Guide
What does the Bible say about fasting?
Biblical teaching on fasting: why people fasted, how Jesus addressed it, and what role it plays in the spiritual life.
Fasting appears throughout the Bible as a practice of prayer, repentance, mourning, and seeking God. Moses, David, Elijah, Esther, Daniel, Jesus, and Paul all fasted. It is not a technique for manipulating God but a way of expressing desperation, devotion, and dependence.
This guide explains the major biblical passages on fasting, how Jesus corrected its abuse, and how fasting has been practised across Christian history.
Fasting in the Old Testament
The Old Testament records fasting in connection with repentance, mourning, and urgent prayer. The entire nation fasted on the Day of Atonement. David fasted when his child was sick. Esther called a three-day fast before approaching the king. Nehemiah fasted before asking the king to rebuild Jerusalem.
In each case, fasting was not a hunger strike. It was an expression of the heart: I need God more than I need food. The body's deprivation reflected the soul's dependence.
How Jesus taught about fasting
In Matthew 6, Jesus assumed his followers would fast. He said "when you fast," not "if you fast." But he attacked the hypocrisy of fasting for public display. He told his followers to wash their faces and appear normal, letting the fast remain between them and God.
When asked why his disciples did not fast, Jesus compared himself to a bridegroom. While the bridegroom is present, there is no fasting. When the bridegroom is taken away, they will fast. This suggests that Christian fasting is connected to longing for Christ's return.
Fasting in the early church
Acts records fasting in connection with commissioning leaders and making important decisions. The church at Antioch fasted before sending Paul and Barnabas on their first mission. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders with prayer and fasting.
The Didache, one of the earliest Christian documents, instructs believers to fast on Wednesdays and Fridays. Fasting was a normal and expected part of early Christian life, not an extraordinary practice reserved for special occasions.
Fasting as a spiritual discipline today
Most Christian traditions continue to practise fasting in some form. Catholics fast during Lent. Orthodox Christians keep extensive fasting seasons. Many Protestants practise occasional fasting for prayer and discernment.
The biblical pattern suggests that fasting is most meaningful when it is voluntary, private, connected to prayer, and motivated by genuine need rather than self-improvement. It is a way of saying to God, with the body as well as the mouth: I need you.
Key passages
"Moreover when ye 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."
When ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance.
"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 ye break every yoke?"
Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness.
"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them."
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul.