difference between witches, sorcerers, mediums, and diviners, and why the LORD condemned magical practices among His covenant people.
INTRODUCTION: WHAT IS A WITCH ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE?
Deuteronomy 18:10 identifies the witch among the forbidden religious practitioners whom Israel was commanded not to imitate.
The word witch often produces images of mysterious ceremonies, spells, curses, potions, secret knowledge, and attempts to manipulate supernatural powers.
However, biblical exposition requires more than popular descriptions.
We must examine the original Hebrew terminology, the historical practices of the ancient Near East, and the specific activities condemned in Scripture.
The Bible does not provide a complete catalogue of every ceremony performed by ancient practitioners of magic.
Neither does it establish that every person accused of witchcraft possessed genuine supernatural power.
What Scripture does establish is that certain forms of magical practice, divination, spirit consultation, and religious manipulation were expressly forbidden to Israel.
The witch mentioned in Deuteronomy 18:10 belongs to this broader category.
The central concern is the attempt to obtain supernatural influence or power through methods contrary to God's revealed commandments.
Three questions guide this study:
What did the biblical witch practice? Why did God forbid the practice? And how should believers distinguish forbidden sorcery from the legitimate work of the Holy Spirit?
PART ONE: THE HEBREW WORD TRANSLATED “WITCH”
I. The Hebrew term mekaššēph
Deuteronomy 18:10 (KJV):
"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,"
The Hebrew word translated witch is:
מְכַשֵּׁף
Mekaššēph — a practitioner of sorcery
The word is related to the Hebrew verb כָּשַׁף — kāšaph, Strong's H3784.
The verb means to practice sorcery or magic.
The corresponding practitioner is someone engaged in magical arts.
1. Does the Hebrew word refer only to women?
No.
The form used in Deuteronomy 18:10 is grammatically masculine.
It refers to a practitioner of sorcery and is not restricted to women.
This is an important distinction because the English word witch is frequently associated with females.
The biblical prohibition concerns the practice rather than a particular gender.
2. What did ancient sorcery involve?
Ancient Near Eastern magical practices could include incantations, ritual actions, symbolic objects, invocations, and attempts to influence circumstances through supernatural means.
Some rituals were intended to protect against perceived danger.
Others were intended to harm enemies, obtain advantage, or manipulate events.
However, the biblical term mekaššēph does not specify that every practitioner used the same methods.
3. Was every person accused of witchcraft actually practicing sorcery?
Not necessarily.
Historical accusations of witchcraft have sometimes been based upon fear, suspicion, social conflict, or false testimony.
The Bible's prohibition against sorcery must not be used to justify unsupported accusations against individuals.
PART TWO: EXODUS 22:18 — THE MOSAIC LAW CONCERNING WITCHCRAFT
II. The commandment
Exodus 22:18 (KJV):
"Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."
This verse belongs to the judicial laws given to ancient Israel.
The Hebrew word translated witch is a feminine participial form of the same root kāšaph.
The feminine grammatical form identifies a female practitioner of sorcery.
1. Why was the commandment severe?
Ancient Israel was a covenant nation governed by laws regulating worship, justice, and communal holiness.
Sorcery was prohibited as part of the nation's separation from forbidden religious practices.
2. Was witchcraft considered a private matter?
Under the Mosaic covenant, religious practices could have public consequences because the nation was bound to the LORD by covenant.
3. Does this authorize Christians to execute people accused of witchcraft?
No.
The verse belongs to the judicial framework of ancient Israel.
It is not authorization for private individuals, churches, or modern religious groups to harm people.
The New Testament instructs believers to respond to opponents with truth, patience, and correction rather than vigilante punishment.
2 Timothy 2:24–25 (KJV):
"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;"
PART THREE: THE WITCH AND THE RELIGIOUS PRACTICES OF CANAAN
III. Deuteronomy 18:9
"When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations."
God warned Israel against learning the forbidden religious practices of the surrounding nations.
The commandment addressed both participation and imitation.
1. The nations practiced various forms of divination and magic
Ancient societies possessed religious specialists who claimed access to supernatural knowledge or influence.
2. Israel was forbidden to imitate them
The LORD had established His covenant with Israel.
The people were to worship Him according to His commandments.
3. The issue was covenant faithfulness
Sorcery was incompatible with the religious allegiance God required.
Deuteronomy 18:13 (KJV):
"Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God."
The Hebrew word tāmîm emphasizes wholehearted integrity and covenant loyalty.
Israel was not to divide its spiritual allegiance between the LORD and forbidden religious practices.
PART FOUR: WITCHCRAFT AND THE MAGICIANS OF EGYPT
IV. Exodus 7:11
"Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments."
This passage describes Pharaoh summoning religious specialists during his confrontation with Moses and Aaron.
The Hebrew word translated sorcerers is related to the same root kāšaph.
