Why Should Christians Fast?
Why Should Christians Fast? Biblical fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer, seek God's will, express repentance, or prepare for spiritual battle.
Key verse: Matthew 6:17-18 (KJV)
Biblical fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer, seek God's will, express repentance, or prepare for spiritual battle.
Biblical fasting is voluntarily abstaining from food to focus on prayer, seek God's will, express repentance, or prepare for spiritual battle.
"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." — Matthew 6:17-18 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Fasting is practiced throughout Scripture. Moses fasted 40 days on Sinai (Exodus 34:28). David fasted in repentance (2 Samuel 12:16) and intercession (Psalm 35:13). Esther called for a three-day fast before approaching the king (Esther 4:16). Daniel fasted for understanding (Daniel 9:3). Jesus fasted 40 days before His ministry began (Matthew 4:2) and taught, 'When ye fast' — not 'if' — implying it was expected (Matthew 6:16-18). He instructed fasting without hypocrisy: 'Anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret' (Matthew 6:17-18). The early church fasted when making important decisions (Acts 13:2-3, 14:23). Fasting expresses dependence on God above physical needs. Isaiah 58:6-7 describes the fast God chooses: loosing the bonds of wickedness, feeding the hungry, and clothing the naked. True fasting combines spiritual devotion with practical righteousness.
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."
"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."
"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What does the Bible say about fasting?
Fasting is the voluntary abstaining from food for spiritual purposes — practiced throughout the Bible as an expression of humility, repentance, and seeking God's guidance.
What does the Bible say about prayer?
The Bible teaches that prayer is direct communication with God — a privilege for all believers — and should be persistent, humble, faith-filled, and aligned with God's will.
What Does the Bible Say About Self-Control?
Self-control (temperance) is a fruit of the Spirit and essential for living a godly life.
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.
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 “Why Should Christians Fast?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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