What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft?
What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft? The Bible strictly forbids all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, divination, and occult practices as abominations that open doors to demonic influence.
Key verse: Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (KJV)
The Bible strictly forbids all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, divination, and occult practices as abominations that open doors to demonic influence.
The Bible strictly forbids all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, divination, and occult practices as abominations that open doors to demonic influence.
"There shall not be found among you any one that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch... For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD." — Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 provides the most comprehensive prohibition: '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, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD.' King Saul's consultation with the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28) is presented negatively and led to his downfall. In the New Testament, sorcery (pharmakeia) is listed among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:20). When people in Ephesus came to faith, they burned their occult books publicly (Acts 19:19). Revelation 21:8 places sorcerers among those in the lake of fire. The Bible is unequivocal: seeking supernatural knowledge or power from any source other than God is spiritually dangerous and forbidden.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft & the Occult?
What the Bible teaches about witchcraft, sorcery, and dabbling in the occult.
Key Scripture References
"There shall not be found among you any one that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch... For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD."
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft."
"Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men."
Frequently asked questions
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Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Warfare?
Ephesians 6 teaches that believers wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, and provides the armor of God for defense.
What Does the Bible Say About Spiritual Warfare?
Ephesians 6 teaches that believers wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces, and provides the armor of God for defense.
What Does the Bible Say About Idolatry?
Idolatry — placing anything above God — is the most frequently condemned sin in Scripture.
What Does the Bible Say About Angels?
Angels are powerful spiritual beings created by God to serve Him, deliver messages, protect believers, and carry out His will.
Who Is Satan (the Devil)?
Satan is a fallen angel who rebelled against God and now leads the forces of evil, seeking to oppose God's purposes and destroy humanity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Deuteronomy. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Deuteronomy on day 49 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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