In the Bible, fasting was primarily a spiritual practice focused on humility, repentance, and seeking God, often involving abstaining from food but usually allowing water. While some fasts—like Esther’s three-day absolute fast—involved no food or drink at all, most biblical fasts included drinking water to sustain the body, especially during longer fasts like Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness. People also drank wine, often diluted, milk, and other natural beverages in daily life, but these were generally avoided during fasts to maintain spiritual discipline.
Understanding what people drank during biblical fasts helps us approach fasting today with both spiritual focus and practical wisdom. Water was likely the primary fluid consumed during fasting periods, supporting the body while the heart stayed committed to God. If you want to learn more about the types of fasts, specific biblical examples, and how you can apply these insights in your own spiritual journey, keep reading for a deeper dive into fasting and fluids in the Bible.
When you think of fasting in the Bible, you probably picture people going without food—and you’re right. But what about fluids? What did people drink during biblical times, especially when fasting? That’s a great question, and the answer depends on the context, the type of fast, and the cultural habits of the time.
Let’s break it all down: what fasting looked like in the Bible, what people typically drank, and how fluids played a role in spiritual discipline and daily life.
What Is Biblical Fasting?
Fasting in the Bible wasn’t just about health or weight loss. It was a spiritual practice—about humility, repentance, and seeking God. It usually meant going without food for a period of time. Sometimes fluids were allowed, and sometimes they weren’t.
There are different types of fasts in Scripture:
1. Absolute Fast
No food. No water. Nothing.
- Example: Esther 4:16 – “Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day.”
- Also seen in Acts 9:9 when Paul (then Saul) didn’t eat or drink for three days after his encounter with Jesus.
This kind of fast was rare and usually short—typically 1 to 3 days. It was only done in moments of extreme spiritual urgency.
2. Normal Fast
No food, but water was likely consumed.
- Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:2). It says, “He was hungry,” but doesn’t say He was thirsty.
- People in desert climates knew they couldn’t go long without water.
Most scholars believe this kind of fast included drinking water, even if food was off-limits.
3. Partial Fast
Limiting certain types of food or drink.
- Daniel 10:3 – “I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips.”
- This wasn’t a total fast, but a selective one—often done over a longer period, like 21 days.
What Did People Drink in the Bible?
Outside of fasting, people in biblical times had a few staple drinks. Water was the most basic, but it wasn’t always clean or safe. That’s why other fluids were common, too.
Here’s what they drank:
1. Water
- The go-to drink for survival.
- But water sources weren’t always reliable. Wells, springs, and rivers were common, but contamination was a real concern.
- Think of stories like John 4, where Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. Water was precious.
2. Wine
- Mentioned over 200 times in the Bible.
- Often mixed with water (diluted 2:1 or 3:1) to purify the water and make it safer to drink.
- 1 Timothy 5:23 – Paul tells Timothy, “Use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.”
Wine wasn’t just a party drink—it was part of daily hydration in many cases.
3. Milk
- From cows, goats, or sheep.
- Symbol of abundance and nourishment. “A land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:8).
- Not usually associated with fasting, but definitely part of regular diets.
4. Honey-based drinks and fermented beverages
- While not detailed as everyday drinks, there’s evidence of fermented grain drinks and mead-like honey drinks in ancient cultures around Israel.
- Proverbs warns about the dangers of strong drink (Proverbs 20:1), so we know these drinks were known and available.
What About During Fasting?
Let’s talk specifically about what people drank during biblical fasts. The Bible doesn’t always spell this out, but we can make informed conclusions.
During an Absolute Fast:
- No fluids at all.
- These were very short. Longer than 3 days without water can be life-threatening.
- Done in moments of crisis (like Esther’s life-or-death situation).
During a Normal Fast:
- Water was likely consumed.
- No mention of wine, milk, or other drinks during fasts.
- People fasted for 7, 21, and even 40 days (e.g., Moses, Elijah, Jesus). Going that long without fluids would be impossible without divine intervention.
Note: Moses fasted 40 days and nights “without bread and water” (Deuteronomy 9:9). That’s humanly impossible—so this was a supernatural fast.
