Fasting in the Bible is more than just skipping meals—it’s a spiritual discipline used for prayer, repentance, seeking God’s guidance, and intercession. This article breaks down the two main types of biblical fasting: dry fasts (no food or water) and liquid fasts (no food, but water or liquids allowed). Both types are found in Scripture, from Moses and Esther to Jesus and Daniel, each serving different purposes and practiced for different lengths of time depending on the situation.
Understanding the difference between dry and liquid fasts helps you choose the right approach based on your health, spiritual goals, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. We also cover how long each fast is safe, what the Bible says about them, and tips to fast effectively and safely. Ready to grow deeper in your spiritual walk? Keep reading for a practical, Scripture-rich dive into fasting that you can actually apply.
Fasting shows up all throughout the Bible—from Moses to Jesus, from prophets to kings. But when most people think about biblical fasting, they don’t realize there are actually different kinds. Two main types are dry fasts and liquid fasts. They’re not the same, and understanding the difference matters—especially if you’re considering fasting for spiritual reasons.
Let’s walk through what each type is, what Scripture says about them, and how they were used by biblical figures.
What Is Fasting in the Bible?
At its core, fasting is abstaining from food for spiritual purposes. It’s not just about skipping meals. It’s about drawing closer to God, seeking His will, repenting, or interceding for others.
Fasting appears across both the Old and New Testaments:
- Moses fasted for 40 days before receiving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28).
- Daniel fasted while praying for insight and guidance (Daniel 10:2–3).
- Jesus fasted in the wilderness before starting His ministry (Matthew 4:2).
Fasting always connects to prayer, humility, and dependence on God.
Dry Fasts: No Food, No Water
A dry fast, also called an absolute fast, is when you abstain from both food and water. This is the most extreme kind of fast.
Examples in Scripture
- Esther’s Fast
- “Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.” (Esther 4:16)
- Queen Esther called for this fast before approaching King Xerxes, risking her life to save her people.
- Paul’s Fast After Conversion
- “For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything.” (Acts 9:9)
- Right after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul (then Saul) fasted while waiting for direction.
- Moses’ Fast on Mount Sinai
- “He neither ate bread nor drank water.” (Exodus 34:28)
- This was a supernatural fast. God sustained Moses for 40 days—far beyond normal human capacity.
How Long Is a Dry Fast Safe?
Most people can’t go without water for more than 72 hours without serious health risks. Dry fasts in the Bible were short (except for Moses, which was miraculous). If you’re considering a dry fast, do it only for a brief time—and only if you’re physically able. Consult a doctor if needed.
Liquid Fasts: No Food, But You Can Drink
A liquid fast is when you stop eating solid food but still drink water—or sometimes juice and broth.
This type of fast is much more common in the Bible and more sustainable, especially for longer periods.
Examples in Scripture
- Jesus’ 40-Day Fast
- “After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” (Matthew 4:2)
- The text mentions hunger, but not thirst, implying Jesus drank water. Most scholars agree this was a liquid fast.
- Daniel’s Fast
- “I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips.” (Daniel 10:3)
- Daniel didn’t go completely without food, but restricted his diet heavily—more like a partial fast.
- The Ninevites’ Fast
- “Let neither man nor beast… taste anything. Do not let them eat or drink water.” (Jonah 3:7)
- This was a community-wide dry fast, but only for a short period.
How Long Can You Do a Liquid Fast?
- 3-day fasts are common for repentance or seeking guidance.
- 7-21 days are seen in the Bible for more intense spiritual focus.
- 40-day fasts, like Jesus’, are rare and require serious preparation and physical endurance.
If you’re drinking water, your body can usually handle longer fasts, but you still need wisdom and accountability.
Key Differences: Dry Fast vs. Liquid Fast
| Aspect | Dry Fast | Liquid Fast |
| No food | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| No water | ✅ Yes | ❌ No – water (and sometimes juice) allowed |
| Duration | Max 1–3 days (unless miraculous) | 1–40 days, depending on strength |
| Biblical use | Emergency, intense moments | Common during spiritual discipline |
| Physical risk | High | Moderate, depending on length |
Why Fast at All?
Let’s be real—fasting isn’t easy. So why do it?
1. To Seek God’s Will
- Fasting clears distractions. It refocuses your heart.
- “While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said…” (Acts 13:2)
2. To Humble Yourself
- It reminds you that you’re dependent on God.
- “I humbled my soul with fasting.” (Psalm 35:13)
3. For Repentance
- Fasting shows sincerity when asking God for mercy.
- “Return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” (Joel 2:12)
4. To Intercede
- You fast on behalf of others—like Esther did for her people.