1. Pharaoh relied upon religious specialists
The Egyptian court included people associated with magical and religious knowledge.
2. The magicians attempted to reproduce signs
The narrative records their attempts to imitate certain signs performed through Moses and Aaron.
3. Their abilities were limited
Exodus 8:19 (KJV):
"Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said."
The magicians acknowledged a power beyond their own.
4. The LORD demonstrated His supremacy
The Exodus narrative emphasizes the authority of the LORD over Egypt and its religious systems.
PART FIVE: WITCHCRAFT AND KING MANASSEH
V. 2 Chronicles 33:6
"And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger."
This verse identifies several forbidden practices during Manasseh's reign.
1. Child sacrifice
Manasseh caused his children to pass through the fire.
2. Divination and enchantments
He participated in practices prohibited by the law.
3. Witchcraft
The passage explicitly identifies sorcery among his offenses.
4. Familiar spirits and wizards
He also engaged in forbidden spirit consultation.
5. The consequences
Manasseh's reign was marked by extensive religious corruption.
The biblical writer identifies his conduct as evil in the sight of the LORD.
PART SIX: JEZEBEL AND HER WITCHCRAFT
VI. 2 Kings 9:22
"And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?"
This passage connects Jezebel with witchcraft.
The Hebrew term is related to the root kāšaph.
1. Jezebel promoted Baal worship
1 Kings 18 records her support for the prophets of Baal and her hostility toward the prophets of the LORD.
2. Jehu accused Jezebel of witchcrafts
The accusation appears alongside the language of whoredoms, which can describe religious unfaithfulness.
3. Does the Bible describe Jezebel casting particular spells?
No.
The passage identifies her witchcrafts but does not describe specific ceremonies or formulas.
It would be inaccurate to invent detailed rituals and attribute them to Jezebel.
4. The broader theological significance
Jezebel's influence contributed to the religious corruption of Israel during Ahab's reign.
The biblical narrative condemns her promotion of idolatry and opposition to the LORD's prophets.
PART SEVEN: WITCHCRAFT AND REBELLION
VII. 1 Samuel 15:23
"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king."
This verse is frequently quoted in discussions of witchcraft.
It must be interpreted carefully.
1. The Hebrew word translated “witchcraft”
The word in this verse is qesem, Strong's H7081.
It is commonly associated with divination.
It is not the same Hebrew word as kāšaph.
2. Samuel was confronting Saul's rebellion
Saul had disobeyed the LORD's command concerning Amalek.
He attempted to justify his actions.
Samuel declared that obedience was more important than sacrifice.
3. Why compare rebellion with divination?
Both represented serious violations of God's authority.
The comparison emphasizes the gravity of rejecting divine instruction.
4. Does this mean every act of disobedience is literally witchcraft?
No.
Samuel uses a comparison.
He does not teach that every disobedient person is performing occult rituals.
The theological point is that rebellion against God's Word is profoundly serious.
PART EIGHT: ISAIAH 47 — BABYLON AND SORCERY
VIII. The judgment of Babylon
Isaiah 47:9 (KJV):
"But these two things shall come to thee in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood: they shall come upon thee in their perfection for the multitude of thy sorceries, and for the great abundance of thine enchantments."
The prophet addresses Babylon.
The passage condemns the nation's arrogance and reliance upon sorcery and enchantments.
1. Babylon trusted in forbidden practices
The prophecy portrays Babylon relying upon magical arts and religious specialists.
2. Sorcery could not prevent judgment
Isaiah 47:12–13 challenges Babylon to rely upon its enchantments and astrologers.
The language is ironic.
The prophet exposes the inability of those practices to deliver the nation from the LORD's judgment.
3. The LORD remains sovereign
The central message is that no magical system can overturn God's purposes.
PART NINE: MICAH 5:12 — GOD'S PROMISE TO REMOVE WITCHCRAFT
IX. The prophetic declaration
Micah 5:12 (KJV):
"And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:"
This verse belongs to a prophetic passage describing God's removal of sources of false security and idolatry.
1. Witchcraft was incompatible with covenant faithfulness
The LORD declared that such practices would be removed.
2. Soothsaying was also condemned
The verse places witchcraft alongside forbidden methods of obtaining supernatural knowledge.
3. The restoration of God's people required purification
The prophecy emphasizes dependence upon the LORD rather than human power or forbidden religious practices.
PART TEN: MALACHI 3:5 — GOD'S JUDGMENT AGAINST SORCERERS
X. The LORD as witness against wickedness
Malachi 3:5 (KJV):
"And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts."
Sorcerers appear within a list of serious offenses.
1. Sorcery violated covenant faithfulness
2. Adultery violated marital faithfulness
3. False swearing violated truthfulness
4. Oppression violated justice
The passage demonstrates that God's concern for holiness includes both worship and ethical conduct.
