Fasting in the Bible: The Complete Archive
A comprehensive guide to every major instance of fasting found in the Old and New Testaments. Study the passages and the context behind the sacrifice.
Fasting is not a rare exception in the Bible; it is a recurring protocol for breakthrough. Below, we have compiled the full text and spiritual commentary for the most significant fasts recorded in Holy Scripture.
The Old Testament Pillars
"Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights... So he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights. He neither ate bread nor drank water."
Commentary: Moses' fast was supernatural, sustained by the literal presence of God on Sinai. It precedes the receiving of the Commandments.
"Then all the people of Israel, the whole army, went up and came to Bethel and wept. They sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening."
Commentary: A fast of desperation and seeking direction after military defeat.
"As often as she went up to the house of the Lord... Hannah wept and would not eat. And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, 'Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat?'"
Commentary: Fasting driven by deep emotional distress and a soul's cry for a child.
"So they gathered at Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the Lord and fasted on that day and said there, 'We have sinned against the Lord.'"
Commentary: A fast of national repentance and cleansing before battle.
"“Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do.”"
Commentary: The most famous 'dry fast' in the Bible, undertaken during a life-or-death crisis for the Jewish people.
"“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?”"
Commentary: God defines the internal heart-posture required for fasting to be effective: justice and mercy.
"“In those days I, Daniel, was mourning for three full weeks. I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks.”"
Commentary: The foundation for the 'Daniel Fast'—a partial fast focused on spiritual clarity and mourning.
The New Testament Standard
"“And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”"
Commentary: Jesus begins his public ministry with a 40-day fast, demonstrating the necessity of the Spirit's power over the flesh.
"“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”"
Commentary: Jesus' primary instruction on the 'how' of fasting: avoid religious performance and focus on the secret relationship with the Father.
"“But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.”"
Commentary: A direct link between fasting and the authority to cast out specific spiritual strongholds.
"“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul...' Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”"
Commentary: The early church used corporate fasting as a tool for hearing the voice of the Spirit and making critical leadership decisions.
"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?"
— Isaiah 58:6
Developing Your Fasting Pattern
Study these patterns. You will notice that God never rewards the飢え (hunger) itself, but the **humility** that the hunger represents. As you read these passages, ask the Holy Spirit which pattern corresponds to your current season.
Read the Practical Guide