Today we will talk about verses in the Bible about fasting. Many Christians may not fully understand what fasting really means. It’s not just about skipping meals; it’s a deeper spiritual practice that draws us closer to God. Fasting helps us to focus our hearts on prayer and prepares us for significant spiritual breakthroughs. As we read through these scriptures, let’s meditate on how fasting connects us with God and strengthens our faith. Together, we can discover its transformative power in our lives.
Bible Verses About Fasting
The Purpose of Fasting
In our journey of faith, we often seek to understand the purpose of fasting in the Bible and how it plays a role in our spiritual growth. Fasting is not just an act of abstaining from food; it is a way to express our hunger for God and His presence in our lives. When we fast, we’re signaling that we prioritize our relationship with Him above our physical needs. The Bible encourages us to embrace fasting as a means to grow spiritually, physically, and emotionally. It invites us to draw nearer to God and discover what truly matters in our lives.
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 unite the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
Luke 18:12
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.” – Luke 18:12
Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” – Joel 2:12
Acts 13:3
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3
The Attitude of Fasting
As we look at the verses in the Bible about fasting, we also learn about the right attitude we should have when we fast. God desires our hearts and intentions to be pure and genuine. Fasting isn’t something to boast about or to show others how spiritual we are. Rather, it is a personal act of humility before God. When we approach fasting with the right heart, we open ourselves to receive His guidance and blessings. Our attitude toward fasting reflects our love for Him and our desire to grow closer in our relationship.
Matthew 6:17
“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting.” – Matthew 6:17
Zechariah 7:5
“Ask 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, was it really for me that you fasted?” – Zechariah 7:5
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
Psalm 35:13
“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned unanswered.” – Psalm 35:13
Matthew 9:14-15
“Then John’s disciples came and asked him, ‘How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?’ Jesus answered, ‘How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?'” – Matthew 9:14-15
Fasting and Prayer
Fasting and prayer go hand in hand in the Bible. When we choose to fast, we are making space for deeper communion with God through prayer. Together, they act as powerful tools to strengthen our faith and focus our hearts on God’s will. When we pray while fasting, it opens doors to hear God’s voice more clearly and to understand His guidance more profoundly. Engaging in both practices allows us to seek God’s help, direction, and empowerment in our lives.
Acts 14:23
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord.” – Acts 14:23
Luke 2:37
“And then was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.” – Luke 2:37
Matthew 17:21
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
Mark 9:29
“So He said to them, ‘This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.'” – Mark 9:29
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except for 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.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5
Fasting for Spiritual Breakthroughs
There are many instances in the Bible where fasting led to significant spiritual breakthroughs. When we dedicate ourselves to fasting, we position ourselves to receive God’s amazing blessings and answers to our prayers. Fasting can help us break through the barriers and strongholds that seem to hinder our spiritual journey. It helps us become sensitive to God’s voice, leading us to breakthroughs in our lives that reflect His power and glory.
Esther 4:16
“Go, gather all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.” – Esther 4:16
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
Daniel 9:3
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” – Daniel 9:3
Matthew 4:2
“After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” – Matthew 4:2
Luke 4:2
“Where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end, he was hungry.” – Luke 4:2
The Benefits of Fasting
The Bible offers insightful passages about the multitude of benefits that come from fasting. From nurturing a more profound spiritual connection with God to physical improvements to our health, fasting can be a robust practice in our lives. It’s about more than just abstaining from food; it’s about redirecting our focus toward God. Through fasting, we learn about self-discipline, empathy, and love for others, all while deepening our relationship with God and experiencing His grace and power.
Isaiah 58:8
“Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” – Isaiah 58:8
Matthew 6:18
“So that it will not be obvious to others when 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
Psalms 69:10
“When I weep and fast, I must endure scorn.” – Psalm 69:10
Proverbs 25:16
“If you find honey, eat just enough—too much of it, and you will vomit.” – Proverbs 25:16
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Fasting with a Purpose
When we fast, it’s crucial to have a purpose in our hearts. The Bible shows us examples of fasting for various reasons—seeking divine guidance, forgiving others, or interceding for someone. Fasting with a purpose allows us to align our hearts with God’s intentions and open ourselves to His will. It teaches us to see beyond our immediate needs and to focus on the bigger picture of God’s plans for us. When we fast with clear intentions, we experience growth and alignment in our spiritual lives.
Luke 5:33
“They said to Him, ‘The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers; the disciples of the Pharisees also fast, but Your disciples eat and drink.'” – Luke 5:33
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.” – Matthew 6:16-18
2 Chronicles 20:3
“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” – 2 Chronicles 20:3
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
Acts 10:30
“Cornelius answered: ‘Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me.'” – Acts 10:30
The Impact of Fasting on Our Lives
As we delve deeper into the impact of fasting found in the Bible, we recognize that it influences both our personal journeys and our relationships with those around us. Practicing fasting helps us practice restraint, leading us to better understand our desires and temptations. In turn, our walk with God becomes richer, and we can be a witness of His glory in our interactions with others. Fasting creates space in our lives for God to work and brings about a change in our hearts.
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.'” – 1 Samuel 7:6
Ezra 10:6
“Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the chamber of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. While he was there, he ate no food and drank no water because he mourned over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.” – Ezra 10:6
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
Acts 9:9
“For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.” – Acts 9:9
Nehemiah 1:4-5
“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 1:4-5
Fasting in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, we find numerous examples of fasting that illustrate its significance in the lives of God’s people. From Moses receiving the Ten Commandments to the Israelites’ time of repentance, fasting played an essential role in seeking God’s favor. Understanding these stories reminds us that fasting is a timeless practice that Christians have embraced throughout the ages. As we reflect on these examples, we are encouraged to continue this powerful discipline in our own lives.
Exodus 34:28
“Moses was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water.” – Exodus 34:28
1 Kings 19:8
“So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” – 1 Kings 19:8
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
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
Zephaniah 2:3
“Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.” – Zephaniah 2:3
Final Thoughts
In exploring these Bible verses about fasting, we’ve learned about the importance and impact of fasting in our spiritual journey. It’s not just about abstaining from food, but about nurturing a deeper relationship with God. We’ve discovered the purpose, attitude, benefits, and the significant role it plays in seeking breakthroughs in our lives. By engaging in fasting with sincere hearts and clear intentions, we deepen our faith and witness God’s grace. As we continue this practice, may we always strive to grow closer to Him and encourage others in their own journeys of faith.
Remember, fasting is a beautiful, transformative act of devotion. As we focus on God, we learn to let go of distractions, embrace humility, and rely on His strength. Let’s keep these truths close to our hearts as we walk together in faith.
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