The LORD condemns sorcery alongside injustice and exploitation.
PART ELEVEN: THE NEW TESTAMENT WORD FOR SORCERY
XI. The Greek word pharmakeia
The New Testament uses the Greek word:
φαρμακεία
Pharmakeia — Strong's Greek G5331
The word is translated witchcraft in Galatians 5:20 (KJV).
In its ancient usage, pharmakeia could be associated with the use of drugs or potions in magical practices and with sorcery more broadly.
The related Greek vocabulary has connections with substances and preparations.
However, the biblical condemnation of pharmakeia does not mean that all medicine, pharmacy, or legitimate medical treatment is witchcraft.
That conclusion would be linguistically and historically incorrect.
The New Testament context concerns sorcery as a sinful practice.
PART TWELVE: GALATIANS 5:19–21 — WITCHCRAFT AS A WORK OF THE FLESH
XII. The apostle Paul's warning
Galatians 5:19–21 (KJV):
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Paul identifies witchcraft among the works of the flesh.
1. Witchcraft is associated with idolatry
The two appear together in the list.
2. Witchcraft is not a gift of the Holy Spirit
Paul distinguishes the works of the flesh from the fruit of the Spirit.
3. The believer is called to walk in the Spirit
Galatians 5:16 (KJV):
"This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."
The Christian response is not fascination with forbidden practices.
It is faithful obedience to Christ and life in the Holy Spirit.
PART THIRTEEN: SIMON THE SORCERER
XIII. Acts 8:9–24
Acts 8:9 (KJV):
"But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:"
Simon practiced sorcery in Samaria.
He attracted attention through his activities.
1. Simon claimed greatness
The text states that he presented himself as someone important.
2. The people were amazed
His activities caused the people to regard him highly.
3. Simon encountered the preaching of the Gospel
Philip preached Christ in Samaria.
Simon believed and was baptized, according to Acts 8:13.
4. Simon attempted to purchase spiritual authority
When he saw the Holy Spirit given through the apostles' laying on of hands, he offered money.
Acts 8:19 (KJV):
"Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost."
5. Peter rebuked Simon
Peter condemned his attempt to obtain the gift of God with money.
The account demonstrates that the Holy Spirit cannot be purchased or manipulated.
PART FOURTEEN: ELYMAS THE SORCERER
XIV. Acts 13:6–12
Acts 13:8 (KJV):
"But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith."
Elymas opposed the ministry of Paul and Barnabas.
1. He attempted to hinder the Gospel
The text states that he sought to turn the deputy away from the faith.
2. Paul confronted him
Paul rebuked Elymas under the direction of the Holy Spirit.
3. The narrative emphasizes the authority of the Gospel
The passage contrasts opposition to the truth with the power of God.
PART FIFTEEN: THE BURNING OF MAGICAL BOOKS AT EPHESUS
XV. Acts 19:18–20
Acts 19:19 (KJV):
"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."
This passage records a public rejection of magical practices.
1. The people had practiced curious arts
The Greek expression refers to magical practices.
2. They publicly renounced the practices
They brought their books together and burned them.
3. The books were valuable
Luke records their considerable monetary value.
4. The Word of God prevailed
Acts 19:20 (KJV):
"So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed."
The narrative emphasizes the spread of the Gospel and the abandonment of former magical practices.
PART SIXTEEN: REVELATION AND THE FINAL JUDGMENT OF SORCERY
XVI. Revelation 21:8
"But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
The passage identifies sorcerers among those subject to divine judgment.
The warning belongs to Revelation's broader contrast between those who belong to God and those who persist in rebellion.
1. Sorcery is incompatible with faithfulness to God
2. The final judgment belongs to God
3. The Gospel calls sinners to repentance
The New Testament also proclaims forgiveness and transformation through Jesus Christ.
The presence of sorcery in a person's past does not place that person beyond the possibility of repentance and salvation.
PART SEVENTEEN: WITCHCRAFT AND THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
XVII. Understanding the difference
The New Testament teaches that the Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts.
1 Corinthians 12:8–10 identifies gifts including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues.
These gifts are not equivalent to witchcraft.
1. The source
The gifts originate with the Holy Spirit.
Sorcery involves practices forbidden by Scripture.
2. The authority
The Holy Spirit acts according to divine will.
Spiritual gifts are not controlled through magical formulas.
3. The purpose
The gifts are given for the benefit and edification of the body of Christ.
4. The standard
All spiritual claims must be evaluated in accordance with Scripture.
1 John 4:1 (KJV):
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
PART EIGHTEEN: DOES WITCHCRAFT GIVE PEOPLE UNLIMITED SPIRITUAL POWER?
XVIII. The sovereignty of God
Scripture condemns sorcery, but it does not establish that every alleged curse, spell, or ritual possesses the power claimed by its practitioner.
