What does the Bible say about witchcraft?

Definition and Terminology

Witchcraft in Scripture generally denotes the practice of harnessing supernatural power or knowledge apart from the true God. The Hebrew terms often translated as “sorcery,” “divination,” or “witchcraft” include קֶסֶם (qesem, divination), כָּשַׁף (kashaph, sorcery), and various related words. In the New Testament, the Greek term φαρμακεία (pharmakeia) can refer to the use of potions, magic arts, or spells. These terms convey the idea of attempting to manipulate or interact with supernatural forces outside of the authority of the Creator.

Old Testament References

In the Hebrew Scriptures, witchcraft and related practices are forbidden repeatedly. One of the clearest prohibitions comes from Exodus 22:18: “You must not allow a sorceress to live.” This strict mandate demonstrates the strong stance taken against any medium, magician, or sorcerer who sought illegitimate spiritual insight or power.

Leviticus 19:26 commands, “You must not eat anything with blood still in it. You must not practice divination or sorcery.” The broader context shows that the people of Israel were called to holiness, set apart from nations that employed such practices. Similarly, Deuteronomy 18:10–12 warns, “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD...” The language here encompasses all forms of illicit spiritual activity, indicating that these practices lead people away from genuine worship and trust in the One who is sovereign over all.

A well-known example in the historical narratives is King Saul’s consultation of the medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28). Archaeological surveys of ancient Israelite sites reveal evidence that, despite official prohibitions, various forms of soothsaying and cultic practices did occur in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The biblical text underscores that Saul’s request for supernatural guidance through a medium represented a grave disobedience, reinforcing the scriptural teaching that such means are neither permitted nor blessed.

New Testament References

The condemnation of witchcraft continues into the New Testament. Galatians 5:19–21 enumerates “sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, and sorcery...” as works of the flesh. The passage concludes with a warning that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The Greek term sorcery here is φαρμακεία (pharmakeia), referring to magical arts and often connected to the use of potions or drugs for occult practices.

Revelation 21:8 also includes “the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars” among those who face judgment. In these occurrences, witchcraft is associated with spiritual rebellion, an attempt to access or manipulate hidden power in a way that displaces the rightful worship of the true God.

Spiritual and Theological Implications

Scripture consistently presents witchcraft, sorcery, and divination as contrary to the worship of the living God. Rather than relying on His revelation and sovereignty, such practices seek hidden knowledge, blessing, or power from other sources. Rebellion against divine authority is a central concern, and 1 Samuel 15:23 equates rebellion with the sin of divination, stating, “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry.”

This connection between witchcraft and rebellion indicates that pursuit of occult practices places one’s trust in created or demonic forces rather than the Creator. Throughout the biblical narrative, faith in God involves reliance on His word and leading, not on conjured enchantments.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the broader ancient Near Eastern world, sorcery and witchcraft were part of many nations’ religious and cultural expressions. Texts from surrounding cultures indicate widespread belief in magic for protection, healing, and consulting the dead. However, the biblical record portrays the worship of Yahweh as unique. The prophets repeatedly rebuked Israel for adopting pagan rites, which included all forms of witchcraft or idolatrous divination.

Archaeological findings (such as the discovery of amulets, inscriptions, and cultic objects throughout Canaanite and neighboring regions) confirm that magic rituals existed in those societies. These discoveries help illustrate the circumstances in which the biblical prohibitions were handed down—Israel was surrounded by nations steeped in occult practices.

Dangers and Consequences

The seriousness of the biblical prohibitions underscores real spiritual consequences. In seeking to manipulate or control events through supernatural means outside of God’s will, individuals open themselves to deception. Scripture teaches that only God has ultimate power over creation (cf. Psalm 115:3), and any attempt to circumvent His authority leads to spiritual peril.

From a moral standpoint, witchcraft distracts from wholehearted devotion and trust. It fosters a mindset that relies on hidden arts rather than genuine faith. In practical terms, biblical examples (like Saul) show that the pursuit of such practices often plunges individuals into fear, confusion, and destruction.

Application and Modern Considerations

Even though much of the modern world may dismiss witchcraft as folklore or entertainment, Scripture’s teachings remain relevant. Practices like astrology, fortune-telling, Ouija boards, seances, or other attempts to contact supernatural entities fit under the broad biblical category of witchcraft or sorcery.

A key takeaway is that believers are to seek guidance through prayer, Scripture, and communion within a godly community rather than resorting to any form of sorcery. Understanding the biblical texts as historically verifiable—substantiated by the consistency of ancient manuscripts, corroborating archaeological finds, and the continuity of scriptural testimony—reinforces that these commands hold enduring authority.

Conclusion

In sum, biblical teaching on witchcraft is unequivocal: these practices are forbidden because they stand in opposition to genuine faith, trust in divine revelation, and allegiance to the Creator. From the laws of ancient Israel to New Testament admonitions, Scripture consistently portrays witchcraft as a destructive path that leads individuals away from the worship of the living God. The invitation of Scripture is to rely wholly on the power and presence of God, who alone oversees creation and offers true hope, guidance, and salvation.