bible verses about fasting kjv

In the Bible, there are numerous verses that speak to the practice of fasting as a way to draw closer to God and seek His guidance. One such verse is found in **Matthew 6:16-18**, where Jesus teaches about the importance of fasting in a way that honors God: “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

Another powerful verse about fasting can be found in **Isaiah 58:6-7**, where the prophet Isaiah describes the kind of fast that God desires: “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” These verses emphasize the importance of fasting not just for personal piety, but also as a way to bring justice and mercy into the world.

Examination of Biblical Principles on Fasting in KJV Scriptures

Fasting in the Bible

Matthew 6:16-18

“Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”

Isaiah 58:6-7

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? When thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”

Joel 2:12

“Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”

Luke 2:37

“And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.”

Acts 13:2-3

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

Types of Fasting

1. Normal Fast

Matthew 4:2

“And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.”

2. Partial Fast

Daniel 10:3

“I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.”

3. Complete Fast

Esther 4:16

“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.”

Purpose of Fasting

1. Seeking God’s Will

Ezra 8:21

“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.”

2. Repentance and Forgiveness

Jonah 3:5-10

“So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them… And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.”

3. Spiritual Warfare

Mark 9:29

“And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

4. Humbling Oneself

Psalms 35:13

“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.”

5. Strengthening Faith

Matthew 17:21

“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”

Conclusion

Fasting is a spiritual discipline that has been practiced by believers throughout the Bible. It has various purposes including seeking God’s will, repentance, spiritual warfare, humbling oneself, and strengthening faith. By examining the biblical principles on fasting, we can understand how this Practice can help us grow closer to God and experience transformation in our spiritual lives. It is important to fast with the right motives, not to be seen by others but to seek God in secret. Let us follow the examples set by the prophets, apostles, and even Jesus himself, who fasted to draw near to God and fulfill His purposes. May we approach fasting with reverence and sincerity, knowing that our Father who sees in secret will reward us openly.

Applying Lessons from Fasting Verses to Spiritual Growth and Reflection

Fasting is a practice that has been observed by believers of various faiths for centuries. In the Bible, there are numerous verses that talk about the importance of fasting as a means to draw closer to God, seek His guidance, and experience spiritual growth. By studying these fasting verses and applying their lessons to our own lives, we can deepen our relationship with God and foster personal growth and reflection.

Matthew 6:16-18

• “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Isaiah 58:6-7

• “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

Joel 2:12

• “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”

Acts 13:2-3

• “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

These fasting verses teach us that fasting is not simply about abstaining from food, but it is a spiritual discipline that involves surrendering our desires, turning away from sin, and seeking God’s will in our lives. Through fasting, we can humble ourselves before the Lord, repent of our sins, and seek His direction and guidance.

Reflecting on the Lessons of Fasting Verses

As we reflect on the lessons of fasting verses, we can apply their principles to our spiritual growth and reflection. Fasting can be a time of self-examination, prayer, and seeking God’s presence in our lives. By incorporating fasting into our spiritual practices, we can deepen our faith, cultivate a spirit of humility, and draw closer to God.

Psalm 35:13

• “Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered,”

Daniel 9:3

• “So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.”

Matthew 4:2

• “After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”

1 Corinthians 7:5

• “Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”

Through fasting, we can discipline our bodies, focus our minds on prayer, and seek God’s will for our lives. As we meditate on the teachings of fasting verses and incorporate fasting into our spiritual practices, we can experience personal transformation, spiritual growth, and a deeper intimacy with God.

Exploring the Connection Between Fasting and Prayer in the Bible

Throughout the Bible, we see a strong connection between fasting and prayer. Fasting is often seen as a way to humble ourselves before God, while prayer is our way of communicating with Him. When we combine fasting and prayer, we are showing our reliance on God and our desire to seek His will above our own. Let us explore some of the key verses that highlight this important connection:

Matthew 6:16-18

“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Acts 13:2-3

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

Mark 9:29

“He replied, ‘This kind can come out only by prayer and fasting.’”

Joel 2:12

“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

2 Chronicles 20:3

“Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.”

Matthew 17:21

“But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”

Isaiah 58:6

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?”

When we fast and pray, we are seeking God’s guidance and intervention in our lives. It is a way of demonstrating our faith and dependence on Him. As we see in the Bible, many great leaders and prophets fasted and prayed in times of need or decision-making. It is a spiritual discipline that can draw us closer to God and help us align our hearts with His will.

Psalm 35:13

“Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered”

2 Samuel 12:16

“David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and spent the nights lying in sackcloth on the ground.”

Esther 4:16

“Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

By fasting and praying, we are acknowledging our need for God’s help and wisdom. It is a way of surrendering our desires and trusting in His plan for our lives. Fasting and prayer are not about manipulating God or earning His favor, but about drawing near to Him and seeking His presence in all circumstances.

Luke 2:37

“And then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.”

Nehemiah 1:4

“When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”

Zechariah 8:19

“This is what the Lord Almighty says: The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.”

Fasting and prayer

go hand in hand in the Bible, showing our dependence on

God and our desire to seek His will above our own. Let us

continue to practice these spiritual disciplines as a way to

draw closer to God and align our hearts with His.

Inspiring Everyday Practices through Fasting Scriptures in the King James Version

1. Matthew 6:16-18

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

2. Isaiah 58:6-9

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.

3. Joel 2:12-13

Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.

4. Luke 4:2-4

Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.

5. Acts 13:2-3

As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

6. Psalm 35:13

But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

7. 1 Corinthians 7:5

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

8. Ezra 8:23

So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

9. 2 Samuel 12:16-17

David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.

10. Matthew 17:21

Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

Exploring the various Bible verses about fasting in the King James Version has given us a deeper understanding of this spiritual practice. Whether you are seeking guidance on how to fast, looking for verses to meditate on during a fast, or simply curious about the biblical perspective on fasting, the Bible offers a wealth of wisdom and inspiration. As you continue on your journey of faith, may these verses serve as a source of strength, comfort, and spiritual nourishment. Remember, fasting is not just about abstaining from food, but about drawing closer to God and seeking His presence in your life. Let these verses be a beacon of light on your path of spiritual growth and may you always find solace in the words of Scripture.