Church and worship
What does the Bible say about fasting?
Jesus assumed His followers would fast, and taught them to do it quietly, for God rather than for appearances.
What Scripture says
Matthew 6:16-18
““Moreover when you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.”
Isaiah 58:6-7
““Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to release the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Isn’t it to distribute your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? When you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh?”
Acts 13:2-3
“As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.” Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
Joel 2:12
““Yet even now,” says the LORD, “turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.””
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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. See all Bible questions or verses by topic.