Fasting in the Bible is always tied to prayer, humility, and seeking God’s presence. It’s not about religious performance but about deepening our relationship with God. Through fasting, believers open themselves to hear more clearly, surrender more fully, and grow more deeply in faith. These Bible verses about fasting offer clear insight into how God views this spiritual act and how it can impact our lives.
1. Matthew 6:16-18
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.
Explanation:
Jesus teaches that fasting is a private act of devotion. It’s not for show, but for genuine connection with God. True fasting is humble, sincere, and focused on the heart.
2. Joel 2:12
Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.
Explanation:
Fasting is a sign of heartfelt repentance. God calls His people to return to Him not just with words, but with action — including fasting as a way to express true sorrow and renewed devotion.
3. Ezra 8:23
So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.
Explanation:
In this verse, Ezra and others fasted and prayed for protection. Their fast showed their dependence on God, and He responded to their need. It highlights fasting as a way to seek divine help.
4. 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?
Explanation:
God makes it clear that true fasting goes beyond food. It’s about justice, compassion, and breaking spiritual and physical chains. Fasting should lead to action that reflects God’s heart.
5. 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. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Explanation:
Fasting was part of seeking God’s will in the early church. It prepared believers to make important decisions and hear God’s direction clearly, especially in ministry and mission.
6. Daniel 9:3
And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.
Explanation:
Daniel’s fast was marked by deep prayer and humility. He sought God not only for himself but on behalf of his people. Fasting here reflects a posture of intercession and repentance.
7. Jonah 3:5
So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
Explanation:
After Jonah’s message, the people of Nineveh fasted in response to God’s warning. Their fasting was a sign of repentance that moved God to show mercy. It shows that fasting can lead to real change.
8. Nehemiah 1:4
And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.
Explanation:
When Nehemiah heard about Jerusalem’s broken walls, his first response was to fast and pray. This verse highlights how fasting can be a way to grieve, seek answers, and prepare for godly action.
9. Psalm 35:13
But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.
Explanation:
David used fasting as a way to humble himself before God, especially when praying for others. This shows how fasting can deepen our compassion and sincerity in intercession.
10. Esther 4:16
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
Explanation:
Esther called for a community fast before taking a great risk to save her people. This shows the power of collective fasting in seeking God’s intervention in critical situations.
11. Luke 2:37
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.
Explanation:
This verse describes Anna, a devoted woman who fasted and prayed constantly. Her example shows fasting as a lifestyle of worship and faithfulness, especially in seasons of waiting.
12. 2 Samuel 12:16
David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
Explanation:
David fasted as he pleaded with God for his sick child. This verse shows how fasting is often tied to intense prayer during moments of deep sorrow and desperation.
13. Acts 14:23
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
Explanation:
Fasting accompanied important leadership decisions in the early church. It was a way of seeking God’s guidance and committing people and plans to His care.
14. Matthew 17:21
Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
Explanation:
Jesus explained that certain spiritual breakthroughs require both prayer and fasting. This verse points to the unique spiritual power that can be released through dedicated fasting.
15. Luke 4:2
Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.
Explanation:
Jesus Himself fasted for forty days before beginning His public ministry. His example shows that fasting is a way to prepare for spiritual battles and draw closer to God’s strength.
Fasting: A Pathway to Spiritual Power and Closeness with God
Fasting isn’t about earning God’s favor — it’s about drawing near to Him with a sincere heart. These Bible verses about fasting show us that fasting has been a powerful practice throughout Scripture, used for worship, guidance, repentance, and spiritual breakthrough. Whether you’re new to fasting or have practiced it before, these verses offer encouragement to seek God more deeply through this spiritual discipline.
Which of these verses inspired you the most? Have you experienced a time when fasting helped you hear from God or see a breakthrough? Share your thoughts or favorite Scriptures in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another to grow in faith together.