Is the “Daniel Fast” Really a Fast?


Many Christians are starting 2025 by fasting of varying lengths. Some ministers who I respect recommend fasting no more than three days. Yet, I’ve heard testimonies of people who had supernatural encounters during longer fasts. Jesus Himself did a 40-day fast before starting His earthly ministry.


There are also debates as to what defines a fast. Some pastors encourage their congregations to do partial fasts by skipping a meal or two. Others endorse what’s called a “Daniel fast.” That involves abstaining from selected foods like Daniel did while the Israelites were held in Babylon. In Daniel Chapter 1, the prophet and his friends only had vegetables to eat and water to drink for ten days. What was the result?


15 And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies. 

16 Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

17 As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.


Later in Chapter 10, Daniel wrote in verse 3, “I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.” God then gave him a vision of future empires to come.


Is the so-called Daniel fast really a fast? The Bible doesn't technically label what he did a fast. Nevertheless, this type of eating has health benefits. So much of the stuff we consume today is processed and linked to health problems. Most of us need our bodies detoxified.


Often I’ve done “liquid fasts,” in which I won’t eat solid foods for some time. Some argue one shouldn’t drink coffee during such a fast. I’ve drank coffee during liquid fasts and still saw some benefits. Occasionally, I’ll fast from coffee for a few days to prove I’m not addicted to it.


The Hebrew word for fast (tsuwm) means “to abstain from food” and “cover your mouth.” Therefore, a true biblical fast is abstaining from all food. The human body can go several weeks without food. However, one shouldn’t go more than three days without water. A drawback to a “Daniel fast” is one could spend too much time preparing meals and neglect to pray. One could question their motives if they constantly talk about what they eat during that time. 


Whatever type of fast you do, don’t brag about it to others. It’s okay to testify what God does for you but I suggest doing that after you conclude your fast.


“Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.” - Matthew 6:16

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