What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft & the Occult?
What the Bible teaches about witchcraft, sorcery, and dabbling in the occult.
What does the Bible say about witchcraft? Explore KJV scriptures about sorcery, the occult, divination, and why God forbids these practices.
"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." — Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (KJV)
The Bible consistently and strongly condemns witchcraft, sorcery, divination, and all forms of occult practice. From the Old Testament law to the New Testament teachings, Scripture warns believers to have nothing to do with these practices, which are rooted in spiritual deception and opposition to God.
Key Scriptures About Witchcraft & the Occult
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
"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."Read in context
Galatians 5:19-20
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies."Read in context
Acts 19:19
"Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver."Read in context
Isaiah 8:19
"And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?"Read in context
1 John 4:1
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."Read in context
A Prayer About Witchcraft & the Occult
Lord, protect me from every deception of the enemy. Help me to seek wisdom and guidance from You alone, not from any occult source. Give me discernment to recognize and reject spiritual darkness in every form. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Witchcraft & the Occult
Quick answers to the most common questions about what the Bible says on witchcraft & the occult.
Is witchcraft real according to the Bible?
Yes. The Bible treats witchcraft and sorcery as real spiritual practices — and condemns them (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Galatians 5:20). These practices involve tapping into spiritual forces that are opposed to God. The Bible warns that they are 'an abomination unto the LORD.'
What about horoscopes and astrology?
Astrology falls under the category of 'observers of times' condemned in Deuteronomy 18:10. Isaiah 47:13-14 mocks those who trust in astrologers. The Bible calls believers to seek guidance from God through prayer and Scripture, not from the stars or horoscopes.
What is the main Bible verse about witchcraft & the occult?
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 is one of the clearest scriptures on witchcraft & the occult: "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." (KJV). It anchors the broader biblical teaching summarized on this page.
How many Bible verses talk about witchcraft & the occult?
Scripture addresses witchcraft & the occult in dozens of passages across the Old and New Testaments. We've curated 5 of the most directly relevant KJV verses on this page, drawn from Deuteronomy, Galatians, Acts, Isaiah, 1 John.
Where does the Bible first mention witchcraft & the occult?
The earliest passage on this list is Deuteronomy 18:10-12, in the book of Deuteronomy. Scripture's full teaching on witchcraft & the occult unfolds across both testaments — see all 5 verses above for the broader picture.
Is witchcraft & the occult a sin according to the Bible?
What does the Bible say about witchcraft? Explore KJV scriptures about sorcery, the occult, divination, and why God forbids these practices. The verses above lay out exactly what the KJV teaches so you can weigh the question for yourself in light of Scripture.
Common Bible Questions About Witchcraft & the Occult
Specific questions Christians ask about witchcraft & the occult — each answered with KJV scripture.
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.
Read answerWhat 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.
Read answerWhat 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.
Read answerWhat 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.
Read answerIs Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Read answerCan God Forgive Any Sin?
Yes — the Bible teaches that God's grace is sufficient to forgive any sin when a person repents and believes in Christ.
Read answerCan You Lose Your Salvation?
The Bible teaches that genuine believers are eternally secure — kept by God's power, not human effort.
Read answerHow Should We Pray According to the Bible?
The Bible teaches that prayer is direct communication with God — honest, reverent, and grounded in faith.
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