What does the Bible say about fasting — Meaning Explained
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.
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.
"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)
What "What does the Bible say about fasting?" Actually Means
Fasting appears throughout the Bible as a spiritual discipline. Moses fasted 40 days on Mount Sinai. David fasted in grief and repentance. Esther called a fast before approaching the king. Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His public ministry. He taught that fasting should be done privately, not for show, saying 'thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.' The early church fasted before making important decisions. While the New Testament doesn't command regular fasting, Jesus assumed His followers would fast ('when ye fast,' not 'if'). Fasting expresses dependence on God and intensifies spiritual focus.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Matthew 6:17-18
"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."
Isaiah 58:6
"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?"
Acts 13:2-3
"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."
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