Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that invites believers to draw closer to God through prayer, self-denial, and reflection. The Bible provides numerous verses that highlight the significance of fasting, emphasizing its purpose as a means of seeking divine guidance, expressing repentance, and deepening one’s relationship with the Lord.
As you explore Bible verses for fasting, you will find insights into the proper attitude and approach to fasting. The scriptures teach that fasting should be done humbly and sincerely, without seeking the approval of others. They encourage believers to use this time to seek God’s will, intercede for others, and experience spiritual renewal.
By embracing these biblical principles, you can approach fasting as a meaningful way to grow in faith, gain clarity, and deepen your relationship with God, preparing your heart for His work in your life and the lives of those around you.
Bible Verses For Fasting
Titus 2:11-12 – Biblical Teachings on Humility in Fasting
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” – Titus 2:11-12
More Related Verses:
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Also Read: Bible Verses About Waiting For The Right Person (with Related Verses)
Matthew 6:16-18 – Scriptures on the Purpose of Fasting
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:16-18
More Related Verses:
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
“A true fasting is not about the outward appearance but about the inner transformation and dedication to God.” – Joel 2:12
“Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate.” – Joel 2:13
Isaiah 58:9-10 – Verses Encouraging Spiritual Growth through Fasting
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” – Isaiah 58:9-10
More Related Verses:
“So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.” – Daniel 9:3
“Fasting isn’t about deprivation but about realizing our reliance on God.” – Mark 9:29
“The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.” – Proverbs 15:28
Isaiah 58:6-7 – Encouragement from Isaiah about True Fasting
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” – Isaiah 58:6-7
More Related Verses:
“The Lord had been speaking to me about fasting as an act of compassion.” – Matthew 25:35-36
“And whenever you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.” – Matthew 6:17
“This is the fast I have chosen; to help the oppressed and feed the hungry.” – Isaiah 58:7
Acts 13:2-3 – Scriptures on Fasting for Guidance and Wisdom
“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:2-3
More Related Verses:
“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:6
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
“And the church prayed earnestly for him.” – Acts 12:5
Matthew 17:21 – Verses about Prayer and Fasting Together
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
More Related Verses:
“Prayer is essential for overcoming trials and temptation.” – Luke 22:46
“And I tell you that you ask for anything in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Nehemiah 1:4 – Biblical Examples of Fasting
“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.” – Nehemiah 1:4
More Related Verses:
“Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God.” – Ezra 8:21
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
Esther 4:16 – Teachings of Jesus on Fasting
“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do.” – Esther 4:16
More Related Verses:
“I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.” – John 17:9
“Your face, Lord, I will seek.” – Psalm 27:8
“The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” – James 5:16
Joel 2:12-13 – Scriptures about Fasting and Repentance
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” – Joel 2:12-13
More Related Verses:
“Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate.” – Joel 2:13
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
“I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” – Luke 13:3
Isaiah 58:9-10 – Verses on Fasting as a Form of Worship
“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.” – Isaiah 58:9-10
More Related Verses:
“Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1
“Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.” – Psalm 96:9
“And they will say, ‘This is the Lord, we have waited for him; we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.'” – Isaiah 25:9
Joel 2:15-16 – Teachings on Corporate Fasting
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast.” – Joel 2:15-16
More Related Verses:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14
“This is a call for the entire congregation to seek God and repent.” – Nehemiah 9:1
“And they were all together in one place and in one accord.” – Acts 2:1
Matthew 6:16-18 – Scriptures about the Power of Fasting in Spiritual Warfare
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting.” – Matthew 6:16-18
More Related Verses:
“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.” – Matthew 6:17
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” – Ephesians 6:12
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Isaiah 58:14 – Verses for Consistent Fasting
“Then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride in triumph on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritances of your father Jacob.” – Isaiah 58:14
More Related Verses:
“The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.” – Lamentations 3:25
“The soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” – Proverbs 13:4
“All things are possible for one who believes.” – Mark 9:23
Jeremiah 29:11 – Scriptures about the Blessings of Fasting
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
More Related Verses:
“A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.” – Proverbs 28:20
“He who seeks good finds favor, but evil comes to one who searches for it.” – Proverbs 11:27
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
Final Thoughts
Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God and helps us align our hearts with His will. The Scriptures provide rich insights into the purpose of fasting, encouraging us to seek God earnestly and to practice humility, love, and compassion. Through fasting, we can gain clarity, strength, and the resilience needed to face life’s challenges.
As we navigate our fasting journeys, let us remember that it is not merely an act of abstaining from food or other pleasures but a heartfelt commitment to pursuing a deeper relationship with God. By incorporating prayer, worship, and acts of kindness, we can make our fasting meaningful and impactful.