Bible Verses About Fasting

"Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 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?"

"Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning."

"And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred."

"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. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away."

"So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us."

"And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes."

"But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting."

"Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."

"And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day."

What does the Bible say about fasting?

Fasting is one of the most powerful yet neglected spiritual disciplines. Throughout Scripture, men and women of God fasted during critical moments—seeking God's guidance, repenting of sin, and interceding for others. Key King James Version passages include Matthew 6:16-18, Isaiah 58:6, Joel 2:12. This page collects 10 KJV verses about fasting, each quoted in full.

Should Christians fast today?

Yes. Jesus said 'when ye fast' (Matthew 6:16), not 'if.' He assumed His followers would fast. The early church fasted regularly (Acts 13:2, 14:23). While not commanded at specific times, fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that deepens prayer, sharpens discernment, and demonstrates dependence on God.

How long should a fast last?

The Bible records fasts of varying lengths: one day (Judges 20:26), three days (Esther 4:16), seven days (1 Samuel 31:13), twenty-one days (Daniel 10:3), and forty days (Matthew 4:2). Start with what is manageable—even skipping one meal to pray—and let the Holy Spirit guide the duration.

How long should a biblical fast last?

Scripture shows various lengths: one day (Judges 20:26), three days (Esther 4:16), seven days (1 Samuel 31:13), 21 days (Daniel 10:3), and 40 days (Matthew 4:2). There is no required length. Start with what is manageable and let the Holy Spirit guide the duration. Health conditions should always be considered.