What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Deuteronomy 18:10-12, sits inside Deuteronomy 18. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft and Sorcery?
Miracles & Supernatural
Did Biblical Miracles Really Happen?
Miracles & Supernatural
Does God Still Perform Miracles Today?
Miracles & Supernatural
Bible Verses About Miracles
10 curated KJV verses
1 Kings 17:14 Commentary
In-depth study • Supernatural Provision
Jesus Calms the Storm
Mark 4:35-41 • Miracles of Jesus
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.