Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context The term "bewitch" refers to the act of casting a spell over someone or enchanting them, often with the intent to deceive or manipulate. In biblical contexts, bewitchment is associated with sorcery, magic, and practices that are contrary to the worship and obedience of the one true God. The Bible consistently condemns such practices as they lead people away from God's truth and into spiritual bondage. Biblical References The concept of bewitchment is most explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul. In Galatians 3:1 , Paul addresses the Galatian church with a rhetorical question: "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes, Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified." Here, Paul uses the term "bewitched" to describe how the Galatians have been led astray from the gospel of Christ by false teachings, emphasizing the spiritual deception involved. Old Testament Context While the specific term "bewitch" is not used in the Old Testament, the practice of sorcery and magic, which are closely related, is explicitly condemned. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , God commands the Israelites: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells... Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD." This passage highlights the seriousness with which God views such practices, as they are seen as direct rebellion against His authority and a reliance on powers other than His. New Testament Warnings In addition to Galatians, the New Testament contains further warnings against practices associated with bewitchment. Acts 8:9-24 recounts the account of Simon the Sorcerer, who practiced magic in Samaria and amazed the people. When Simon attempts to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles, Peter rebukes him, saying, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!" (Acts 8:20). This account illustrates the incompatibility of sorcery with the Christian faith and the dangers of attempting to manipulate spiritual truths for personal gain. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, bewitchment represents a form of spiritual deception that can lead individuals away from the truth of the gospel. It is often associated with false teachings and ideologies that contradict the core tenets of Christianity. The Bible's condemnation of such practices underscores the importance of discernment and faithfulness to God's Word. Practical Considerations Christians are called to be vigilant against any form of spiritual deception, including bewitchment. Ephesians 6:11 advises believers to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This includes being grounded in Scripture, maintaining a strong prayer life, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern truth from falsehood. In summary, the biblical perspective on bewitchment is one of caution and condemnation, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to avoid any practices that would lead them away from the truth of God's Word. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To gain an ascendency over by charms or incantations; to affect (esp. to injure) by witchcraft or sorcery.2. (v. t.) To charm; to fascinate; to please to such a degree as to take away the power of resistance; to enchant. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BEWITCHbe-wich' (existemi): There are two Greek words in the New Testament translated "bewitch." The one given above (Acts 8:9, 21 the King James Version "bewitched," the Revised Version (British and American) "amazed") has reference to the work of Simon Magus. It means "to be out of one's mind," "to astonish," "to overwhelm with wonder." The other word, baskaino (Galatians 3:1), means "to fascinate by false representation." It is by this means the apostle complains they have been led to accept a teaching wholly contrary to the gospel of Christ. Both these words reveal to us something of the difficulty the early teachers had to eradicate the idea so widely held by the Jews and Egyptians especially, that there were certain powers, dark and mysterious, which by certain occult forces they could control. For a long time this had to be contended with as one of the corrupt practices brought into the church by the converts, both from Judaism and heathenism. These words have a reference to the evil eye which for centuries was, and even today is, an important factor in the life of the people of the East. 1 Timothy 6:20 is a reference to this thought and explains the word "science" (the King James Version) as there used. Greek 940. baskaino -- to slander, hence by ext. to bewitch ... to bewitch. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: baskaino Phonetic Spelling: (bas-kah'-ee-no) Short Definition: I give the evil eye to, fascinate, bewitch ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/940.htm - 7k 1839. existemi -- to displace, to stand aside from Library Acts of Saint Philip the Apostle when He Went to Upper Hellas. Impressive Phrases Marcion, who Would Blot Out the Record of Christ's Nativity, is ... The False Prophet Recommendation. The Reward of virginity. The Knowledge of God Stifled or Corrupted, Ignorantly or ... What Sort of Prayer the Gnostic Employs, and How it is Heard by ... To Act Well of Greater Consequence than to Speak Well. Resolution: the Song of Hylobaris Concerning Divine Providence Thesaurus Bewitch (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BEWITCH. ... See DIVINATION; EVIL EYE; SORCERY; SUPERSTITION. Jacob W. Kapp. Multi-Version Concordance Bewitch (1 Occurrence). ... /b/bewitch.htm - 8k Witch (2 Occurrences) Bewilderment (7 Occurrences) Overlook (7 Occurrences) Thoughtless (17 Occurrences) Described (16 Occurrences) Paradise (6 Occurrences) Bewitched (3 Occurrences) Spell (2 Occurrences) Witchcraft (8 Occurrences) Resources Bewitch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bewitch (1 Occurrence)Galatians 3:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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