What does the Bible teach about witches?

Throughout history, witchcraft and sorcery have been subjects of intrigue, fear, and debate. The Bible has clear teachings on the matter, often associating witches and sorcery with evil and deception. Many passages in both the Old and New Testaments explicitly condemn witchcraft, warning of its dangers and spiritual consequences. This article explores what the Bible teaches about witches, examining scriptural passages and their implications for believers today.

The Biblical Condemnation of Witchcraft

The Bible consistently condemns witchcraft and sorcery as practices that oppose God’s will. Several passages warn against engaging in such activities, often associating them with idolatry and rebellion.

Witchcraft in the Old Testament

One of the strongest condemnations of witchcraft is found in the Law of Moses:

Exodus 22:18 – “You shall not permit a sorceress to live.”

This verse demonstrates the severity with which God viewed witchcraft among the Israelites. It was considered a capital offense, emphasizing its serious nature.

Deuteronomy 18:9-12 further warns against adopting pagan practices:

“When you come into the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you.”

This passage explicitly lists several occult practices, showing that God wanted His people to remain separate from the pagan nations that engaged in them. The Israelites were repeatedly warned against such practices because they led people away from trusting in God and instead placed their faith in false powers.

Leviticus 19:31 states:

“Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.”

This verse indicates that seeking guidance from occult sources leads to spiritual defilement. Those who engaged in such practices were not just misled but were actively corrupting their relationship with God.

Witchcraft in the New Testament

The New Testament continues to reject witchcraft, reinforcing that it is incompatible with Christian faith.

Galatians 5:19-21 includes sorcery among the works of the flesh:

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Sorcery is listed alongside other sins that separate people from God, indicating its seriousness.

Acts 19:19 describes how early Christians renounced witchcraft:

“Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.”

This account shows that when people converted to Christ, they abandoned their former magical practices, understanding that such things had no place in their new life of faith. The burning of their books demonstrated their complete rejection of their previous ways and their commitment to God.

Revelation 21:8 provides a final warning:

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

Here, sorcerers are included among those who will face eternal separation from God, emphasizing that witchcraft is not a trivial matter but a rebellion against Him.

Examples of Witchcraft in the Bible

The Witch of Endor

One of the most well-known accounts of witchcraft in the Bible is the story of King Saul consulting the witch of Endor.

1 Samuel 28:7-8 records:

“Then Saul said to his servants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.’ And his servants said to him, ‘In fact, there is a woman who is a medium at En Dor.’ So Saul disguised himself and put on other clothes, and he went, and two men with him; and they came to the woman by night. And he said, ‘Please conduct a séance for me, and bring up for me the one I shall name to you.’”

Despite knowing that God had forbidden such practices, Saul sought out a medium. His actions led to disastrous consequences, ultimately contributing to his downfall. The fact that he had to disguise himself shows that he knew what he was doing was wrong. And the apparition of Samuel was a demon impersonating the prophet for the dead sleep until the resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-53).

Simon the Sorcerer

Another example is Simon the Sorcerer in the New Testament.

Acts 8:9-11 describes him:

“But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great, to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, ‘This man is the great power of God.’ And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.”

However, when Simon encountered the apostles and saw the power of the Holy Spirit, he attempted to buy this power, leading to Peter’s strong rebuke (Acts 8:18-22).

Why Does the Bible Forbid Witchcraft?

It Opposes God’s Authority

Witchcraft involves seeking supernatural power apart from God. This directly contradicts the first commandment:

Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

By engaging in witchcraft, people attempt to access spiritual knowledge or power outside of God’s will, which is a form of idolatry.

It Leads to Deception

The Bible warns that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Witchcraft can deceive people into believing they are engaging in harmless or even beneficial practices while leading them away from the truth.

It Brings Judgment

Throughout Scripture, those who practice witchcraft face severe consequences. Saul lost his kingdom, and the people of Israel were warned of destruction if they turned to sorcery. Revelation 21:8 warns that sorcerers will have their part in the lake of fire.

Conclusion

The Bible is clear in its condemnation of witchcraft. It is an abomination to God, a source of deception, and a path to spiritual destruction. Believers are called to reject all forms of sorcery and instead seek God for wisdom, guidance, and power. By trusting in Him, Christians can stand firm against the forces of darkness and walk in the light of His truth.