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The word “occult” in the Bible is not used explicitly in the way that modern society often understands it, but the Bible does contain numerous references to practices, individuals, and forces that align with what is generally considered “occult.” In today’s context, the occult often refers to a range of mystical, supernatural, and esoteric practices, including astrology, sorcery, witchcraft, divination, necromancy, and the worship of spirits or other supernatural entities. Understanding the biblical perspective on these practices requires careful examination of various terms and concepts that align with the modern definition of the occult.
This study aims to explore the biblical meaning of the term “occult” by looking at the various related words and practices, such as sorcery, witchcraft, divination, and the like, in the Bible. By analyzing these references, we can understand the biblical stance on these practices, their dangers, and why they are strongly condemned in Scripture.
The Definition of the Occult: A Modern Perspective
The term “occult” comes from the Latin occultus, meaning “hidden” or “secret.” It encompasses a broad spectrum of mystical, supernatural, and esoteric practices, often involving the belief in hidden forces or powers that can influence or control the natural world. In modern times, the occult is often associated with practices like astrology, fortune-telling, the use of crystals, witchcraft, necromancy (communication with the dead), and involvement with spiritualism or demons.
In popular culture, the occult is often viewed as involving mystical or supernatural forces, sometimes for personal gain or control over others. This can include practices such as palmistry, tarot card reading, horoscopes, and others. From a biblical perspective, however, occult practices are seen as directly opposing the sovereignty and commands of God, and they involve attempts to manipulate or access supernatural knowledge or power apart from God’s will.
Occult Practices in the Bible
Though the word “occult” itself is not used in Scripture, many occult practices are condemned in the Bible. These practices involve seeking supernatural knowledge, power, or intervention apart from God. We can identify occult practices in Scripture by looking at words such as “sorcery,” “witchcraft,” “divination,” “necromancy,” and “mediums.”
a. Sorcery (Pharmakeia)
One of the primary words related to occult practices in the Bible is pharmakeia (Greek), from which we get the word “pharmacy.” The term originally referred to the practice of preparing drugs or potions but eventually came to be associated with the use of drugs or potions for magical or occult purposes. The Bible strongly condemns sorcery, as it involves attempting to control supernatural powers through the use of potions, spells, and incantations.
In Revelation 9:21, sorcery is listed among the deeds of the wicked who refuse to repent:
“And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” (Revelation 9:21, NKJV)
Here, pharmakeia (sorcery) is linked to moral and spiritual rebellion. It is considered a serious sin and is a sign of unrepentance.
Another relevant verse is Galatians 5:19-21, where sorcery is listed as one of 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.” (Galatians 5:19-21, NKJV)
Here, sorcery is placed alongside other serious sins, making it clear that those who practice sorcery are excluded from inheriting the kingdom of God. It highlights that occult practices like sorcery have no place in the life of a believer.
b. Witchcraft (Kashaph, Pharmakeia)
Witchcraft, or kashaph in the Hebrew, is another occult practice condemned in the Bible. It involves using magical arts, invoking evil spirits, or seeking supernatural power for personal gain or control. In the Old Testament, witchcraft was strictly forbidden by God. For example, Deuteronomy 18:10-12 condemns anyone who practices witchcraft:
“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.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12, NKJV)
This passage lists a variety of occult practices, including witchcraft, sorcery, and necromancy, and clearly states that those who engage in these practices are an abomination to God. The Israelites were warned not to adopt the occult practices of the surrounding nations, and these practices were associated with idolatry and demonic influence.
The New Testament also warns against witchcraft. Galatians 5:19-21, which we mentioned earlier, includes witchcraft as a work of the flesh that leads to exclusion from God’s kingdom.
c. Divination (Nahon, Kasam, Mantar)
Divination is the practice of seeking knowledge or insight into the future through supernatural means. In the Bible, divination is condemned as an attempt to gain knowledge apart from God’s revelation. Divination can involve various methods, such as reading omens, casting lots, or using rituals to communicate with spirits.
