Biblical fasting is a powerful spiritual tool, often involving abstaining from food to seek God more deeply. But many people wonder whether drinking water is allowed during these fasts. The answer? In most biblical examples—like Jesus’ 40-day fast or Daniel’s partial fast—water was included unless specifically forbidden, as in rare absolute fasts like Esther’s or Moses’ supernatural fast. These extreme fasts, where no food or water was consumed, were rare, short, and God-directed.
For most people today, drinking water during a fast is both safe and biblically sound. It helps your body function while you focus on prayer and spiritual renewal. Whether you’re doing a normal, partial, or extended fast, including water supports your health and keeps your mind sharp for seeking God. Keep reading for a deeper dive into each type of biblical fast, specific examples from Scripture, and practical tips to help you fast wisely and effectively.
Fasting in the Bible is a powerful spiritual discipline. It’s mentioned throughout Scripture, often connected with prayer, repentance, and seeking God’s guidance. But there’s one question that often comes up, especially if you’re thinking about doing a biblical fast yourself: “Did people in the Bible drink water during a fast?”
The short answer? It depends on the type of fast. Let’s break it down and take a closer look at the role water plays in biblical fasts, so you can understand how it fits into your own spiritual walk.
What Is a Biblical Fast?
First, let’s get clear on what we mean by biblical fasting. In Scripture, fasting typically means voluntarily going without food for a spiritual purpose. It’s a time to focus on God, pray deeply, and humble yourself before Him.
“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father…” – Matthew 6:17–18 (ESV)
While the Bible doesn’t give detailed “how-to” instructions for fasting, it does show different types of fasts – and that’s where water comes in.
Types of Biblical Fasts and Water Use
Let’s break down four main types of fasts in the Bible and how water factored into them:
1. Normal Fast – No Food, Water Allowed
This is the most common type. You abstain from food but still drink water.
Examples:
- Jesus’ 40-day fast – Matthew 4:2 says, “He fasted forty days and forty nights and afterward he was hungry.” It doesn’t say He was thirsty. The Bible emphasizes hunger, not thirst, strongly suggesting Jesus drank water.
- Moses on Mount Sinai (First Fast) – In Deuteronomy 9:9, Moses says, “I neither ate bread nor drank water.” That’s a total fast, so this earlier one does include abstaining from water. But it’s clearly stated – which tells us other fasts probably did allow it unless otherwise mentioned.
✔️ Water was allowed unless specifically excluded.
2. Absolute Fast – No Food or Water
This is extreme and rare. It’s usually for very short periods – never more than 3 days in Scripture – and typically in life-or-death or deeply urgent spiritual situations.
Examples:
- Esther and the Jews in Susa – Esther 4:16 says, “Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens will fast as you do.” This was a fast of desperation, seeking God’s favor to save their lives.
- Paul after his conversion – In Acts 9:9, Paul didn’t eat or drink for three days after encountering Jesus. He was in shock and deep repentance.
❗ Important: Going without both food and water is dangerous. The human body can’t go more than 3 days without water before serious health risks arise.
✔️ Absolute fasts were short and God-ordained. Don’t attempt this without clear direction and wisdom.
3. Partial Fast – Limited Food, Water Allowed
This type of fast limits certain foods but doesn’t require total abstinence. Think of Daniel’s fast.
Example:
- Daniel’s Fast – Daniel 10:3 says, “I ate no delicacies, no meat or wine entered my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, for the full three weeks.” This was a fast from luxury foods, not all nourishment. Water would definitely have been part of it.
✔️ Partial fasts always include water.
4. Supernatural Fast – No Food or Water for 40 Days
There are only two examples of this in the entire Bible: Moses and Elijah. Both were sustained by God beyond natural limits.
- Moses (Second Fast) – Deuteronomy 9:18 again mentions he didn’t eat or drink for 40 days. This was after the sin of the golden calf.
- Elijah – 1 Kings 19:8 says, “He went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights.” The food from the angel seems to have supernaturally sustained him. Again, a unique, God-enabled fast.
⚠️ Don’t attempt this kind of fast on your own. This isn’t a model for normal fasting. It’s a miracle.
