12 Bible Verses About Ash Wednesday

Written by: Evelyn Johnson
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Bible verses about ash wednesday

Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about ash wednesday:

1. Joel 2:12 – “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:”
2. Matthew 6:16-18 – “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.”
3. 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:2 – “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”
4. Matthew 6:1-6 – “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
5. Matthew 6:19-21 – “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
6. Matthew 6:24 – “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

7. Isaiah 58:6-7 – “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?”

8. Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

9. Matthew 4:17 – “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

10. Psalm 51:17 – “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

11. Joel 2:13 – “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”

12. Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”

What does the bible say about ash wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, as it is a tradition that developed in the Christian church over time.

However, the practice of using ashes as a symbol of repentance and mourning is found in the Old Testament, where individuals would wear sackcloth and ashes as a sign of humility and sorrow for their sins.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of repentance, fasting, and prayer as ways to draw closer to God and seek forgiveness for our sins.

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a period of 40 days leading up to Easter, during which Christians are encouraged to reflect on their relationship with God, repent of their sins, and prepare their hearts for the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are a reminder of our mortality and the need for repentance.

They are typically imposed on the forehead in the shape of a cross, symbolizing our need for forgiveness and our faith in Christ’s sacrifice for our sins.

Overall, the Bible teaches that Ash Wednesday is a time for self-examination, repentance, and spiritual renewal as we prepare to journey through the season of Lent towards the joy of Easter.

What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about ash wednesday?

1. Joel 2 – This chapter discusses the importance of repentance, fasting, and mourning in times of crisis. It is relevant to Ash Wednesday as it emphasizes the need for self-reflection and turning back to God.

2. Matthew 6 – This chapter includes Jesus’ teachings on fasting, prayer, and giving to the needy. It is relevant to Ash Wednesday as it encourages believers to practice these spiritual disciplines with sincerity and humility.

3. 2 Corinthians 5 – This chapter talks about reconciliation with God through Christ and the call to be ambassadors for Christ. It is relevant to Ash Wednesday as it reminds believers of the importance of seeking forgiveness and sharing the message of salvation with others.

Reading these chapters can provide a deeper understanding of the themes of repentance, fasting, and reconciliation with God, which are central to the observance of Ash Wednesday.

Ideas and concepts related to ash wednesday that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’

1. Repentance: In the Bible, repentance is a key theme that is emphasized throughout both the Old and New Testaments. It involves turning away from sin and turning towards God. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of repentance and reflection on one’s relationship with God. The ashes that are placed on the forehead during Ash Wednesday symbolize repentance and a desire to seek forgiveness for one’s sins.

2. Mortality: The Bible often speaks about the brevity of life and the inevitability of death. The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are a reminder of our mortality and the need to live each day with purpose and intention. They serve as a symbol of humility and a recognition of our dependence on God for our existence.

3. Humility: The Bible teaches the importance of humility and recognizing our own limitations in the sight of God. Ash Wednesday is a time to humble ourselves before God, acknowledging our sinfulness and our need for His grace and forgiveness. The ashes that are placed on our foreheads serve as a visible sign of our humility and our desire to seek God’s mercy.

4. Prayer and fasting: The Bible often speaks about the importance of prayer and fasting as spiritual disciplines that help us draw closer to God. During the season of Lent, Christians are encouraged to engage in prayer, fasting, and acts of self-denial as a way to deepen their relationship with God. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of this season of spiritual renewal and preparation for Easter.

Evelyn Johnson - Bible Verses
Written by Evelyn Johnson


Evelyn Johnson is a theologian, Bible expert, and the founder of EncouragingBibleVerses.org, a trusted resource for uplifting and empowering Bible verses.

With a Master's degree in Divinity, Evelyn is dedicated to studying and interpreting the Bible. Her website features curated collections of verses on various topics, along with insightful commentary and practical tips for everyday life.

Evelyn is also a sought-after speaker and author on matters of faith and spirituality. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and volunteering in her local church and community.

Learn more about her and read her other articles here.