The LORD remains sovereign.
Isaiah 44:25 (KJV):
"That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;"
1. Claims are not proof
A person may claim to possess supernatural power.
That claim must not automatically be accepted as true.
2. Fear must not govern the believer
The Christian life is not to be dominated by fear of alleged magical powers.
3. Christ possesses supreme authority
Matthew 28:18 (KJV):
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
4. Believers are called to stand firm
Ephesians 6:10–18 directs believers to put on the whole armour of God.
The emphasis is upon truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer.
PART NINETEEN: WITCHCRAFT AND THE HEART
XIX. The deeper spiritual issue
The biblical prohibition against witchcraft concerns more than outward rituals.
It addresses the question of spiritual allegiance.
Who possesses authority over the believer's life?
Whose Word governs the believer's conduct?
Where does the believer seek wisdom and guidance?
Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV):
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
The believer is called to trust the LORD.
The pursuit of supernatural power must never replace obedience to God's revealed Word.
PART TWENTY: TWELVE PRINCIPLES ABOUT WITCHCRAFT
1. The Hebrew word translated “witch” in Deuteronomy 18:10 refers to a practitioner of sorcery.
2. The biblical prohibition is not limited to women.
3. Sorcery belonged to the forbidden religious practices of the ancient Near East.
4. God prohibited Israel from learning and imitating those practices.
5. The magicians of Egypt provide an example of ancient religious specialists associated with magical arts.
6. Manasseh practiced witchcraft and other forbidden religious customs.
7. Jezebel was accused of witchcrafts, although Scripture does not describe her specific magical rituals.
8. Samuel compared Saul's rebellion with divination, emphasizing the seriousness of rejecting God's Word.
9. The Greek word pharmakeia refers to sorcery in Galatians 5:20 and does not condemn legitimate medicine.
10. Simon the sorcerer attempted to obtain spiritual authority through money.
11. The believers at Ephesus publicly abandoned magical practices.
12. The believer's confidence rests in Jesus Christ and the authority of God's Word.
PART TWENTY-ONE: QUESTIONS FOR INTENSIVE BIBLE STUDY
What is the meaning of the Hebrew root kāšaph?
Why is the word translated witch in Deuteronomy 18:10 not restricted to women?
How does Exodus 22:18 fit within the judicial laws of ancient Israel?
What were the religious practices associated with sorcery in the ancient Near East?
How did the magicians of Egypt respond to the signs performed through Moses?
What does 2 Chronicles 33:6 reveal about Manasseh's practices?
What does the Bible actually say about Jezebel's witchcrafts?
Why did Samuel compare rebellion with divination?
What does Isaiah 47 teach about Babylon's reliance upon sorcery?
How does Galatians 5 distinguish the works of the flesh from the fruit of the Spirit?
What was Simon's error in attempting to purchase spiritual authority?
Why did the believers at Ephesus destroy their books of magical practices?
How should Christians distinguish the gifts of the Holy Spirit from forbidden magical practices?
Why must claims of supernatural power be examined rather than automatically believed?
How does the sovereignty of Jesus Christ provide the foundation for spiritual confidence?
CONCLUSION: THE LORD ALONE IS THE SOURCE OF TRUE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY
The biblical witch was a practitioner of sorcery.
The Hebrew word mekaššēph identifies someone engaged in forbidden magical practices.
God commanded Israel not to imitate the religious customs of the nations.
The prohibition concerned covenant holiness, spiritual allegiance, and obedience to divine revelation.
The historical record reveals that sorcery appeared in Egypt, Israel, Judah, and other ancient societies.
The New Testament continues to condemn sorcery while proclaiming the authority of Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Gospel.
The believer is not called to seek magical power.
The believer is called to walk in the Spirit, obey the Word of God, and remain faithful to Jesus Christ.
True spiritual authority does not originate in sorcery, secret formulas, or human manipulation. It belongs to the LORD.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, we acknowledge that You alone are the true and living God.
You are holy, righteous, sovereign, and full of truth.
Father, deliver us from deception, false doctrine, superstition, and every practice that contradicts Your Word.
Grant us wisdom and understanding through Your Holy Spirit.
Teach us to discern the difference between the gifts of Your Spirit and forbidden spiritual practices.
Strengthen our faith and establish us in sound doctrine.
May we never seek spiritual power apart from Your authority.
We thank You for Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, who has all power in heaven and earth.
May our lives bring glory and honor to Your holy name.
In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
Primary Scriptures: Exodus 7:11; Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:9–14; 1 Samuel 15:22–23; 1 Samuel 28; 2 Kings 9:22; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Isaiah 47:9–13; Micah 5:12; Malachi 3:5; Acts 8:9–24; Acts 13:6–12; Acts 19:18–20; Galatians 5:19–21; Revelation 21:8.
