In the Hebrew language, the word for fasting is tsom, and in Greek it is nesteia, both of which mean "not eating". Biblically speaking, fasting is the act of humbling oneself before God by abstaining from food/drink for a specific spiritual purpose.
In Matthew 6:16-18, Jesus provides instructions on how to fast. This demonstrates that fasting is an expected practice for believers.
Matthew 6:16-18 (NET) - “When you fast, do not look sullen like the hypocrites, for they dress up their faces so they will appear to men to be fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward! But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men when you are fasting, but only to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you.”
In Isaiah 58:3-9, the true essence of fasting desired by God is explained—not merely as a ritual, but as something that impacts social justice.
Isaiah 58:3-9 (NET) - “‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you do not see it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you do not notice?’ Look, while you fast you serve your own interest and oppress all your laborers. Look, you fast only to quarrel and fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Do not fast as you do today with the hope of making your voice heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, a day for a person to humble himself? Is it to bow down his head like a reed and to spread out sackcloth and ashes as his bed? Is this what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? “No, this is the kind of fast I have chosen: to dissolve the chains of wickedness, to untie the ropes of the yoke, to set the oppressed free, and to break every yoke. Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and to bring the homeless poor into your house—when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn and your healing will spring up quickly; your righteousness will go before you and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call and the Lord will answer; you will cry out and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and the wicked speech,”
Purposes of Fasting in the Bible
Why do Christians fast? The Bible records several primary reasons:
- Humbling Oneself Before God: Acknowledging our complete dependency on Him (Psalm 35:13).
- Seeking God's Will: Seeking guidance when facing major decisions (Acts 13:2-3).
- Repentance and Regret: Demonstrating sorrow over sin (Joel 2:12-13).
- Pleading for Protection or Deliverance: As Queen Esther did when her nation was under threat (Esther 4:16).
- Preparation for Ministry: Jesus fasted before beginning His public ministry (Matthew 4:1-2).
Types of Fasting in the Bible
There are several ways of fasting practiced by biblical figures:
- Normal Fast: Abstaining from food, but still drinking water (Luke 4:2).
- Full (Total) Fast: Abstaining from both food and drink completely (Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9).
- Partial Fast (Daniel Fast): Abstaining from certain choice foods and only eating vegetables or simple food (Daniel 10:2-3).
Wrong Fasting = In Vain
Jesus gives a stern warning in Matthew 6:16-18 so that we do not get trapped in:
- Showing Off (Self-Righteousness): Changing one's expression to look gloomy so that people know we are fasting.
- Empty Ritualism: Fasting without a change of heart or actions of love will not be heard by God (Isaiah 58).
Important Point: Fasting does not change God, but fasting changes us to be more sensitive to the voice of God.
Practical Tips to Begin Fasting
If you are just looking to begin this practice:
- Start Small: For example, fasting by missing only one meal (breakfast or lunch only).
- Establish a Goal: What are you specifically praying for during this fast?
- Fill with the Word & Prayer: When hunger pangs arrive, use that time to read the Bible or pray, rather than simply "waiting for the breaking time."
- Focus on Spirituality, Put Down the Flesh: By doing things that please the heart of God and refraining from carnal things, let alone sin, this is more pleasing to God, including performing good deeds for those in need.
- Pay Attention to Physical Conditions: If you have certain medical conditions, consult with a doctor and consider a partial fast (such as the Daniel fast).
Ask yourself in your heart and bring the things below into prayer...
What is my primary motivation when I want to begin fasting?
Is there anything else (besides food) that currently obstructs my relationship with God that I might need to "fast" from (for example: social media, excessive hobbies)?
Awan (Andreas Hermawan)