Witchcraft has been a subject of deep concern and reflection for many believers over the centuries. Whether you are seeking comfort in troubled times or looking for guidance on living a faithful life, the Bible offers powerful insights that address practices like sorcery and divination.
In this blog post, we explore 15 bible verses about witchcraft, each presented with its full scripture text and a brief explanation to help you understand its context and spiritual significance.
1. Exodus 22:18
“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.”
Explanation:
This verse from Exodus is one of the most well-known commandments regarding witchcraft. In its historical context, it served as a stern warning against the practice of sorcery, which was seen as a threat to the moral and social fabric of ancient Israel. Spiritually, it reminds believers to be cautious of influences that stray from God’s guidance.
2. Deuteronomy 18:10
“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter.”
Explanation:
Here, the focus is on rejecting practices that involve divination and enchantment. The verse underscores the importance of relying on God rather than turning to occult practices for guidance. It serves as a reminder to trust in divine wisdom over human or mystical interpretations.
3. Deuteronomy 18:12
“For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.”
Explanation:
This verse continues from the previous passage, emphasizing that engaging in witchcraft and related practices is considered detestable in the eyes of God. The historical context shows that such practices were linked to idolatry and moral decay. Spiritually, it calls believers to remain pure and devoted to God’s word.
4. Leviticus 19:26
“Ye shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall ye use enchantment, nor observe times.”
Explanation:
In this verse, the prohibition against using enchantments and observing times (often associated with astrological or divinatory practices) is clear. The context here is about maintaining holiness and separation from practices that conflict with God’s teachings. This verse challenges believers to pursue spiritual discernment over superstitious rituals.
5. Leviticus 20:27
“A man or woman who is a medium or a necromancer shall surely be put to death: they are to be stoned with stones: their blood shall be upon them.”
Explanation:
Leviticus 20:27 presents a severe warning against engaging in mediums or necromancy. The harsh penalty reflected the seriousness with which ancient Israel treated practices that attempted to communicate with the dead. Spiritually, this verse underscores the danger of turning to forbidden practices and reinforces the need for a pure and devoted heart.
6. 1 Samuel 15:23
“For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.”
Explanation:
While not exclusively about witchcraft, this verse draws a parallel between rebellion against God and the sin of divination. The comparison highlights that seeking hidden knowledge or power through forbidden means is as serious as open disobedience. It encourages believers to remain faithful and reject practices that deviate from God’s truth.
7. 2 Kings 21:6
“And he caused his son to pass through the fire, and used enchantments, and consulted mediums and spiritists: and did much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.”
Explanation:
This verse recounts the actions of a king who embraced occult practices, including enchantments and consultation with mediums. Historically, such actions contributed to moral and spiritual decay within the kingdom. The spiritual significance is a cautionary tale: turning away from God’s laws leads to devastating consequences.
8. Isaiah 8:19
“And when they say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, should not a people seek unto their God? should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?”
Explanation:
Isaiah 8:19 challenges the tendency to consult mediums and wizards for guidance. The verse encourages believers to seek wisdom from God instead of turning to those who claim supernatural insight. It’s a call to trust in the living God, who provides true understanding and direction.
9. Isaiah 47:12
“Stay ye, and ponder this, ye that are men of power: is there any wisdom in the multitude of your counsellors? God hath scattered the stork, the owl, and the raven: and the tempest shall carry off the little of your increases.”
Explanation:
Though not explicitly mentioning witchcraft, Isaiah 47:12 critiques reliance on human or occult wisdom rather than divine guidance. In its historical context, it pointed out the futility of trusting in earthly powers and rituals. Spiritually, the verse encourages believers to seek God’s wisdom over the uncertain promises of magic or sorcery.
10. Galatians 5:20
“Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Explanation:
In this New Testament verse, witchcraft is listed among various sinful behaviors that separate people from God’s kingdom. Written for early Christians, it serves as a clear warning against the pursuit of occult practices. The verse underscores the broader message that believers must renounce all forms of sin to inherit eternal life.
11. Acts 8:9
“But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before this used sorcery, and brought of the people, men and women, together, saying, ‘These men have a certain power, and give out salvation.'”
Explanation:
This verse introduces Simon the sorcerer, whose attempt to purchase spiritual power reveals the deceptive nature of sorcery. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale against exploiting spiritual gifts for personal gain. Spiritually, it challenges readers to seek genuine faith and transformation rather than resorting to magic.
12. Revelation 21:8
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
Explanation:
Revelation 21:8 provides a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences for those who engage in sorcery, among other sins. The verse is a stark warning in the context of final judgment, urging believers to embrace the truth and righteousness of God. It calls for self-examination and sincere repentance.
13. Acts 19:19
“And a number of those which had practiced magic arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men.”
Explanation:
Acts 19:19 recounts how new believers in Ephesus renounced their former practices by burning their magical books. This act symbolizes a decisive break from the past and a commitment to following the true faith. Spiritually, it encourages transformation and the courage to leave behind harmful practices for a life rooted in God’s love.
14. 2 Chronicles 33:6
“And he caused his sons to pass through the fire, and used fortune-telling, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers: and he did much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.”
Explanation:
Similar to the account in 2 Kings 21:6, this verse highlights the dangers of engaging in occult practices. It serves as a historical warning against relying on forbidden methods to gain power or insight. The spiritual message is clear: turning away from God’s commands leads to destructive outcomes.
15. Deuteronomy 18:14
“And the nations, whom thou shalt dispossess, hearkened unto fortune-tellers and to diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.”
Explanation:
This verse contrasts the practices of surrounding nations with the calling of God’s people. It reminds believers that while other cultures may turn to fortune-telling and divination, God’s people are called to trust solely in Him. The verse reinforces the idea that true guidance comes from a relationship with God, not from occult practices.
In Conclusion
The wisdom contained in these bible verses about witchcraft serves as a powerful reminder of the eternal value of living a life rooted in God’s truth. From the stern warnings in Exodus and Deuteronomy to the transformative acts recorded in Acts and Revelation, each scripture offers both a historical lesson and a personal challenge. They invite you to examine your own spiritual journey, to seek genuine transformation, and to embrace a life of unwavering faith.
As you move forward, remember that these verses are here to guide you—not to condemn, but to encourage a return to the true source of strength and hope. Whether you find comfort in the assurance of God’s protection or inspiration in the call to live a righteous life, let these scriptures be a beacon of light in your daily walk with God.
Call-to-Action:
I invite you to share your own experiences, favorite verses, or thoughts in the comments below. How have these scriptures inspired you? What insights have you gained from exploring the Bible’s perspective on occult practices?
Let’s continue this conversation and support each other on our spiritual journeys.