Fasting References in the Bible

I want to post the “facts” here and then make some conclusions, observations in another post. Consider it my attempt to separate church and state. 😉

So here we go . . .

Research Methodology

I looked up all passages in the Bible (NIV) with the words fast, fasting, and fasted.

Of the 85 verses found in those searches, about 65 of those actually relate to our topic of fasting. For each of the applicable verses, I read and made note of why the fast was done and anything else I found interesting.

That helped me get a much better bigger picture of fasting and why people fast.

Disclaimer: You really couldn’t call this a “research methodology”. I laugh at the formality of the title and the informality of the research. I don’t consider my research complete or definitive and realize there are many flaws.

But to answer my question, I think it’s a good starting point.

Reasons people fasted in the Bible

To repent

• Nehemiah 9:1-2
• Jonah 3:5-8
• 1 Samuel 7:6
• Daniel 9:3-4
• Joel 2:12

To mourn, grieve

• Esther 4:3
• 2 Samuel 1:12
• Nehemiah 1:4

To intercede for the sick

• Psalm 35:13
• 2 Samuel 12:15-16

To break chains of bondage

• Isaiah 58:6 (the chapter overall is good and deals with fasting)

To petition, seek answers

• Daniel 9:3-4
• Ezra 8:21-23
• Judges 20:26-28

There are some other references to fasting for other reasons, but I only wanted to hit on what I felt were the major ones.

And I don’t want you to get caught up thinking you should only fast if you find yourself in a situation categorized above.

As my next post will talk about, I don’t believe the act of fasting means anything to God. Which means I think you can fast for whatever reason as long as you have the heart of fasting.

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I write about a hodgepodge of things. Much of it will be what God’s teaching me—hopefully it encourages you too. I also enjoy deep diving into product recommendations, reviews, and other random but useful nuggets.