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Fasting

Fasting: A Biblical Study

Fasting is fundamentally an attitude of humble dependence upon God, expressed through voluntary abstinence for spiritual purposes. While physical abstinence from food is the most common form, biblical fasting is primarily about redirecting our focus from physical provision to spiritual communion with God.

What is Fasting?

Hebrew Understanding: צוּם (tsūm)

The Hebrew word צוּם (tsūm) means "to abstain from food" or "to cover the mouth." This root conveys both the physical act of not eating and the spiritual posture of humility. The word appears over 50 times in the Old Testament, reflecting its importance in Jewish spiritual life.

Greek Understanding: νηστεύω (nēsteuō)

The Greek word νηστεύω (nēsteuō) means "to fast" or "to abstain from food." The related noun νηστεία (nēsteia) refers to the practice of fasting itself. These words emphasize voluntary abstinence for religious purposes, distinguishing spiritual fasting from mere hunger or deprivation.

Biblical Definition

Fasting is the voluntary denial of physical appetite to pursue spiritual hunger for God. It is: - Voluntary - not coerced, but willingly chosen - Temporary - a season, not a lifestyle - Purposeful - directed toward spiritual goals (prayer, repentance, seeking guidance, worship) - God-focused - aimed at deepening relationship with God, not manipulating Him

OT Fasting

Types of Fasts in the Old Testament

  1. Individual Fasts
  2. David's fast for his sick child (2 Samuel 12:16-23)

  3. Daniel's partial fast (Daniel 10:2-3) - abstaining from choice foods, meat, and wine for 21 days

  4. Corporate/National Fasts

  5. The Day of Atonement - Yom Kippur (Leviticus 16:29-31, 23:27-32) - the only commanded fast
  6. Fasts in times of national crisis (Judges 20:26, 1 Samuel 7:6, Joel 2:12-15)

  7. Esther's fast (Esther 4:16) - a three-day fast for deliverance

  8. Mourning Fasts

  9. David's fast at Abner's death (2 Samuel 3:35)
  10. Fasting in sackcloth and ashes as sign of grief

Purposes of OT Fasting

  • Repentance and Humility - Acknowledging sin and seeking God's mercy (1 Samuel 7:6, Jonah 3:5-9)
  • Seeking God's Guidance - Making important decisions (Ezra 8:21-23)
  • Intercession - Pleading for God's intervention (2 Chronicles 20:3-4)
  • Mourning - Grief over death or tragedy (1 Samuel 31:13)
  • Preparation for Divine Encounter - Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:28), Elijah's journey (1 Kings 19:8)

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

The only biblically mandated fast was on the Day of Atonement. Leviticus 16:29 commands Israel to "deny yourselves" (Hebrew: תְּעַנּוּ אֶת־נַפְשֹׁתֵיכֶם, "afflict your souls"). Jewish tradition understood this as requiring: - Complete abstinence from food and drink for 25 hours - Abstinence from work - Solemn assembly before the LORD

This fast was intimately connected with atonement for sin, pointing forward to Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

Warning Against Empty Ritualism

The prophets warned against fasting that was mere ritual without heart change:

Isaiah 58:3-7 - True fasting includes: - Loosing bonds of wickedness - Sharing bread with the hungry - Bringing the homeless poor into your house - Clothing the naked - Not hiding from your own flesh and blood

Zechariah 7:5 - "When you fasted and mourned...was it actually for Me that you fasted?"

Joel 2:12-13 - "Return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning; and rend your heart and not your garments."

Jesus on Fasting

Jesus' Teaching in Matthew 6:16-18

Jesus assumes His followers will fast: "When you fast" (not "if you fast"). However, He corrects misguided motives:

Wrong Motivation: - Fasting to be seen by others (v. 16) - Making a show of one's spirituality - Using fasting to gain human approval

Right Motivation: - Fasting in secret before God (v. 18) - Seeking reward from "your Father who sees in secret" - Internal reality, not external display

Jesus' Practice of Fasting

Matthew 4:1-11 - Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness before beginning His ministry. This fast: - Prepared Him for spiritual warfare - Demonstrated dependence on God's Word ("Man shall not live by bread alone") - Followed the pattern of Moses (Exodus 34:28) and Elijah (1 Kings 19:8)

Jesus' Teaching on the New Era

Matthew 9:14-15 - When asked why His disciples didn't fast like John's disciples or the Pharisees, Jesus responded:

"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."

This indicates: - Fasting was inappropriate during Jesus' earthly ministry (a time of celebration) - After His ascension, fasting would be appropriate for the Church - Fasting expresses longing for Christ's return

NT Fasting in the Church Age

Acts and Early Church

  1. Acts 13:2-3 - The church at Antioch fasted and prayed before commissioning Paul and Barnabas for missionary work
  2. Acts 14:23 - Paul and Barnabas fasted and prayed when appointing elders in churches
  3. 2 Corinthians 6:5, 11:27 - Paul lists fasting among his apostolic experiences

Purpose of Fasting in the Church Age

From a dispensational perspective, fasting in the Church Age serves several purposes:

  1. Expressing Longing for Christ's Return - We fast because the Bridegroom is absent (Matthew 9:15)
  2. Seeking God's Guidance - Especially for major decisions and ministry direction (Acts 13:2-3)
  3. Spiritual Warfare - Strengthening prayer in intense spiritual battles (some manuscripts of Mark 9:29 include fasting)
  4. Self-Discipline - Training in self-control and dependence on God
  5. Intercession - Intensifying prayer for specific needs

