What does the Bible say about fasting?

Definition and Overview

Fasting, in a biblical sense, is the voluntary abstention from food (and sometimes drink) for a designated period. Throughout Scripture, it appears as an act of humility, repentance, devotion, and dependence upon God. Though most biblical examples involve refraining from eating, fasting can also include holding back from other activities to focus intensely on prayer, worship, and aligning oneself with God’s will.

Fasting in the Old Testament

Many early references to fasting center on repentance and seeking divine intervention. In times of national crisis, leaders called corporate fasts to plea for God’s mercy. For example, when threatened with destruction, the people of Nineveh “proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth—from the greatest of them to the least” (Jonah 3:5). Their humble response was met with God’s compassion.

Certain days held special significance when fasting was practiced. On the Day of Atonement, the Israelites were commanded to “deny themselves” (often understood as fasting) to mourn sin and prepare their hearts for national atonement (Leviticus 16:29). Elsewhere, fasting occurred in times of personal grief or pressing need. David fasted as he interceded for the life of his child (2 Samuel 12:16). Ezra declared a fast beside the river Ahava to seek God’s guidance for safe passage (Ezra 8:21).

Fasting in the New Testament

The New Testament continues the tradition of fasting, emphasizing sincerity over ritual. Jesus Himself fasted for forty days in the wilderness at the outset of His public ministry (Luke 4:1–2). Afterward, He taught His followers: “When you fast, do not look somber like the hypocrites... But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father” (Matthew 6:16–18). This instruction emphasizes inward humility rather than outward show.

The early church also practiced fasting for critical decisions and ministry. In Acts, while the prophets and teachers at Antioch “were worshiping the Lord and fasting,” the Holy Spirit directed them to send out Barnabas and Saul for mission work (Acts 13:2–3). Similarly, elders were appointed in the churches “with prayer and fasting” (Acts 14:23).

Purposes of Fasting

1. Repentance and Mourning: Throughout Scripture, believers fasted to express regret for sin or to mourn a tragic event. Joel 2:12 urges: “Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning”.

2. Humility and Dependency: Fasting humbles the individual, reminding them of their frailty. King David said, “I humbled myself with fasting” (Psalm 35:13).

3. Direction and Discernment: People often fast in Scripture when seeking God’s specific guidance. In Daniel 9:3, Daniel turned “to the Lord God to seek an answer by prayer and petitions, with fasting.”

4. Worship and Devotion: Like Anna the prophetess, who “never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying” (Luke 2:37), some practice fasting simply out of reverence and love for God.

Types of Fasting

1. Regular Fasts (Partial Food Abstinence): Many biblical examples depict abstaining from meals for a set time, such as “until evening” (Judges 20:26) or several days (e.g., Nehemiah 1:4).

2. Absolute Fasts (No Food or Water): In extreme cases, individuals refrained from all sustenance, such as Esther, who told Mordecai: “Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day” (Esther 4:16).

3. Corporate Fasts: Leaders or prophets sometimes called an entire community or nation to fast together, as seen in Joel 1:14: “Announce a holy fast; proclaim a solemn assembly”.

4. Private Fasts: Jesus’s teaching in Matthew 6 shows the importance of personal fasting done discretely, with authenticity before God rather than for public acknowledgment.

Proper Attitude in Fasting

Biblical fasting focuses primarily on the heart’s posture before God. Refraining from food alone isn’t enough; genuine repentance, humility, and love for others should accompany it (Isaiah 58:5–7). Self-examination, prayer, and aligning one’s will with God’s Word are integral. Proper motivation—drawing near to God, seeking His wisdom, or mourning sin—is key for a meaningful fast.

Additionally, caution against legalism is important. Jesus taught that fasting should not become a ritualistic burden but a natural expression of devotion, longing for God, and submission to His purposes (Mark 2:19–20).

Practical Considerations

While Scripture underscores spiritual motives, there are physical aspects to consider. If someone plans to fast for any extended period, wisdom regarding health is essential. In biblical times, shorter fasts were more common, though some like Jesus and Moses observed extended periods under extraordinary circumstances.

Individuals facing health concerns may adopt partial fasts, abstaining from specific foods or meals. The ultimate goal is to practice an authentic discipline of self-denial and prayer in a manner that honors God and respects personal limitations.

Blessings and Results of Fasting

1. Closer Fellowship with God: Fasting clears one’s focus, giving additional time and intentionality for prayer and worship.

2. Heightened Spiritual Sensitivity: Many believers testify that fasting helps them discern God’s direction.

3. Renewal and Breakthrough: Biblical accounts often associate fasting with deliverance from crises or revelation of God’s plans (see 2 Chronicles 20:3–4, when Jehoshaphat proclaimed a fast and received God’s victory).

Common Misuses of Fasting

1. Seeking Human Approval: Some might fast to appear holy or gain praise. Jesus warned, “They have already received their reward in full” (Matthew 6:16).

2. Treating Fasting as a Bargaining Chip: Fasting should never be used to manipulate God. Rather than compelling Him to act, it positions us to listen and submit to His will.

3. Neglecting Other Duties: Isaiah 58 cautions against fasting while ignoring justice or charity. Fasting is hollow when accompanied by exploitation or self-centered living.

Conclusion

From the Old Testament to the New, fasting weaves through biblical history as an expression of contrition, humility, and worship. It is not merely about abstaining from food, but about drawing near to God in prayer, refining one’s heart, and seeking His direction. Enacted with sincerity, fasting remains a powerful practice that centers the worshiper on God’s provision and leading, clarifying dependence on the Creator who “rewards” what is done in faith and humility (Matthew 6:18).