What Does the Bible Say About Fasting?
What Does the Bible Say About Fasting? Fasting is a voluntary practice of denying physical needs to focus on prayer and seeking God—Jesus expected His followers to fast with right motives.
Key verse: Matthew 6:17-18 (KJV)
Fasting is a voluntary practice of denying physical needs to focus on prayer and seeking God—Jesus expected His followers to fast with right motives.
Fasting is a voluntary practice of denying physical needs to focus on prayer and seeking God—Jesus expected His followers to fast with right motives.
"But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly." — Matthew 6:17-18 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Fasting appears throughout Scripture as a spiritual discipline. Moses fasted 40 days on Sinai, David fasted in prayer for his child, Esther called a fast before approaching the king, and Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness. Jesus did not say 'if ye fast' but 'when ye fast' (Matthew 6:16-18), indicating He expected it as a normal practice. He warned against fasting for show, teaching that it should be done privately before God. Isaiah 58 describes the fast God honors—not mere abstinence from food but acts of justice, mercy, and liberation. Fasting expresses dependence on God and intensifies spiritual focus.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Fasting?
Biblical teaching on fasting — why, when, and how to fast according to Scripture.
Key Scripture References
"But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly."
"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?"
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?
Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit and a discipline essential for godly living, resisting temptation, and honoring God with our bodies.
What Is the Meaning of Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith — a public declaration of identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
How Should We Pray According to the Bible?
The Bible teaches that prayer is direct communication with God — honest, reverent, and grounded in faith.
Does God Answer Prayer?
Yes — the Bible promises that God hears and answers the prayers of His people, though not always in the way or timing we expect.
What Are Spiritual Gifts?
Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for serving the church and glorifying God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Fasting?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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