What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft and Sorcery — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
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... Idolatry, witchcraft."
"Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men."
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