Bible Verses About Fasting in a world that seems to move at an ever-increasing pace, where instant gratification is often prioritized, it becomes vital for individuals to seek moments of self-reflection and spiritual renewal. Throughout history, one practice that has stood the test of time and been embraced by various faith traditions is fasting. Rooted in the belief that denying oneself of physical nourishment can lead to a deeper spiritual connection, fasting has been practiced as a means of self-discipline, seeking divine guidance, and experiencing a profound sense of spiritual transformation.
As we delve into the rich tapestry of the Bible, we discover numerous instances where fasting played a significant role in the lives of the faithful. It serves as a recurring theme that speaks to the importance of self-denial and seeking God with a fervent heart. Whether it was for personal repentance, communal prayer, or seeking direction during challenging times, fasting emerged as a potent tool for believers to draw closer to the Divine.
In this article, we embark on a journey through the pages of the Bible, exploring a selection of powerful verses that shed light on the significance and practice of fasting. We will examine passages from both the Old and New Testaments, understanding their historical context and uncovering the spiritual wisdom they hold. From the righteous examples of prophets and patriarchs to the teachings of Jesus Christ Himself, these verses offer timeless guidance and inspiration for those seeking to engage in the transformative discipline of fasting.
Join us as we reflect on these verses and dive deeper into the spiritual dimensions of fasting. Through the exploration of God’s Word, we hope to illuminate the beauty and purpose of this ancient practice, encouraging individuals from all walks of life to consider its relevance and embrace the potential spiritual growth that awaits them.
So, prepare your hearts and minds as we embark on this insightful journey, drawing from the wellspring of biblical wisdom to discover the profound significance of fasting in nurturing our faith, deepening our relationship with God, and seeking spiritual renewal in the modern world.
Best Bible Verses About Fasting
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Matthew 6:16-18 – “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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.”
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Joel 2:12 – “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
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Acts 27:9 – “Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them.”
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Ezra 8:23 – “So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.”
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Nehemiah 9:1 – “Now on the twenty-fourth day of this month the people of Israel were assembled with fasting and in sackcloth, and with earth on their heads.”
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Isaiah 58:6 – “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?”
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Daniel 9:3 – “Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.”
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Luke 2:37 – “And then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.”
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1 Corinthians 7:5 – “Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
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Isaiah 58:3 – “‘Why have we fasted, and you see it not? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you take no knowledge of it?’ Behold, in the day of your fast you seek your own pleasure, and oppress all your workers.”
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Matthew 4:2 – “And after fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.”
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Acts 10:30 – “And Cornelius said, ‘Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing.’”
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Esther 4:16 – “‘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. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.’”
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Matthew 17:21 – “But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.”
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Psalm 69:10 – “When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, it became my reproach.”
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2 Chronicles 20:3 – “Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.”
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Isaiah 58:4 – “Behold, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to hit with a wicked fist. Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high.”
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Joel 2:15 – “Blow the trumpet in Zion; consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly.”
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Acts 14:23 – “And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.”
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Jonah 3:5 – “And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.”
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Matthew 6:18 – “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.”
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Luke 5:33 – “And they said to him, ‘The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.’”
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Nehemiah 1:4 – “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”
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Matthew 9:14 – “Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, ‘Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’”
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1 Kings 21:9 – “And she wrote in the letters, ‘Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth at the head of the people.’”
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Psalm 35:13 – “But I, when they were sick—I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.”
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1 Timothy 4:13 – “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”
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Zechariah 7:5 – “‘Say to all the people of the land and the priests, When you fasted and mourned in the fifth month and in the seventh, for these seventy years, was it for me that you fasted?’”
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Matthew 6:16 – “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”
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Luke 2:38 – “And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
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Acts 13:2 – “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.’”
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1 Samuel 31:13 – “And they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh and fasted seven days.”
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Psalm 109:24 – “My knees are weak through fasting; my body has become gaunt, with no fat.”
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Matthew 9:15 – “And Jesus said to them, ‘Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.’”
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Isaiah 58:8 – “Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.”
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Luke 18:12 – “I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.”
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Acts 27:33 – “As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, ‘Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing.’”
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Jeremiah 14:12 – “Though they fast, I will not hear their cry, and though they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence.”
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Psalm 109:21 – “But you, O God my Lord, deal on my behalf for your name’s sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!”
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Zechariah 8:19 – “Thus says the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month and the fast of the fifth and the fast of the seventh and the fast of the tenth shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace.”
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Matthew 6:17 – “But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.”
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Mark 2:18 – “Now John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, ‘Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?’”
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Acts 27:21 – “Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, ‘Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss.’”
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Isaiah 58:9 – “Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness.”
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Matthew 6:6 – “But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
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Luke 18:10 – “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.”
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Acts 27:9 – “Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them.”
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Jonah 3:7 – “And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, ‘By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water.'”
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2 Samuel 12:16 – “David therefore sought God on behalf of the child. And David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground.”
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Ezra 8:23 – “So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.”
These are the best 50 Bible Verses About Fasting.
Also Read: Random Bible Verses
Bible Verses About Fasting And Prayer
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Matthew 6:16-18 – “And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 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.”
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Matthew 17:21 – “But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.”
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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.”
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Ezra 8:23 – “So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.”
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Nehemiah 1:4 – “As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.”
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Joel 2:12 – “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.”
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Daniel 9:3 – “Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.”
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Luke 2:37 – “And then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.”
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Acts 10:30 – “And Cornelius said, ‘Four days ago, about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing.'”
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1 Corinthians 7:5 – “Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
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Psalm 35:13 – “But I, when they were sick—I wore sackcloth; I afflicted myself with fasting; I prayed with head bowed on my chest.”
