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What does the Bible say about fasting?

Answered in 33 sources

The Bible teaches that fasting is a form of self-denial and true devotion to God, emphasizing the importance of the heart's intention rather than mere outward acts.

Fasting is mentioned frequently in the Bible and is primarily understood as an act of self-denial. The Hebrew definition of fasting literally means 'to cover the mouth,' representing a willingness to abstain from food for a period of time to focus on spiritual matters. In Isaiah 58, God calls attention to the misguided practices of the people who fast for show rather than genuine devotion. He reveals that true fasting is not merely about the absence of food but involves a heart engaged in acts of mercy and justice, such as feeding the hungry and freeing the oppressed. This self-denial should reflect a desire for closeness with God, making it clear that it is not just about the act of fasting itself but about the underlying motivations and actions that accompany it.
Scripture References: Isaiah 58:1-12, Matthew 6:16-18, Isaiah 58:5-12, Luke 5:33-39, Matthew 9:14-17, Isaiah 58:6-7, Luke 5:33-35, Isaiah 58:1-10, Isaiah 58, 1 Samuel 1, 1 Samuel 20, 2 Corinthians 11, Romans 14:17, Isaiah 58; Matthew 6:16-18, Isaiah 58:1-7, Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Mark 2:19-20, Matthew 6:15, Leviticus 23, 1 Samuel 30:4, Daniel 9:3, Acts 13:2-3, Matthew 4:1-11, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Acts 13:1-3, 2 Samuel 12, Psalm 51, Isaiah 58:5-7, John 8:12, Isaiah 58:3-7, Micah 6:8, Matthew 6:16, Matthew 9:15, 1 Samuel 7:6, 1 Kings 21:25, Mark 2:18-20, Luke 18:9-14

Sermons (29)

The True Fast
Todd Nibert · Aug 14, 2005
God's Chosen Fast
Clay Curtis · Mar 29, 2015
Fasting
Todd Nibert · May 20, 2012
The Chosen Fast
Gary Shepard · Apr 29, 2007
When You Fast
Todd Nibert · Apr 22, 2026
Fasting
Clay Curtis · Nov 2, 2009
God's Chosen Fast
Norm Wells · Jun 4, 2020
A Teaching Word
Eric Lutter · Feb 27, 2022
God's Fast
Henry Sant · Aug 21, 2022
Old & New
Tim James · Dec 3, 2023
Feast Or Fast?
Peter L. Meney · Nov 26, 2024
When You Fast
Gabe Stalnaker · Jul 11, 2021

Articles (4)

Matthew 6:16-34
J.C. Ryle · Jan 11, 2016
Joshua

Joshua

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