What does the Bible say about fasting?
Fasting, in its simplest biblical sense, is voluntarily abstaining from food or drink for a spiritual purpose. It’s a practice seen throughout both the Old and New Testaments, undertaken by individuals and communities seeking God’s face, expressing repentance, or intensifying prayer. While not explicitly commanded for all believers in the New Covenant, Jesus assumes his followers will fast, framing it as a private devotion rather than a public display. It's a discipline intended to reorient our desires toward God and deepen our dependence on him.
The Bible presents fasting as a voluntary spiritual discipline, primarily abstaining from food for a period, undertaken to draw closer to God, express repentance, or intensify prayer.
The Practice of Fasting in the Old Testament
Fasting appears frequently in the Old Testament, often in contexts of national crisis, repentance, or intense supplication. It was a practice deeply ingrained in the spiritual life of Israel. For example, after being defeated by Ai, the Israelites fasted before the Lord, seeking guidance and expressing their grief (Joshua 7:6). Samuel called for a national fast at Mizpah as the people repented of their sins against God (1 Samuel 7:6). David fasted and prayed earnestly for his sick child, demonstrating a deep reliance on God's mercy (2 Samuel 12:16-23).
Perhaps the most significant corporate fast was on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), where the people were commanded to "deny yourselves" (Leviticus 16:29-31, 23:27-32). While the Hebrew literally means to "humble oneself," Jewish tradition and context strongly indicate abstinence from food and drink. This annual fast was a solemn time of national repentance and seeking purification. Prophets like Joel called for corporate fasts in times of impending judgment, urging the people to return to the Lord with all their hearts (Joel 2:12).
Daniel is another notable example, undertaking a partial fast, abstaining from rich food and wine for three weeks, as he sought understanding and insight from God (Daniel 10:2-3). These Old Testament accounts highlight various motivations for fasting: repentance, sorrow, seeking God's intervention, preparing for significant spiritual encounters, and expressing humility.
Fasting in the New Testament and Jesus' Teaching
While the Old Testament clearly demonstrates the practice, the New Testament offers a shift in emphasis, particularly through Jesus' teaching. Jesus did not command fasting as a legalistic requirement, but he clearly expected his disciples to fast. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides instructions when you fast, not if you fast (Matthew 6:16-18). He condemns hypocritical fasting done for public recognition, emphasizing that true fasting is a private act between an individual and God, who sees in secret and will reward.
He also addresses the question of why his disciples did not fast while he was with them, stating, "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; Mark 2:18-20; Luke 5:33-35). This statement implies that fasting would become an appropriate and expected practice for his followers after his departure.
Beyond Jesus' direct teaching, the early church also practiced fasting. The apostles fasted and prayed when commissioning missionaries (Acts 13:2-3) and when appointing elders in new churches (Acts 14:23). This demonstrates fasting as a spiritual discipline integrated into significant decisions and ongoing ministry within the Christian community. Fasting was not an end in itself but a means to draw closer to God, to seek his will, and to deepen spiritual sensitivity.
The Purpose and Benefits of Christian Fasting
Christian fasting is not about manipulating God or earning his favor. Instead, it is a tool for spiritual growth and refocusing our affections. When we voluntarily deny ourselves something as fundamental as food, we acknowledge our dependence on God and train ourselves to prioritize spiritual nourishment over physical gratification. It helps us to humble ourselves before God (Psalm 35:13), express intensified prayer and supplication (Nehemiah 1:4), and sharpen our spiritual sensitivity to hear from him.
Fasting can reveal idols in our lives, showing us what truly controls our desires. It can also be a powerful expression of repentance and grief over sin, both personal and corporate. While not all Christians practice fasting in the same way or with the same frequency, the historical consensus of the church and the clear biblical examples affirm its value as a genuine spiritual discipline. Some Christians practice regular, perhaps weekly, fasts, while others reserve it for specific seasons of intense prayer or seeking God's direction. The key is the posture of the heart—seeking God alone, not drawing attention to oneself.
It's important to note that fasting should always be undertaken with wisdom and discretion, especially concerning health. The primary objective is always a deeper relationship with God.
Bible verses about fasting
"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; that thou be not seen of men to fast, but of thy Father who is in secret: and thy Father, who seeth in secret, shall recompense thee."
"And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."
"In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks. I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled."
"Yet even now, saith Jehovah, turn ye unto me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:"
"And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven,"
"David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, and stood beside him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them. And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he hearkened not unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead! But when David saw that his servants were whispering together, David perceived that the child was dead; and David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel; and he came into the house of Jehovah, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who knoweth whether Jehovah will not be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me."
"Howbeit on the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement: it shall be a holy convocation unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto Jehovah. And ye shall do no manner of work in that same day; for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement for you before Jehovah your God. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day; he shall be cut off from his people. And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any manner of work in that same day, that soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye shall do no manner of work: it is a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be unto you a sabbath of solemn rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye keep your sabbath."
"Then come to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the sons of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then will they fast."
Frequently asked
Is fasting a command for Christians today?
While the New Testament does not explicitly command fasting for all believers in the same way it commands baptism or communion, Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:16-18 assumes his followers will fast. He doesn't say "if you fast," but "*when* you fast." This implies it's an expected, though voluntary, spiritual discipline. The early church also practiced fasting (Acts 13:2-3), suggesting it remains a valuable and beneficial practice for believers seeking to draw closer to God.
What are different ways to fast?
The most common biblical fast involves abstaining from all food, typically for a period of one day or more, while drinking water. Other forms include a 'partial fast,' where certain foods (like rich foods or specific meals) are abstained from, as seen in Daniel 10:2-3. Some traditions also include a 'liquid fast' (abstaining from solid food but consuming liquids like juice or broth). The key is the intentional denial of physical comfort for a spiritual purpose, focusing on God.
What is the purpose of Christian fasting?
The purpose of Christian fasting is not to earn favor with God or manipulate him, but to humble oneself (Psalm 35:13), draw closer to him, and intensify prayer. It's a way to reorient our desires from physical gratification to spiritual nourishment, deepen our dependence on God, and cultivate a greater sensitivity to his voice and will. Fasting can also be an expression of repentance, grief, or fervent seeking of God's intervention in specific situations.
Can I fast from things other than food?
While the biblical understanding of fasting primarily refers to abstaining from food, the underlying principle of voluntarily denying oneself something for a spiritual purpose can be applied more broadly. Many Christians choose to 'fast' from media, social media, entertainment, or other comforts to dedicate more time and focus to prayer, Bible study, and spiritual reflection. While not strictly biblical 'fasting,' this practice aligns with the spirit of setting aside distractions to intentionally seek God and grow in discipline.
Who should not fast from food?
Not everyone should fast from food. Individuals with certain medical conditions (like diabetes, eating disorders, or pregnancy) should consult a doctor before attempting a food fast. The goal of fasting is spiritual growth, not physical harm. In such cases, one might consider alternative forms of fasting, like a partial fast, a liquid fast, or a fast from other non-essential activities or comforts, focusing on the spiritual discipline and devotion to God.
Keep reading