Key Bible Figures and Their Fasts
Let’s look at a few examples:
1. Jesus (Matthew 4:1–2)
- 40-day fast in the wilderness.
- He was hungry—but the text doesn’t say thirsty.
- Implies He drank water.
2. Daniel (Daniel 1:8–16, 10:2–3)
- Refused rich foods and wine.
- Drank water and ate vegetables for 10 days.
- Another 21-day partial fast: “no meat, wine, or rich food.”
3. Ezra (Ezra 8:21–23)
- Led a fast by the river Ahava for safe passage.
- Likely a normal fast—prayer, no food, possibly water.
Fasting Was About the Heart, Not Just the Hunger
The Bible consistently emphasizes why people fasted, not just what they consumed (or didn’t). Whether they drank only water or nothing at all, the goal was spiritual focus.
Isaiah 58:6 – “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice…?”
Fasting was about humbling yourself before God, repenting, and seeking His will—not following strict hydration rules.
So, What Should You Drink When Fasting Today?
If you’re considering a spiritual fast today, use biblical principles and practical wisdom.
Ask yourself:
- Is this a normal or absolute fast?
- How long will it last?
- What’s your health condition?
For most fasts today:
- Water is completely appropriate—and essential.
- Avoid sweet drinks or caffeine unless it’s a partial fast.
- If doing a Daniel Fast, you might include:
- Herbal teas
- Plant-based milk (unsweetened)
- Fresh juice (sparingly)
Quick Summary
| Fast Type | Food | Fluids | Duration |
| Absolute | None | None | 1–3 days |
| Normal | None | Water | 1–40 days |
| Partial | Limited | Water, possibly others | 10–21 days or more |
Final Thoughts
In the Bible, people didn’t fast just to challenge themselves. They fasted to seek God, cry out in repentance, or prepare for major decisions. Whether they drank only water or abstained from everything, the purpose was always spiritual.
So if you’re planning a fast, focus more on your heart than your hydration. But yes—unless you’re doing a very short absolute fast, you should drink water. That’s what most biblical fasts likely included, even if it’s not spelled out every time.
Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:17:
“When you fast, anoint your head and wash your face.”
In other words—fast with purpose, but don’t make a show of it.
Stay focused, stay hydrated, and above all—stay close to God.
FAQs About Fasting and Fluids: What Did People Drink in the Bible?
1. What does fasting and fluids mean in the Bible?
Fasting and fluids in the Bible refer to the practice of abstaining from food while often still drinking water or other permitted liquids to sustain the body during spiritual fasts.
2. What fluids did people drink while fasting in the Bible?
During biblical fasts, people typically drank water. Some fasts were absolute (no food or drink), but most allowed water to maintain hydration.
3. Did people drink wine during biblical fasts?
No, wine was generally avoided during fasts as it was considered food and a form of indulgence, though it was commonly consumed daily in diluted form outside of fasting.
4. How long did biblical fasts last without fluids?
Absolute fasts without food or drink usually lasted 1 to 3 days, as longer periods without water would be life-threatening.
5. Did Jesus drink fluids during His 40-day fast?
The Bible doesn’t specify Jesus drinking fluids during His 40-day fast, but it’s widely believed He consumed water to survive such an extended fast.
6. What is an absolute fast according to the Bible?
An absolute fast is a complete abstention from all food and drink, usually for a short time, as seen in Esther 4:16 and Acts 9:9.
7. What kinds of fluids were common in biblical times?
People drank water, diluted wine, milk, and sometimes fermented beverages, though the latter were not part of fasting practices.
8. Can you drink water during a biblical fast today?
Yes, drinking water during most biblical-style fasts is appropriate and recommended to maintain health during the fast.
9. What was the spiritual purpose behind fasting and drinking fluids in the Bible?
Fasting was about humbling yourself before God, seeking repentance, and spiritual clarity, with fluids like water supporting the physical body through this process.
10. How can understanding biblical fasting and fluids help with modern fasting?
Knowing what biblical fasting involved helps you fast safely and spiritually by balancing physical needs like hydration with a sincere heart toward God.
