Fasting in Scripture: What the Bible Says

What is Fasting?

In the biblical tradition, fasting is a disciplined practice of abstaining from food - sometimes drink - for spiritual goals such as seeking divine guidance, repentance, or deepened communion with God.

This practice, often accompanied by prayer, is depicted in Scripture as a means of aligning one’s heart with God’s will, as Jesus instructs in Matthew 6:16-18: “When you fast, do not look somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” By prioritizing spiritual over physical needs, fasting becomes a visible expression of inner devotion, setting the stage for exploring its various purposes in the following discussion.

Biblical Foundations of Fasting

The practice of fasting is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it emerges as a spiritual discipline intertwined with repentance, mourning, and seeking divine guidance.

In Esther 4:16, Mordecai calls for a three-day fast before the perilous plea to King Ahasuerus, framing it as a collective act of urgency and trust in God’s intervention. Similarly, Daniel 9:3 records Daniel fasting, praying, and donning sackcloth and ashes as he seeks God’s wisdom regarding Israel’s exile, illustrating fasting as a posture of repentance and humility. These examples suggest that fasting in the Old Testament often accompanies moments of deep spiritual reliance, aligning human needs with divine sovereignty.

Such practices reflect a broader pattern in Scripture where fasting serves as both a communal and personal response to crisis, reinforcing its role as a bridge between human vulnerability and divine action.

Jesus’ Teaching on Fasting (Matthew 9:15)

Jesus redefines fasting in Matthew 9:15 by framing it as a response to His presence rather than a mere ritual obligation.

In this passage, Jesus says, “While they are celebrating the wedding, the bridegroom’s attendants cannot fast. But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast” (Matthew 9:15). This parable contrasts the joy of His earthly ministry with the future mourning and fasting that will accompany His absence. Unlike Old Testament fasting, which often accompanied communal repentance or crisis (for example, Esther 4:16 and Daniel 9:3), Jesus links fasting to the eschatological tension of the Kingdom’s arrival and the believer’s dependence on Him.

This teaching shifts fasting from external observance to an inward spiritual posture, anticipating a deeper relationship with God through Christ’s redemptive work.

Fasting in the Early Church

In the New Testament, fasting becomes a communal and personal discipline deeply integrated into the early Christian community's life and mission.

Acts 13:2-3 illustrates this when the church at Antioch, while fasting and praying, receives divine guidance to commission Paul and Barnabas for their first missionary journey, highlighting fasting as a means of seeking God’s will collectively. 2 Corinthians 6:5 mentions fasting among the apostles’ sufferings, framing it as a spiritual endurance practice tied to their ministry’s sacrifices. These examples show fasting often accompanied pivotal moments of decision, dependency, and devotion in the early church.

The form of fasting in these texts varies: Acts 13:2-3 describes a communal fast involving the church’s leaders and prophets, while 2 Corinthians 6:5 references it as a personal sacrifice, paired with other trials like persecution. Both contexts emphasize fasting’s role in aligning priorities with God’s purposes, whether corporately or individually. This duality underscores its adaptability as a spiritual tool, rooted in prayer and humility, to prepare believers for divine action and service.

Why Fasting Matters Today

Fasting remains a transformative practice for modern believers, offering a pathway to humility, dependence on God, and alignment with divine priorities.

In a world of distractions and self-reliance, fasting - guided by Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:16-18 - calls individuals to seek God in secrecy rather than perform for approval. By abstaining from physical needs, believers confront their spiritual hunger, fostering self-examination and reliance on divine wisdom. This discipline, rooted in prayer, sharpens focus on God’s will over worldly preoccupations.

When practiced authentically, fasting becomes a quiet act of trust, reminding contemporary followers that spiritual growth thrives not in isolation but in intentional dependence on the Creator. It bridges ancient wisdom with present-day faith, inviting a renewed sensitivity to God’s active presence.

Going Deeper

For those interested in exploring fasting further, several avenues of study offer deeper insight into its practice and significance.

Historical practices reveal how fasting evolved across cultures and eras, while denominational approaches highlight diverse traditions, from Lenten observances in Catholicism to corporate fasts in Pentecostal communities. Practical guides can help individuals approach fasting safely and meaningfully, balancing spiritual goals with physical well-being through resources on duration, prayer, and health considerations.