Bible Verses About Fasting
Fasting means going without food, or something else, for a time so you can focus on prayer. Moses, Esther, Daniel and Jesus all fasted. These verses cover why people fast and how to do it without making a show.
11 scriptures in modern King James wording
Matthew 6:16KJV
“Moreover when all of you 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 6:17KJV
“But you, when you fast, anoint yours head, and wash your face;”
Matthew 6:18KJV
“That you appear not unto men to fast, but unto your Father which is in secret: and your Father, which sees in secret, shall reward you openly.”
Matthew 4:2KJV
“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered.”
Matthew 9:15KJV
“And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bride-chamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.”
Isaiah 58:6KJV
“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 all of you break every yoke?”
Joel 2:12KJV
“Therefore also now, says the LORD, turn all of you even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:”
Esther 4:16KJV
“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast all of you 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.”
Ezra 8:23KJV
“So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was implored of us.”
Acts 13:2KJV
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work unto which I have called them.”
Acts 14:23KJV
“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.”
Common questions
What does the Bible say about fasting?
Fasting is going without food, or something else, for a time to focus on prayer. Jesus assumed his followers would fast, saying 'when you fast' in Matthew 6:16, and told them to do it quietly, not for show.
How long should you fast according to the Bible?
The Bible gives no single length. Examples include a day (Judges 20:26), three days (Esther 4:16) and forty days (Matthew 4:2). Isaiah 58:6 adds that fasting should lead to justice and care for others.
Related Bible verses
- Bible Verses About PrayerPrayer is talking with God, and the Bible shows you how to start.
- Bible Verses About HumilityHumility is not thinking less of yourself.
- Bible Verses About FaithFaith is trust that acts, even when you cannot see how things will turn out.
- Bible Verses About WisdomBiblical wisdom is the skill of living well, and it starts with respect for God.
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