The Bible does not explicitly mention Baphomet by name. Baphomet is a pagan idol associated with Satanism and the occult that has gained notoriety in recent centuries, but its origins and meaning are shrouded in mystery. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches related to idols, false gods, and occult practices that may shed light on the figure of Baphomet.
The Bible condemns idolatry and false gods
The first of the Ten Commandments states, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:3). This commandment prohibits worshiping any god other than the one true God revealed in Scripture. Throughout the Old Testament, God condemned Israel for worshiping pagan idols and false gods like Baal and Molech instead of remaining faithful to Him (Judges 2:11-13, Jeremiah 11:13). The New Testament writers also warned against idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:14, Galatians 5:20, 1 John 5:21). Idolatry angers God because it substitutes a lie for the truth about His divine nature and supremacy (Romans 1:25).
The figure of Baphomet bears many similarities to pagan false gods and idols that the Bible condemns. Like images of Baal, Molech, and other ancient false gods, Baphomet is depicted as an unnatural hybrid creature mixing human and animal features. This was a common practice in pagan religions, but Scripture only presents God in human form. Baphomet’s androgynous figure parallels pagan fertility gods and goddesses like Asherah that ancient Israelites falsely worshiped (1 Kings 18:19). Overall, the occult image of Baphomet violates the biblical commands against graven images and idolatry.
The Bible forbids magic, witchcraft, and occult practices
Another relevant biblical theme is God’s prohibition of magic, witchcraft, and occult practices. Passages like Deuteronomy 18:10-12 and Galatians 5:19-21 condemn sorcery, communication with spirits, interpretation of omens, witchcraft, casting spells, and other occult activities. The book of Acts records new believers renouncing and destroying their occult books and paraphernalia after being saved (Acts 19:19).
The figure of Baphomet has strong ties to the occult. Baphomet and the inverted pentagram associated with it are used by Satanists and occult groups in rituals and ceremonies. The occult seeks to access supernatural power and hidden knowledge through magic, often invoking demonic forces. But the Bible states that there is only one true God (Isaiah 46:9) and that the wisdom He offers through Christ is superior to any secret knowledge promised by the occult (Colossians 2:3).
The Bible warns of Satanic deception
Baphomet’s use by modern Satanists highlights another biblical theme – the reality of Satan and his efforts to deceive. Scripture makes clear that Satan is a real spiritual entity who seeks to tempt people into sin and thwart God’s plans (1 Peter 5:8, Genesis 3:1-7). He masquerades as an angel of light and deceives the whole world (2 Corinthians 11:14, Revelation 12:9).
Images like Baphomet promote an inversion of biblical morality, replacing God with Satan as an object of worship. This ties into the Bible’s warnings about the rise of wickedness and the coming of the Antichrist who will perform false signs and wonders to deceive people into following Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, Revelation 13:13-14). While Baphomet may not be directly mentioned in Scripture, it epitomizes the dark spiritual forces that the Bible tells us are active in the world and stand in opposition to God.
The Bible says to avoid all associations with evil
Given the clearly sinister and occultic nature of Baphomet, the biblical approach to this figure would be to avoid it and anything associated with it completely. Scripture tells believers, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). Paul instructed the Corinthian church to avoid all associations with idolatry and pagan rituals, emphasizing that light and darkness are incompatible (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). The psalmist repeatedly stated his intentions to follow the Lord and avoid all evil influences (Psalm 101:3-4, Psalm 119:37).
While curiosity about the occult may be tempting, the Bible exhorts believers to think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Filling one’s mind with occult images and ideas will only open the door to spiritual oppression and deception. The wise approach based on Scripture is to reject figures like Baphomet entirely as one pursues intimacy with God instead.
The Bible says Jesus triumphed over all evil powers
While Satan and the forces of darkness are real threats according to the Bible, Christians have no need to fear them. Scripture proclaims that Jesus Christ already obtained the decisive victory over demonic powers through His death, burial and resurrection (Colossians 2:15, Hebrews 2:14-15). No occult force or symbol can overpower the risen Lord who holds “the keys of death and Hades” (Revelation 1:18).
For believers, the Bible says God “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Colossians 1:13). Jesus empowered His followers to trample on snakes and overcome the enemy’s power (Luke 10:19). God’s angels guard His children and He faithfully protects those who take refuge in Him (Psalm 91:11-12). While Baphomet may represent Satan’s attempts to intimidate, the Bible declares Christ has already conquered through His blood.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Bible contains no direct references to Baphomet, it provides key theological insights about this occult figure and how Christians should respond to it. Scripture condemns all idolatry, occultism, and associations with false gods as rebellion against the one true living God. Baphomet epitomizes these biblical prohibitions as a pagan satanic idol blending human, animal, and occult symbolism. The Bible exhorts believers to avoid Baphomet and all influences promoting evil and deception. At the same time, Scripture affirms Christ’s total victory over Satan and dark powers – including Baphomet – for those who trust in Him.