✔️ Water was not used, but only by divine enablement.
So, Should You Drink Water During a Fast?
For 99% of people doing a biblical fast today, the answer is: Yes. Drink water. Unless God is clearly calling you to an absolute fast (and that’s rare), drinking water is both wise and biblical.
Why Water Matters:
- Hydration keeps your body functioning. Without food, you’ll already be low on energy. Water helps your brain, kidneys, and heart keep going.
- Fasting is about your heart, not harming your health. God doesn’t ask us to damage ourselves for spiritual growth. Wisdom matters.
- Even in the Bible, absolute fasts are the exception, not the rule.
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?” – 1 Corinthians 6:19
Take care of your temple. Water is part of that.
Tips for Fasting with Water
If you’re considering a biblical fast and plan to include water, here are some practical tips:
1. Drink plenty of water
Aim for 8–10 glasses a day. It helps with:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Detoxing your system
2. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks
They dehydrate you. Stick to pure water or herbal teas if needed.
3. Ease into your fast
Don’t jump from eating full meals to a total fast overnight. Prep your body over a day or two.
4. Pray as you drink
Let every sip remind you of your dependence on God – the Living Water (John 4:10).
What About Modern Water Fasts?
A “water fast” today often means drinking only water and no food – for detox or spiritual reasons. This lines up with a normal biblical fast.
✔️ Biblically, this is a valid and safe way to fast, as long as you’re healthy and don’t overdo it. Always consult a doctor if you have any health conditions.
Final Thoughts: Water and the Heart of Fasting
Fasting isn’t about suffering. It’s about seeking God with your whole heart. Water doesn’t diminish that. In fact, staying hydrated often helps you focus more clearly and stay physically strong enough to pray deeply.
Remember:
- Most biblical fasts included water.
- Absolute fasts were rare and short.
- Your focus should be on connecting with God, not checking boxes.
“Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” – Joel 2:12
So go ahead—drink water. And seek God with everything you’ve got.
FAQs: The Role of Water in Biblical Fasts – A Closer Look
1. Did people in the Bible drink water during a fast?
Yes, in most cases. In normal fasts, people abstained from food but still drank water. The Bible only records a few instances—called absolute fasts—where both food and water were withheld.
2. What is an absolute fast in the Bible?
An absolute fast is when someone refrains from both food and water. These are rare and typically last no more than three days, such as Esther’s fast (Esther 4:16) and Paul’s fast after his conversion (Acts 9:9).
3. Did Jesus drink water during His 40-day fast?
The Bible doesn’t say explicitly, but Matthew 4:2 mentions Jesus was hungry, not thirsty. This strongly implies He drank water during His fast, making it a normal fast.
4. Is it safe to do a fast without water like in the Bible?
Not usually. The body can only survive about 3 days without water. Absolute fasts in Scripture were supernaturally sustained or very brief. For modern fasting, water is both safe and advisable.
5. What kind of fast did Daniel do?
Daniel did a partial fast, where he avoided delicacies, meat, and wine but still ate simple foods and drank water (Daniel 10:3). It was more about denying luxury than total abstinence.
6. What role does water play in biblical fasting today?
Water keeps your body functioning and supports focus during prayer. It’s an essential part of most modern fasts and is biblically supported unless you’re doing a rare, short, Spirit-led absolute fast.
7. Can I do a water-only fast like in the Bible?
Yes. A water-only fast, where you abstain from food but still drink water, aligns with normal biblical fasting. It’s safe for many people when done for reasonable durations and with proper preparation.
8. What are the spiritual benefits of drinking water during a fast?
Drinking water helps maintain mental clarity, physical strength, and spiritual focus, allowing you to pray, study Scripture, and seek God without the distraction of dehydration or fatigue.
9. How long can I fast with just water like biblical figures?
Healthy individuals can usually fast with water for several days or even weeks, depending on the goal and physical condition. Always start small and consult a doctor for fasts over 3–5 days.
10. Why is water often overlooked in discussions about biblical fasting?
Because Scripture often focuses on the spiritual intent behind fasting, not the technical details. But when you look closely, you’ll see water was included in most fasts—unless it was a clearly stated absolute fast.
