What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft and Sorcery?
What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft and Sorcery? The Bible strictly forbids all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, divination, and occult practices as abominations before God.
Key verse: Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (KJV)
The Bible strictly forbids all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, divination, and occult practices as abominations before God.
The Bible strictly forbids all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, divination, and occult practices as abominations before God.
"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 is 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.' Galatians 5:20 lists witchcraft among the works of the flesh. King Saul's consultation of the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28) led to his downfall. Acts 19:19 records new converts burning their sorcery books. Revelation 21:8 includes sorcerers among those facing the lake of fire. The prohibition extends to horoscopes, tarot cards, séances, Ouija boards, and any practice that seeks supernatural guidance apart from God.
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... Idolatry, witchcraft."
"Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft and the Occult?
The Bible strongly condemns all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, divination, and occult practices as abominations before God.
What Does the Bible Say About Astrology and Horoscopes?
The Bible explicitly condemns astrology and stargazing for guidance, calling such practices futile and classifying them with divination and sorcery.
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.
Did Biblical Miracles Really Happen?
Yes — the Bible presents miracles as actual historical events performed by God to reveal His power, authenticate His messengers, and accomplish His purposes.
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 and Sorcery?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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