Fasting scriptures appear throughout the Bible as a powerful spiritual discipline involving prayer, repentance, and seeking God’s direction.
Whether you are new to fasting or returning to it after many years, understanding the biblical principles and teachings helps shape a fast that honors God and aligns with the heart motives Scripture emphasizes. Fasting is a beautiful spiritual journey.
Let’s dive into the prominent fasting example in the Bible. We will look at their meaning, spiritual growth goals, and practical application for modern believers.
Table of Contents:
Biblical Examples of Fasting
Moses (40 days)
Moses fasted 40 days and nights when receiving the Law from the mouth of God and again when interceding for Israel. This long fast demonstrates intense dependence on God for revelation and mediation.
- Exodus 34:28 — “So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights. He neither ate bread nor drank water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments.”
- Deuteronomy 9:9 — “When I went up the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the Lord made with you, I remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water.”
Jesus (40 days)
Before beginning His public ministry Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and was tested. This fast of the Son of God shows preparation, reliance on the Spirit, and spiritual strengthening by His heavenly Father.
- Matthew 4:1–2 — “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”
- Luke 4:1–2 — “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry.”
Esther (Corporate Fast)
Queen Esther called for a three-day fast among the Jews in Susa before approaching the king. This is an example of fasting tied to intercession and courage during the heavy burden of crises.
- Esther 4:16 — “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”
Related: Chosen: Verse-by-verse Bible study of the Book of Esther.
Daniel (Prayer and Revelation)
Daniel’s fasting in times of crisis and confession is linked to earnest prayer seeking divine intervention and the reception of angelic revelation and prophetic insight.
- Daniel 9 — “Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.”
- Daniel 10 — “In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks.”
Ezra and Nehemiah (communal dependence)
Ezra proclaimed a fast before the journey to Jerusalem. Nehemiah sought the Lord with fasting and prayer when facing opposition. Both show fasting as corporate dependence on God.
- Ezra 8:21–23 — “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.”
- Nehemiah 1 — “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”
Related: Perseverance: Praying Through Life’s Challenges (a study of Nehemiah).
Nineveh and Jonah (repentant corporate fast)
When the city of Nineveh heeded Jonah’s warning, they proclaimed a fast and turned from violence. The fast accompanied repentance that moved God to relent.
- Jonah 3:5–10 — “And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.”
Early Church (Acts)
The New Testament church practiced Christian fasting with worship and decision-making. They illustrate the value of fasting’s role in seeking God’s guidance and leadership.
- Acts 13:2 — While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
- Acts 14:23 — “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”
Key Scriptures That Teach About Fasting
Attitude Matters: Jesus warns against fasting for show. He instructs believers to fast with humility and secrecy so the motive is worship, not public praise.
- Matthew 6:16-18 — “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
True fasting: Isaiah contrasts ritual fasting with a fast that produces justice, mercy, and care for the oppressed. This chapter of Isaiah in the Bible reveals God’s priorities: fasting should transform behavior and promote righteousness.
- Isaiah 58 — “Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it? Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers. Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord?” (*All of Isaiah 58 talks about fasting and is an excellent resource.)
Return with fasting: Joel calls God’s people to return with fasting, weeping, and mourning. It’s an invitation to heartfelt repentance and restoration.
- Joel 2:12-13 — “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”
Related: Powerful Bible Verses for Self-Esteem and Self-Worth
What Do These Scriptures Teach About the Purpose of Fasting?
Repentance and Humility:
Many fasting Bible verses link fasting with confession and repentance (Joel 2; Jonah 3). The fast is an outward act reflecting an inward turning to God.
Seeking God’s Guidance and Revelation:
Fasting accompanies prayer when believers need clarity, direction, or a fresh encounter with God (Acts 13; Daniel 9). Such fasting creates space to listen.
Intercession and Crisis Response:
Fasts are often called in times of national or personal crisis. Esther’s fast for deliverance and Nehemiah’s fasts during opposition are examples.
Preparation for Ministry:
Jesus’ wilderness fast prepared Him for ministry. Moses and others fasted before receiving divine instruction. Fasting can be a preparatory discipline.
Corporate Repentance and Unity:
Nineveh and the Old Testament Jewish community fasted together, demonstrating corporate humility and communal turning toward God.
