Witchcraft
“Kesheph, from kashaph 'to practice magic, mutter spells'; Greek pharmakeia, related to drug preparation and magical potions”
Summary
Witchcraft in Scripture refers to sorcery, divination, and trafficking with occult powers, practices strictly forbidden under Mosaic law and consistently associated with idolatry.
☩Biblical Definition
The Hebrew kesheph and Greek pharmakeia are the primary terms translated as witchcraft or sorcery. Pharmakeia originally referred to the preparation of drugs and potions believed to derive their efficacy from magical spells, hence its connection to both poisoning and enchantment. Biblical witchcraft involved pretended communication with invisible spirits, seeking guidance from false deities, and the practice of various forms of divination and enchantment. It fundamentally represented turning from the true God to false sources of knowledge and power.
☩Prohibition and Punishment
The Mosaic law uncompromisingly prohibited all forms of sorcery and witchcraft. The command 'You shall not permit a sorceress to live' established the death penalty for practitioners. This severity was not because witches possessed actual supernatural power apart from God, but because these practices involved idolatry—seeking counsel from false gods rather than the LORD. Saul, before his decline, had put away mediums and wizards from the land, though he later hypocritically consulted the witch of Endor.
☩New Testament Perspective
The New Testament lists sorcery (pharmakeia) among the works of the flesh alongside idolatry. Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. The book of Revelation places sorcerers among those excluded from the holy city, and mentions that Babylon's sorceries deceived all nations. The consistent biblical message is that seeking supernatural guidance or power from any source other than God Himself is spiritually dangerous and morally condemned.
Related Verses13 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Witchcraft, Biblical Mention Of," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.Charles Buck, "Witchcraft," in A Theological Dictionary (Charles Buck (London), 1802).