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Isaiah 58:6 – “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?”
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Luke 5:33 – “And they said to him, ‘The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink.'”
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Acts 27:9 – “Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them.”
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James 5:13 – “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Heaven And Eternal Life
Bible Verses About Fasting KJV
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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.”
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Matthew 9:14-15 – “Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not? And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.”
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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.”
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Acts 27:9 – “Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them.”
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Ezra 8:21-23 – “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. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.”
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Nehemiah 9:1 – “Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.”
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Daniel 9:3 – “And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes.”
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Psalm 69:10 – “When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.”
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Acts 27:33-34 – “And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.”
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Isaiah 58:6 – “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?”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Flowers
The Spiritual Discipline of Fasting
Bible Verses About Fasting not only outline the act of abstaining from food but emphasize the spiritual discipline and devotion associated with this practice. Fasting serves as a catalyst for spiritual growth, fostering a deeper connection with one’s faith and a heightened awareness of the divine presence.
Seeking Divine Guidance and Clarity
Central to the verses on fasting is the theme of seeking divine guidance and clarity. Fasting is depicted as a means to draw closer to God, seeking wisdom, discernment, and divine intervention. These verses encourage individuals to embark on fasting as a way to align their hearts and minds with God’s will.
Discipline and Humility
The verses highlight the virtues of discipline and humility inherent in fasting. They stress the importance of self-control and a humble heart during fasting, emphasizing the significance of purity and sincerity in one’s intentions.
Reflection and Spiritual Renewal
Fasting, as depicted in these verses, serves as a catalyst for introspection and spiritual renewal. It provides an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their lives, seek repentance, and experience a rejuvenation of their spiritual journey.
Expressing Devotion and Commitment
Bible Verses About Fasting underscore the aspect of devotion and commitment to one’s faith. They encourage individuals to fast as an expression of dedication and commitment to God, fostering a deeper sense of connection and reverence.
Universal Teachings and Guidance
The beauty of these verses lies in their universal teachings and timeless guidance. They transcend religious boundaries, offering wisdom and spiritual nourishment to individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking a deeper understanding of the practice of fasting.
Bible Verses About Esther Fasting
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Esther 4:15-16 (KJV): “Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer, 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.”
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Esther 4:3 (KJV): “And in every province, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.”
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Esther 4:16 (KJV): “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.”
Bible Verses About Fasting In Isaiah
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Isaiah 58:3 (KJV): “Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours.”
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Isaiah 58:4 (KJV): “Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.”
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Isaiah 58:5 (KJV): “Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?”
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Isaiah 58:6 (KJV): “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?”
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Isaiah 58:7 (KJV): “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?”
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Isaiah 58:8 (KJV): “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 reward.”
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Isaiah 58:9 (KJV): “Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity.”
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Isaiah 58:10 (KJV): “And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday.”
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Isaiah 58:11 (KJV): “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”
These are the best Bible Verses About Fasting In Isaiah.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Blessings For You
Bible Verses About Fasting In Private
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Matthew 6:16-18 (KJV): “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.”
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Matthew 6:6 (KJV): “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
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Luke 18:12 (KJV): “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.”
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Daniel 10:3 (KJV): “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.”
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Psalm 35:13 (KJV): “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.”
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Joel 2:12 (KJV): “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”
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Isaiah 58:6 (KJV): “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?”
These are the best Bible Verses About Fasting In Private.
Hope you liked Bible Verses About Fasting.
Concluding this extensive compilation of “100+ Bible Verses About Fasting [Read Them During Fasting],” it’s clear that fasting holds significant spiritual importance across various religious beliefs, and the Bible contains a plethora of verses that provide guidance, encouragement, and insight for those engaging in fasting practices.
The exploration of “100+ Bible Verses About Fasting [Read Them During Fasting]” has shed light on the multifaceted nature of fasting. It’s more than abstaining from food; it’s a spiritual discipline that fosters introspection, spiritual growth, and a deeper connection with the divine.
Throughout these verses, the significance of fasting as a means to seek God’s guidance, repentance, and spiritual renewal is evident. The verses serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, providing a roadmap for individuals undertaking fasting as a means to draw closer to God.
“100+ Bible Verses About Fasting [Read Them During Fasting]” encompass a range of themes related to fasting, such as humility, devotion, seeking God’s will, and discipline. They offer encouragement to those embarking on fasting journeys, reminding them of the spiritual rewards and blessings associated with this practice.
The verses highlighted in this collection aren’t just meant for reading during fasting; they serve as a source of strength and inspiration for individuals seeking guidance in their spiritual walk. They provide a foundation for understanding the significance of fasting and its impact on one’s relationship with God.
Moreover, these Bible verses on fasting emphasize the importance of sincerity and purity of heart while fasting. They encourage individuals to fast not for outward recognition but as a genuine expression of devotion and seeking God’s presence in their lives.
The beauty of these verses lies in their timelessness and universal applicability. They transcend cultural and religious boundaries, offering wisdom and spiritual nourishment to those seeking a deeper connection with their faith through fasting.
In conclusion, “100+ Bible Verses About Fasting [Read Them During Fasting]” serve as a treasure trove of spiritual guidance and encouragement for individuals engaging in fasting practices. They provide a spiritual roadmap, fostering a deeper understanding of the significance of fasting and its transformative impact on one’s spiritual journey.
May these verses continue to inspire, guide, and uplift individuals during their fasting endeavors, fostering a profound connection with the divine and nurturing their spiritual growth.
I’m father joaquin perez, we are a catholic church with all the sacraments where everybody is welcome. we celebrate catholic mass every Sunday at 12:30pm at saint stephen episcopal church at 2750 McFarlane road, Miami, Florida