Freedom in Christ

Under the New Covenant, fasting is: - Not Commanded - No NT command requires believers to fast - Not Meritorious - Fasting doesn't earn God's favor (we have that in Christ) - Not Legalistic - No prescribed times, methods, or durations - Voluntary and Grace-Driven - A privilege, not an obligation

Cultural Significance of Fasting

Jewish Cultural Context

In first-century Judaism, fasting was widely practiced:

  1. Pharisees - Fasted twice a week (Monday and Thursday) as a mark of piety (Luke 18:12)
  2. Public Fasts - In times of drought, crisis, or seeking God's intervention
  3. Personal Fasts - For mourning, repentance, or spiritual seeking
  4. Community Expectations - Fasting was a recognized mark of religious devotion

Understanding Jewish Practice

  • Jews would fast from sunrise to sunset (partial fast) or for 24 hours (full fast)
  • Fasting included abstinence from both food and water
  • Often accompanied by prayer, Scripture reading, and acts of charity
  • Synagogue services on fast days included confession of sins and penitential prayers

Practical Application for Christians Today

When to Fast

Consider fasting when you need to: - Seek clarity on God's will for an important decision - Intercede urgently for a pressing need or crisis - Break spiritual strongholds in your life or ministry - Prepare spiritually for significant ministry or service - Deepen communion with God in a season of spiritual dryness - Express longing for Christ's return and His kingdom

How to Fast

  1. Start Small - If new to fasting, begin with skipping one meal and spending that time in prayer
  2. Choose Your Fast - Full fast (water only), partial fast (Daniel fast - vegetables and water), or selective fast (specific foods)
  3. Set a Purpose - Be clear about why you're fasting and what you're seeking from God
  4. Guard Your Heart - Follow Jesus' instruction to fast in secret, not for show
  5. Focus on God - Use hunger pangs as reminders to pray; the goal is communion with God, not just skipping meals
  6. Break Wisely - End longer fasts gradually with light foods

Cautions and Exemptions

  • Medical Conditions - Those with diabetes, eating disorders, pregnancy, or other health issues should consult medical advice
  • Legalism - Don't make fasting a requirement for yourself or others
  • Pride - Guard against spiritual pride about your fasting practice
  • Not a Weight-Loss Tool - Fasting is spiritual, not dietary
  • Young Children - Should not be expected to fast

The Heart of the Matter

Fasting is not: - A way to twist God's arm - A method to earn spiritual merit - A demonstration of superior spirituality - A substitute for obedience in other areas

Fasting is: - An expression of spiritual hunger - A tool for focusing on God - A declaration of dependence on Him - A practice that intensifies prayer - An anticipation of Christ's return

References

OT References

The Only Commanded Fast: - Leviticus 16:29-31; 23:27-32 - Day of Atonement

Notable Individual Fasts: - Exodus 34:28 - Moses fasts 40 days receiving the Law - Deuteronomy 9:9, 18 - Moses' fasts on Mount Sinai - 1 Samuel 7:6 - Samuel and Israel fast and repent at Mizpah - 2 Samuel 12:16-23 - David fasts for his sick child - 1 Kings 19:8 - Elijah's 40-day fast to Horeb - Ezra 8:21-23 - Ezra proclaims a fast for safe journey - Nehemiah 1:4 - Nehemiah fasts and prays for Jerusalem - Esther 4:16 - Esther calls for a three-day fast - Daniel 9:3 - Daniel seeks God with fasting and prayer - Daniel 10:2-3 - Daniel's three-week partial fast - Jonah 3:5-9 - Nineveh fasts and repents

National/Corporate Fasts: - Judges 20:26 - Israel fasts before battle - 1 Samuel 7:6 - National fast at Mizpah - 2 Chronicles 20:3 - Jehoshaphat proclaims a fast - Joel 1:14; 2:12-15 - Call to national fast and repentance

Prophetic Teachings on Fasting: - Isaiah 58:1-12 - True vs. false fasting - Jeremiah 14:12 - Warning against empty fasting - Zechariah 7:5; 8:19 - Questioning motives in fasting

NT References

Jesus' Teaching and Practice: - Matthew 4:1-2 (Luke 4:1-2) - Jesus fasts 40 days in the wilderness - Matthew 6:16-18 - Jesus' teaching on how to fast - Matthew 9:14-15 (Mark 2:18-20, Luke 5:33-35) - When the bridegroom is taken away - Matthew 17:21 (textual variant) - Prayer and fasting for deliverance

Early Church Practice: - Acts 13:2-3 - Antioch church fasts before sending missionaries - Acts 14:23 - Fasting when appointing elders - 1 Corinthians 7:5 - Fasting (in some manuscripts) in context of marriage - 2 Corinthians 6:5 - Paul's fasts as apostolic suffering - 2 Corinthians 11:27 - Paul's hunger and thirst (possibly fasting)

Other NT References: - Luke 2:37 - Anna the prophetess fasted and prayed - Luke 18:12 - Pharisee boasts of fasting twice a week

Remember: "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4). Fasting helps us recalibrate our dependence on God and His Word above physical sustenance.