In Deuteronomy 18:14, God warns the Israelites about the practice of divination:
“For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the Lord your God has not appointed such for you.” (Deuteronomy 18:14, NKJV)
This statement contrasts the practices of the surrounding pagan nations with the instructions given to the Israelites. While the nations around them relied on soothsayers and diviners for guidance, the Israelites were to rely solely on God.
In 1 Samuel 28, King Saul consults a medium (or witch) at Endor, seeking to contact the supposed spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel, who in reality was unconscious in his grace. A demon impersonates Samuel and appears to the medium giving a hopeless message to Saul. This story highlights the dangers and consequences of engaging in divination and necromancy, as Saul’s actions lead to his downfall and God’s judgment.
d. Necromancy (Ob, Yid’oni)
Necromancy is the practice of attempting to communicate with the dead, particularly in order to gain information or insight into the future. This practice is condemned in Scripture, as it is an attempt to consult evil spirits that impersonate the dead for the dead are unconscious in their graves. In the Old Testament, necromancy is explicitly prohibited. Leviticus 19:31 says:
“Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:31, NKJV)
Similarly, in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, necromancy is listed among the practices that are abominations to God.
The most notable biblical example of necromancy is found in 1 Samuel 28, when Saul consults the Witch of Endor to summon the spirit of Samuel. A demon impersonates Samuel and appears to Saul giving him a hopeless message of doom. For the actual soul of the prophet Samuel is in a state of unconsciousness, along with all the dead, awaiting the resurrection of the dead.
e. Spiritualism (Mediums and Spiritists)
A medium is a person who supposedly communicates with spirits, typically to gain knowledge from the dead or other supernatural entities. This practice is closely related to necromancy but can also include the summoning of evil spirits for other purposes. In Isaiah 8:19, God rebukes the Israelites for seeking out mediums:
“And when they say to you, ‘Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,’ should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?” (Isaiah 8:19, NKJV)
This verse emphasizes that God is the only proper source of guidance and wisdom. Seeking knowledge from evil spiritual entities, that impersonate the dead, is a grave error.
The Occult and Its Dangers
The Bible consistently warns against occult practices due to their inherent dangers. These practices involve turning to forces other than God for guidance and power, which ultimately leads to spiritual deception, bondage, and judgment. Occult practices open individuals up to demonic influence, as these supernatural forces are often aligned with the kingdom of darkness. God’s prohibition of occult practices is not only for the protection of His people but also to preserve their relationship with Him.
a. Idolatry and Demonic Influence
Occult practices are closely tied to idolatry. Those who engage in sorcery, witchcraft, or divination worship false gods or demons, and these practices can lead to spiritual oppression. In 1 Corinthians 10:20, Paul warns:
“Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God; and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:20, NKJV)
Paul makes it clear that idol worship and occult practices are not just harmless spiritual endeavors but involve fellowship with demons. These practices open individuals to demonic influence and spiritual deception, leading them away from the true God.
b. The Need for Discernment
The Bible also calls believers to exercise discernment when it comes to the supernatural. In 1 John 4:1, the apostle warns:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1, NKJV)
This admonition to test the spirits is vital in a world where many occult practices are disguised as harmless. Believers must be vigilant and discerning, relying on the Word of God and the Holy Spirit for guidance in matters of the supernatural.
Conclusion
The word “occult” may not appear explicitly in the Bible, but its practices are clearly condemned throughout Scripture. Sorcery, witchcraft, divination, necromancy, and spiritualism are all forms of occultism that seek to harness evil supernatural powers. The Bible warns that these practices are not only sinful but dangerous, leading individuals into spiritual deception and demonic influence.
God calls His people to avoid these practices and to seek Him alone for guidance and wisdom. Occult practices are considered an abomination because they represent an attempt to replace God with other sources of power, involving demonic forces. Christians are called to live in the light of God’s truth, to trust in His guidance, and to avoid anything that seeks to deceive or lead them away from the gospel.
By understanding the Bible’s warnings against the occult, believers are better equipped to recognize and reject these practices, embracing instead the true and living God who has revealed Himself in Scripture and through His Son, Jesus Christ.