Fasting — Meaning in the Bible
Going without food for a time, usually to pray, mourn or seek God. The Bible records fasts by individuals and whole communities.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
Moses fasted forty days on the mountain; Esther asked the Jews to fast for her; Nineveh fasted when Jonah preached. Isaiah describes the fast God chooses: loosing injustice and sharing bread with the hungry. Exodus 34:28Esther 4:16Jonah 3:5Isaiah 58:6–7
Jesus fasted forty days in the wilderness and taught his followers to fast without showing off. The church at Antioch fasted and prayed before sending Barnabas and Saul. Matthew 4:2Matthew 6:16–18Acts 13:2–3
Key passages
- Esther 4:15–17 — A fast before Esther goes to the king.
- Isaiah 58:3–9 — The fast God chooses.
- Jonah 3:5–10 — Nineveh fasts.
- Matthew 6:16–18 — Fasting in secret.
- Acts 13:1–3 — Fasting and sending.