Bible Verses About Fasting

Scripture on fasting — the true fast God chooses, Jesus' teaching on fasting in secret, and fasting combined with prayer. Below are 5 key passages from the King James Version (KJV) on this theme.

What does the Bible say about fasting?

Scripture on fasting — the true fast God chooses, Jesus' teaching on fasting in secret, and fasting combined with prayer.

5 Bible Verses About Fasting (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.”

Matthew 6:16 KJV Read Matthew chapter 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?”

Isaiah 58:6 KJV Read Isaiah chapter 58 →

“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?”

Isaiah 58:7 KJV Read Isaiah chapter 58 →

“And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”

Acts 13:3 KJV Read Acts chapter 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:”

Joel 2:12 KJV — Elijah Taken Up in a Whirlwind Read Joel chapter 2 →

Read These Passages in Full Context

Frequently Asked Questions About Fasting in the Bible

What does the Bible say about fasting?
Scripture on fasting — the true fast God chooses, Jesus' teaching on fasting in secret, and fasting combined with prayer. Key KJV passages: Matthew 6:16, Isaiah 58:6, Isaiah 58:7, Acts 13:3, Joel 2:12.
What are the best Bible verses about fasting?
The most important KJV passages on fasting include: Matthew 6:16, Isaiah 58:6, Isaiah 58:7, Acts 13:3, Joel 2:12. Read all 5 passages free at The Living Sword Bible — no account, no ads.
Where in the Bible does it talk about fasting?
The Bible addresses fasting throughout both Testaments. Key references include Matthew 6:16, Isaiah 58:6, Isaiah 58:7, Acts 13:3, Joel 2:12. Explore every passage in context at thelivingsword.org.
What does the New Testament say about fasting?
New Testament scriptures on fasting: Matthew 6:16, Acts 13:3. Read them free at The Living Sword Bible.
What does the Old Testament say about fasting?
Old Testament scriptures on fasting: Isaiah 58:6, Isaiah 58:7, Joel 2:12. See them in full context free at The Living Sword.
How do I study Bible verses about fasting?
The Living Sword Bible app offers word-by-word study with original Hebrew and Greek, multiple translations (KJV, World English Bible, Geneva Bible, Young's Literal, ASV, Darby), cross-references, and an AI companion that answers only from Scripture. Read all 5 passages on fasting at thelivingsword.org — free, no account, no download required.

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Available translations: King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), Geneva Bible 1599, Darby Translation, Young's Literal Translation (YLT), American Standard Version (ASV), and the Living Sword Translation.