Witchcraft and sorcery are directly condemned in the Bible. God’s Word makes it clear that these practices are detestable to Him, and those who engage in such dark arts invite judgment upon themselves. Here is an overview of some of the key Bible passages that address witchcraft and related occult practices.
Old Testament Verses
In the Old Testament law, witchcraft was punishable by death: “You shall not permit a sorceress to live” (Exodus 22:18). This highlights how seriously God took the practice of magic arts and divination. Some other verses that condemn witchcraft in the Old Testament include:
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – Contains a stern warning against anyone practicing divination, witchcraft, interpreting omens, sorcery, casting spells, mediumship or spiritism. God says these practices are detestable to Him.
- Leviticus 19:26,31 – “You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes. Do not turn to mediums or necromancers.” The Israelites are warned against witchcraft, fortune-telling and contacting the dead.
- 2 Kings 9:22 – The prophet Elisha pronounced God’s judgment on the evil King Joram, accusing his mother Jezebel of witchcraft, harlotry and murder.
- 2 Chronicles 33:6 – King Manasseh is condemned for practicing sorcery, divination and witchcraft, consulting mediums and spiritists.
- Micah 5:12 – God promises to destroy witchcraft practices: “I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no more tellers of fortunes.”
- Nahum 3:4 – The judgment against the wicked city of Nineveh includes a condemnation of the “many harlotries” and “much sorcery” practiced there.
It is abundantly clear throughout the Old Testament that God regards all forms of witchcraft and sorcery as sinful rebellion against Him. Practicing magic arts was never acceptable for God’s people.
New Testament Verses
The New Testament also contains several references to witchcraft and condemns the practice in no uncertain terms:
- Galatians 5:19-21 – In Paul’s lists of deeds of the flesh, he includes “sorcery” along with idolatry, hatred and drunkenness as things that will prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God.
- Acts 8:9-13 – Simon the sorcerer tried to purchase the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles, and was strongly rebuked by Peter.
- Acts 13:6-11 – Paul pronounced blindness upon Elymas the sorcerer who tried to hinder Sergius Paulus from faith.
- Acts 19:17-20 – Former sorcerers publicly burned their magic arts books after hearing the gospel preached by Paul in Ephesus. The power of Christ triumphed over the powers of darkness.
- Revelation 9:21 – Those who refused to repent of murders, sorceries, immorality and thefts experienced God’s judgment.
- Revelation 21:8 – Sorcerers are listed among those who will be consigned to the lake of fire on the day of judgment.
In the Gospels, Jesus healed those afflicted by evil spirits and displayed his power over satanic forces (Luke 4:33-36, Luke 8:2). The early Church strongly opposed any form of witchcraft, sorcery or magical arts.
Why Does God Forbid Witchcraft and Sorcery?
Why is witchcraft so strongly condemned throughout Scripture? Some key reasons include:
- It is an attempt to subvert God’s power. Witchcraft and occult practices rely on supernatural power that does not come from God. He alone is the source of all power.
- It denies God’s sovereignty. God has ordained all that will happen according to His divine will. Any attempt to manipulate outcomes by “magical” means denies His authority.
- It is demonically inspired. The power behind witchcraft and sorcery comes from demonic forces. These practices are associated with the devil and his deceiving spirits.
- It is idolatrous. Witchcraft practitioners often worship created beings and look to false gods and spirits for knowledge or power. This draws people into spiritual adultery.
- It is deceitful. Witchcraft relies on trickery, illusions and exploitation of people’s desires to manipulate them. But it is only pretense, not true spiritual power.
In short, the reason God condemns witchcraft is that it is fundamentally opposed to His character and His will. It draws people away from God rather than towards Him. It originates from the devil rather than from the Holy Spirit. No matter what form it takes, witchcraft is spiritually dangerous and idolatrous at its core.