Should You Choose a Dry Fast or Liquid Fast?
It depends on your goal, health, and how the Holy Spirit leads you.
- Choose a dry fast if:
- It’s short (1–2 days max)
- You’re in urgent prayer or spiritual crisis
- You’re physically healthy and spiritually prepared
- Choose a liquid fast if:
- You want to fast longer (3+ days)
- You need to stay hydrated for work or family duties
- You’re seeking deep, sustained time with God
Practical Tips for Fasting
- Start small. Don’t jump into a 40-day fast. Begin with a meal or a single day.
- Pray. Fasting without prayer is just starvation.
- Stay in the Word. Let Scripture be your food. Meditate on verses like:
- “Man shall not live by bread alone…” (Matthew 4:4)
- Listen to your body. Fainting or illness isn’t spiritual. It’s dangerous.
- Have a plan to break your fast. Especially after longer fasts, reintroduce food slowly—think soft fruits, broths, or juices.
Final Thoughts
Fasting in the Bible was never about showing off or earning points with God. Jesus warned:
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face…” (Matthew 6:16–17)
Do it in secret. Do it for the right reasons. Whether it’s a dry fast or liquid fast, the goal is always more of God.
So if you’re considering a fast—pray first. Then start small, stay safe, and stay focused.
Related Verses to Study
- Isaiah 58 – God’s heart behind fasting
- Matthew 6:16–18 – Jesus’ teaching on how to fast
- Joel 2:12 – Fasting and returning to God
- Ezra 8:21–23 – Fasting for protection and guidance
Fasting is a tool—not a badge. Use it wisely, and it can lead to powerful spiritual growth.
FAQs: Fasting in the Bible: Dry Fasts vs. Liquid Fasts Explained
1. What is the difference between a dry fast and a liquid fast in the Bible?
In Fasting in the Bible: Dry Fasts vs. Liquid Fasts Explained, a dry fast means abstaining from both food and water, while a liquid fast allows you to drink water (and sometimes juices) but still avoid solid food. Dry fasts are typically short and used in urgent situations, while liquid fasts are more common for extended spiritual focus.
2. Are dry fasts safe according to the Bible?
The Bible shows dry fasts like Esther’s or Paul’s lasting no more than 3 days. In Fasting in the Bible: Dry Fasts vs. Liquid Fasts Explained, we explain that dry fasts are intense and should only be done briefly, as going without water for too long can be dangerous.
3. Did Jesus do a dry fast or a liquid fast?
In Fasting in the Bible: Dry Fasts vs. Liquid Fasts Explained, we note that Jesus’ 40-day fast likely included water, making it a liquid fast. The Gospels say He was hungry, not thirsty, which implies He drank water during His fast (Matthew 4:2).
4. Can I do a dry fast today as a Christian?
Yes, but as explained in Fasting in the Bible: Dry Fasts vs. Liquid Fasts Explained, it should be brief (no more than 1–2 days), done prayerfully, and only if you’re in good health. Dry fasts are intense and not meant for long-term practice.
5. What are biblical reasons to fast?
Fasting in the Bible: Dry Fasts vs. Liquid Fasts Explained highlights fasting for repentance (Joel 2:12), seeking God’s guidance (Acts 13:2), humbling yourself (Psalm 35:13), and intercession (Esther 4:16).
6. How long should I fast according to the Bible?
In Fasting in the Bible: Dry Fasts vs. Liquid Fasts Explained, we see that dry fasts typically last 1–3 days, while liquid fasts in Scripture last anywhere from a day to 40 days, depending on the purpose and the individual’s physical condition.
7. What kind of fast did Daniel do?
Daniel did a modified or partial liquid fast. In Fasting in the Bible: Dry Fasts vs. Liquid Fasts Explained, we explain that he avoided meat, wine, and rich foods but didn’t go without food entirely (Daniel 10:2–3).
8. Can I drink juice during a biblical fast?
Yes, during a liquid fast. As discussed in Fasting in the Bible: Dry Fasts vs. Liquid Fasts Explained, water is typically consumed, and some people include natural juices or broths for strength—especially during longer fasts.
9. What verses should I read while fasting?
Fasting in the Bible: Dry Fasts vs. Liquid Fasts Explained recommends passages like Isaiah 58, Joel 2:12, Matthew 6:16–18, and Psalm 35:13 for reflection and guidance during a fast.
10. How do I know which type of fast God wants me to do?
As shared in Fasting in the Bible: Dry Fasts vs. Liquid Fasts Explained, start by praying for wisdom. Consider your physical health, spiritual needs, and the Holy Spirit’s leading. God may call you to a short dry fast or a longer liquid one, depending on your situation.
