humility
Fasting is also tied deeply to humility. When we sincerely fast, we recognize our weaknesses and admit our need for God’s strength and mercy. This humble posture opens us up to receive His love and grace. Fasting isn’t about gaining attention or approval from others; rather, it’s a private act between us and God that cultivates a spirit of humility. Through fasting, we can let go of our pride and focus on being filled by His Spirit, allowing our hearts to align more closely with His will.
Psalm 69:10
“When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, that became my reproach.” – Psalm 69:10
Isaiah 57:15
“For this is what the high and exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'” – Isaiah 57:15
Lamentations 2:19
“Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your little children, who faint from hunger at every street corner.” – Lamentations 2:19
Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Fasting and Spiritual Warfare
Fasting can be a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. When we fast, we engage in a spiritual battle that signifies our determination to overcome demonic influences and temptations. Our dependence on God surpasses earthly struggles, and through fasting, we express our commitment to standing firm against any spiritual opposition. In times of spiritual attack, fasting can ground us and strengthen our faith, equipping us to face challenges with courage and confidence. By fasting, we declare that our strength and victory come from the Lord alone.
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12
Mark 9:29
“He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.'” – Mark 9:29
Isaiah 58:7
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” – Isaiah 58:7
Romans 8:37
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” – Romans 8:37
2 Corinthians 10:4
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” – 2 Corinthians 10:4
Community Fasting
Fasting can also be a communal experience, where we come together as a body of believers to seek God collectively. In doing so, we unite our prayers and intentions, amplifying the impact of our spiritual journey. Community fasting strengthens our bonds and encourages one another in faith. Gathering to fast and pray not only leads to personal growth, but it also invites God’s blessings into our community. As we journey together in this discipline, we experience a shared sense of purpose and hope.
1 Samuel 7:6
“When they had assembled at Mizpah, they drew water and poured it out before the Lord. On that day they fasted and there they confessed, ‘We have sinned against the Lord.’ And Samuel was leader of Israel at Mizpah.” – 1 Samuel 7:6
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
Joel 1:14
“Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God and cry out to the Lord.” – Joel 1:14
Matthew 18:19
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:19
Nehemiah 9:1
“On the twenty-fourth day of the same month the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and having dust on their heads.” – Nehemiah 9:1
Final Thoughts
As we’ve explored these verses about fasting in the Bible, it’s clear that fasting is more than just abstaining from food. It’s a heartfelt practice that draws us closer to God, strengthens our faith, and opens our hearts to His will. Whether we are fasting individually or as a community, we are reminded of our dependence on Him. The teachings gleaned through Scripture show us the importance of prayer alongside fasting, the various types of fasting, and how fasting can help us during crises. It’s an act of humility that equips us to stand strong in spiritual warfare while building the bonds with one another through community fasting. As we embark on this journey of fasting, may we remain open to the Lord’s guidance and grow deeper in our faith.
Let’s embrace this beautiful spiritual discipline with a willing heart, trusting that God will meet us where we are and take us on a transformative journey. Together, we can lean into fasting as a means to deepen our relationship with our Savior.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Topical Bible Verses
30 Powerful Bible Verses About Chakras (Full Commentary)