Bible Stories Related to Magic and Witchcraft
In addition to direct verses, the Bible contains several narrative passages and stories that reveal God’s perspective on witchcraft and sorcery:
Moses and the Egyptian Magicians
In Exodus 7, Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh’s sorcerers and magicians in a supernatural display of power. Aaron’s staff turned into a snake, but Pharaoh’s sorcerers used their magic arts to copy this feat. However, Aaron’s snake swallowed up their snakes, demonstrating God’s dominance over the occult arts. This story shows that the occult can produce real supernatural events through demonic power, but God’s power is infinitely greater.
Witch of Endor
King Saul visited the medium of Endor in 1 Samuel 28, even though he had previously driven all mediums out of Israel. The witch summoned the spirit of Samuel, who chastised Saul and pronounced his imminent death. Though debates continue over the nature of this passage, it clearly illustrates the divination and necromancy were real ancient practices that the Israelites were warned against.
Simon the Magician
Simon mentioned in Acts 8 is traditionally known as “Simon Magus” or Simon the Magician. He practiced sorcery and bewitched the people of Samaria. But when he observed the wonders of Philip’s gospel preaching, he believed and was baptized. However, he later tried to purchase the Holy Spirit’s power from the apostles, revealing his corrupt heart. This led to Peter’s rebuke.
These Bible stories demonstrate that occult magic and witchcraft were real practices that people engaged in throughout biblical times. But God’s servants always demonstrated power far greater than any sorcerer’s incantations could muster.
How Should Christians Respond to Witchcraft Today?
Witchcraft, Wicca, divination, spell-casting, mediumship and similar practices remain popular today. How should Christians respond?
- We must avoid directly engaging in any occult practice and repent if we ever have. “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft” (Deuteronomy 18:10).
- We should not support movies, books, games or other media that portray the occult as harmless or exciting. “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11).
- Pray for revival and deliverance from addiction to occult practices. “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4).
- Share the gospel of Jesus Christ. He alone has spiritual authority and power to save. “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation” (Romans 1:16).
- Stand firm in our faith. “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
As Christians, we do not need to fear witchcraft and the supernatural power of the enemy. We have the Holy Spirit living within us and the sovereign God on our side, who is far greater than any other power in this world or the next.
Bible Verses on Protection from Witchcraft and Occult Practices
For those concerned about falling victim to witchcraft or other spiritual attacks, these Bible verses offer hope, protection and deliverance:
- “No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn.” (Isaiah 54:17)
- “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
- “Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence.” (Psalm 91:3)
- “You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.” (Psalm 91:5-6)
- “No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.” (Psalm 91:10)
- “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Luke 10:19)
- “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” (Daniel 6:22)
As we dwell in God’s presence, walk in obedience and righteousness, and rely on the saving power of Jesus Christ, we need not live in fear of spiritual attacks or curses. God promises to protect and deliver those who abide in Him.
How to Break Free from Occult Bondage and Come to Christ
For those already snared by occult practices and witchcraft, freedom and redemption are possible through Jesus Christ. Here is how to break free:
- Confess involvement and repent sincerely. “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).
- Renounce all occult activity verbally and in writing, clearing your home of any related objects.
- Receive forgiveness and spiritual cleansing through Christ. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
- Resist the devil through prayer and scripture. “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
- Replace occult practices with biblical truth and godly pursuit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-26).
- Walk free in the abundant life of Jesus! “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Jesus came to set the captives free and redeem us from the kingdom of darkness. His liberating truth and forgiving grace provide the only way out of the destructive chains of the occult and into God’s blessing and freedom.
Conclusion
Throughout Scripture, God strongly and repeatedly condemns any and all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, divination and occult magic as grave sins. He warns that these practices will imperil our relationship with Him and invite judgment. Instead, the Bible calls us to rely on the power of Christ, through whom we have authority over the demonic realm. Jesus frees us from any bondage to darkness when we turn to Him in faith and repentance. By God’s grace, we can walk in His light and the freedom of His Holy Spirit rather than submitting to occult forces and practices.