Witchcraft in the Bible: Definition and Biblical Stance

What does the Bible actually say about witchcraft? In general, in the Bible, witchcraft is the practice of magical skills, spells, and abilities.

Specifically, it involves invoking supernatural powers that are not from God, but instead from some other source. It is clear throughout Scripture that God strictly forbids any form of witchcraft. Witchcraft represents a distrust in God’s sovereignty.

The dictionary defines witchcraft as “the art or exercise of magical powers, the effect or influence of magical powers, or an alluring or seductive charm or influence.” God’s Word goes even further to identify witchcraft as the universal, primeval religion of fallen humanity.

When the human race turned from God in rebellion, the power that moved in was witchcraft. Different people groups practice distinctive forms of witchcraft, but certain elements are common to almost all of them.

Whenever any religious activity seeks to control other people, the influence of witchcraft is probably at work. One purpose common to all forms of witchcraft is control.

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Biblical References to Witchcraft

The Bible explicitly condemns the practice of witchcraft and sorcery. In the Old Testament, the Mosaic Law strictly prohibits these activities.

In Exodus 22:18, the command is clear: "You must not allow a sorceress to live". This reflects the severity with which such practices were viewed in ancient Israelite society.

Leviticus 19:31 warns, "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God". This verse underscores the belief that engaging with witches or wizards defiles a person and is an affront to God.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 further elaborates on the prohibition: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD". This passage lists various forms of occult practices and labels them as detestable, emphasizing the need for the Israelites to remain separate from such practices.

The New Testament continues the condemnation of sorcery and witchcraft. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists "sorcery" among the works of the flesh, warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God". This reinforces the idea that such practices are incompatible with a life devoted to Christ.

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In Acts 8:9-24, the account of Simon the Sorcerer illustrates the early Christian rejection of sorcery. Simon, who had practiced sorcery in Samaria, 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).

Examples of Witchcraft in the Bible

Examples may include: Prohibitions against their use (Lev 19:26 + Deut. Examples include: the witch of Endor 1 Sam 28, Deut.

Historical Context of Witchcraft

In the ancient Near East, practices associated with witchcraft and wizardry were common among various cultures. These practices often involved attempts to predict the future, manipulate events, or communicate with the dead.

The Israelites, however, were called to be distinct from their neighbors and to rely solely on God for guidance and wisdom. The biblical narrative often contrasts the power of God with the impotence of sorcery.

For example, in the account of the Exodus, the magicians of Egypt attempt to replicate the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron, but they ultimately fail to match the power of God (Exodus 7:11-12).

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Theological Implications

The biblical stance against witchcraft and wizardry is rooted in the belief in the sovereignty and sufficiency of God. Engaging in such practices is seen as a rejection of God's authority and a reliance on powers that are contrary to His will.

The Bible consistently calls believers to trust in God alone and to avoid any form of occultism that seeks to usurp His role as the ultimate source of wisdom and power.

Modern Practice of Witchcraft

The modern practice of witchcraft contains the same elements. It operates on at least four levels:

1. Open/Public: Operating in its real nature, witchcraft teaches and practices the worship of Satan.
2. “Underground”: Witchcraft covens usually meet at night to offer sacrifices and to initiate new members.
3. Fifth Column/Disguised: There are many forms of philosophy and religion that are rooted in witchcraft.
4. A Work of the Flesh: Now that we have examined three main forms of witchcraft as a supernatural force-the public form, the underground form, and the fifth column-we must expose the root.

In nations with a Christian history (primarily in the West), witchcraft has adapted itself to the culture and takes certain special forms. In many parts of the world, the open practice of witchcraft has continued unchanged for centuries.

The primitive practice of witchcraft normally contains a priesthood (witch doctor, medicine man, shaman), a ritual or liturgy (which may take various forms), a sacrifice (animal or human), some characteristic form of rhythm (often incantation or drumbeats), and some form of covenant binding the participants to one another and to whatever satanic being is the focus of their activity. The word coven (a gathering of witches) is derived from the same root as covenant.

There are four main objectives of witchcraft:

• To propitiate a higher spiritual being, often regarded as capricious or malevolent
• To control the forces of nature, such as rain or good weather for harvest
• To ward off sickness and infertility, as in Africa, where almost every barren woman will go to the witch doctor for a potion or charm
• To control other human beings-to terrify enemies in battle or to produce sexual desire in one person toward another.

Four Levels of Modern Witchcraft

The modern practice of witchcraft contains the same elements. It operates on at least four levels:

1. Open/Public: Operating in its real nature, witchcraft teaches and practices the worship of Satan. But those who have come out of its clutches will tell you that the central satanic ceremony is a “black mass”-a blasphemous parody of a Christian Communion service. The dominant motivation is a deliberate, conscious hatred and rejection of Jesus Christ. It is vital to note that the main enemy of witchcraft is not Islam, humanism or some Eastern religion; it is the Christian Church.
2. “Underground”: Witchcraft covens usually meet at night to offer sacrifices and to initiate new members. One central element in the practice of witchcraft is sacrifice. Usually the sacrifices are small animals (dogs, cats, rats, etc.). Sometimes, though, a sacrifice is human. Without doubt, the god of witchcraft is Satan. Its adherents are bound to him and to one another by a covenant committing them to absolute secrecy concerning their activities. What attracts people to Satanism? I believe it is the offer of supernatural power. Once convinced of the power they have acquired, Satanists are often bold and aggressive.
3. Fifth Column/Disguised: There are many forms of philosophy and religion that are rooted in witchcraft. The fifth column operation of witchcraft-the forms operating within the guise of accepted practice-is continually expanding. New Age studies, hypnosis and acupuncture are but a few of the many forms taken by witchcraft to entice innocent people into the territory of Satan.
4. A Work of the Flesh: Now that we have examined three main forms of witchcraft as a supernatural force-the public form, the underground form, and the fifth column-we must expose the root. It is the least recognized operation, but it permeates society and the Church.

In Galatians 5:19-21 Paul lists the works of the “flesh” (“sinful nature,” NIV). In the middle he mentions “idolatry, sorcery” (NKJV) or “idolatry and witchcraft” (NIV). This nature often manifests itself, even in infancy, in efforts to control other people. We feel secure if we can control others.

Conversely, God never seeks to control us. He respects the free will He has given each of us, although He does hold us responsible for how we use that freedom.

There are three ways the desire to control expresses itself: manipulation, intimidation and domination. The goal is domination. People who recognize that they are weaker than those they seek to control tend to manipulate; those who feel stronger tend to intimidate.

But the end purpose is the same: to dominate-that is, to control others and get them to do what we want.

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