How to Fast Biblically: Practical Steps Based on Scripture
1. Start with Prayer
Scripture emphasizes motive when it comes to fasting. Begin by praying and asking God to clarify why you are fasting (Matthew 6; Joel 2). Set a spiritual purpose: repentance, clarity, intercession, or worship.
2. Choose a Scripture-Focused Plan
Decide the type and length of your fast. Common biblical models include:
- Full fast (no food, short term, with water). This method is often used for intense spiritual seasons (such as Esther’s three days).
- Partial/“Daniel” fast (Daniel 1; Daniel 10). This method avoids certain foods while focusing on prayer and God’s Word.
- Intermittent or corporate fast. This method is suitable for health or community needs.
**Since the specific period of time of your fast and type of food consumption is an individual choice, I will not dive into those specifics with my limited time and space here.
3. Pair Fasting with Prayer and Scripture
The practice of fasting by itself is not the goal. There are various types of fasting, as you will see. Personally, the longest I have fasted is three days. The spiritual discipline of fasting combines prayer, confession, and Bible reading. For guides, use passages like Psalm 51, Isaiah 58, and the Lord’s Prayer.
4. Maintain Humility and Discretion
Follow Jesus’ teaching to avoid publicity (Matthew 6:16–18). Let your holy fast be between you and God unless corporate accountability is part of the plan.
5. Consider Health and Safety
The Bible assumes wisdom, so believers should consider physical limitations. Consult a medical professional for extended fasts or if you have health concerns, are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
6. Plan Refeeding and Reflection
End your fast intentionally with prayerful thanksgiving and reflection. Gradually return to normal physical nourishment to avoid health issues. I found it spiritually beneficial to journal the lessons learned and next steps.
Related: What to Highlight in the Bible and the Best Way to Do It
Common Questions About Fasting, Answered from Scripture
- Is fasting required for Christians?
Scripture does not present fasting as a legal requirement for salvation. Instead, it is a voluntary spiritual discipline modeled by Jesus, the early church, and believers in Old Testament times. The emphasis is on motive and heart (Matthew 6; Acts 13). - Does God answer when we fast?
Scripture links fasting with answered prayer when hearts are aligned with God’s will (2 Chronicles 7:14; Joel 2; Daniel 9). Fasting is not a guaranteed formula but a posture that invites God’s work in and through us. - Can fasting be misused?
Yes. Isaiah 58 warns against fasting that leaves injustice and selfishness intact. Jesus warns against performative fasting. A singular goal of weight loss is a fasting misuse that your own flesh benefits without spiritual intent. We cannot confuse a fast with a diet. Biblical fasting the right way must result in practical righteousness and compassion.
Practical 3-Day Starter Plan (Scripture-Based)
First Day — Repentance and Confession
Morning: Read Psalm 51 and confess. Daytime: Short prayer intervals and rest. Evening: Reflective journaling.
Second Day — Seek Guidance
Morning: Read Daniel 9 or Acts 13. Daytime: Spend extended time in prayer for direction. Evening: Note impressions and how the Word of God instructed you.
Third Day — Intercede and Commit
Morning: Read Isaiah 58 and Joel 2. Daytime: Pray for needs and commit to action — justice, mercy, or reconciliation steps you’ll take after the fast. Evening: Reflective journaling and plan going forward.
Conclusion: Let Scripture Shape Your Fast
Fasting scriptures in the Bible reveal a discipline intended to focus the heart on God. They produce repentance and catalyze action that reflects God’s compassion. Whether private or corporate, brief or extended, fasting without a transformed Christian life completely misses the point.
Let the examples of Moses, Esther, Daniel, Jesus, and the early church guide your motives and practices. Approach fasting with humility, prayer, and a desire for justice and mercy. Eagerly expect God to meet you in the quiet dependence that fasting creates.
May these fasting Scriptures and practical steps help you enter a focused season of prayer and encounter with God.
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- Best Bible Reading Plans
- 13 Best Bible Study Methods
- What to Highlight in the Bible and the Best Way To Do It
About the Author
Donna is an award-winning author, sought-after speaker, and Bible teacher. Her path from unchurched to becoming passionate about sharing Jesus was difficult. Read about her God-breathed journey: “From Unchurched to Becoming a Multi-Published Author and Sought-After Speaker.” If you want to send Donna a quick message, visit her here.
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