Today, we will talk about bible verses about witchcraft and sorcery. Many Christians do not fully understand what these terms encompass. Witchcraft and sorcery are practices that seek to harness supernatural powers, often in ways that oppose God’s teachings. They can involve spells, divination, and the worship of false gods. As we explore what the Bible says about these practices, we seek to understand God’s perspective and wisdom regarding them. Let us pray for guidance and be open to His word as we meditate on these verses together.
Bible Verses About Witchcraft and Sorcery
Condemnation of Witchcraft
We see how seriously God views the practices of witchcraft and sorcery through the scriptures. He does not only condemn these actions; rather, He encourages us to focus on Him and His power. The Bible instructs us that engaging in such activities distances us from God. Thus, we are reminded to seek Him for guidance and strength instead of turning to alternative sources that promise power through dark means.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” – Galatians 5:19-21
Exodus 22:18
“Do not allow a sorceress to live.” – Exodus 22:18
Leviticus 20:27
“A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.” – Leviticus 20:27
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or engages in witchcraft, who interprets omens, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist, or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” – Deuteronomy 18:10-12
2 Chronicles 33:6
“He sacrificed his children in the fire in the valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing His anger.” – 2 Chronicles 33:6
God’s Power Over Evil
As we encounter witchcraft and sorcery in the scriptures, we also see that God’s power reigns supreme. We are reminded that, regardless of how enticing these alternatives may seem, our Creator provides us with all we need. Witchcraft may boast of power, but God’s authority eclipses any sorcery. He is our true source of strength and wisdom, and turning to Him is where we find unshakeable hope.
1 John 4:4
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” – 1 John 4:4
Luke 10:19
“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” – Luke 10:19
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” – James 4:7
Romans 8:31
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” – Romans 8:31
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord. – Isaiah 54:17
The Temptation of Sorcery
Temptation can be persistent, especially in matters of the spiritual realm. Witchcraft and sorcery often prey on our desires for control and power. Knowing this, we must remember that giving in to these temptations is not just about seeking knowledge but also about rejecting God’s plan for us. We can find peace and fulfillment in trusting God’s path rather than reaching for quick fixes that lead us away from Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Reject every kind of evil.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:22
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
Matthew 4:10
“Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'” – Matthew 4:10
Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11
The Final Judgment on Sorcery
In our walk with God, we find assurance that any practices against Him will one day meet justice. Sorcery may seem alluring, but ultimately it leads to separation from God. The Bible gives us clear warnings and examples of the fate that awaits those who persist in seeking these practices. We hold hope in the promise of God’s righteousness and mercy for those who choose to turn away from witchcraft and seek Him genuinely.
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” – Revelation 21:8
Revelation 22:15
“Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” – Revelation 22:15
Deuteronomy 13:1-3
“If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, ‘Let us follow other gods’ (gods you have not known) and let us worship them, you must not listen to the prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.” – Deuteronomy 13:1-3
Isaiah 47:12-13
“Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will cause terror.” – Isaiah 47:12-13
Micah 5:12
“I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.” – Micah 5:12
Counterfeit Powers
Witchcraft uses counterfeit powers that can trick us into believing they are genuine. The Bible mentions instances where sorcery appears to wield real power, yet it always falls short of God’s glory. It’s vital for us to discern between truth and deception, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us as we pursue a deeper relationship with our Creator. True power lies in Him alone.
Acts 8:9-10
“Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, ‘This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.'” – Acts 8:9-10
Daniel 2:10
“The astrologers answered the king, ‘There is no one on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer.'” – Daniel 2:10
Exodus 7:11-12
“Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs.” – Exodus 7:11-12
Acts 13:6-10
“They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.” – Acts 13:6-10
2 Timothy 3:8
“Just as Janes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected.” – 2 Timothy 3:8
Rejecting Sorcery as Disobedience
Choosing to engage in witchcraft and sorcery signifies a deviation from God’s commandments. It is an act of disobedience that can lead us down a dark road. Yet, the good news is that we have the power to choose differently. Each day, we are offered the opportunity to draw closer to God and align our hearts with His will. Rejecting sorcery means committing ourselves to following His light instead.
Revelation 9:21
“Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.” – Revelation 9:21
1 Timothy 1:9-10
“We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and anyone else who contravenes the sound doctrine.” – 1 Timothy 1:9-10
Romans 1:21-22
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” – Romans 1:21-22
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.” – Leviticus 19:31
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Encouragement to Seek God
In times of uncertainty, we might be tempted to seek out alternative sources of knowledge or power. However, the Bible shows us that the ultimate source of guidance comes from the Lord. Each verse calls us not to rely on human wisdom or sorcery but to turn our hearts towards Him. Assurance and peace can be found through prayer and seeking His will, and He desires for us to know Him deeply.
Jeremiah 29:13
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Psalm 27:8
“My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.” – Psalm 27:8
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Isaiah 55:6
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” – Isaiah 55:6
Final Thoughts
As we have explored these Bible verses about witchcraft and sorcery, we recognize the seriousness of these practices in the eyes of God. We understand that they lure us away from the loving relationship He desires for us. We have seen reminders of God’s power, the futility of seeking counterfeit sources, and His encouragement for us to steadfastly seek Him. Let’s commit ourselves to standing firm in faith, resisting the temptations of witchcraft, and embracing the true strength we find in God. Together, we can uplift one another as we lean into His unfailing love and guidance.
As we navigate our daily lives, may our choices reflect our commitment to God and His teachings. We should always remember that there is nothing more fulfilling than walking in faith with our Creator. Seeking Him with all our hearts brings peace and light into our lives that witchcraft and sorcery can never offer.
Let us encourage one another to deepen our relationship with God, finding our guidance in His words and letting go of anything that leads us astray. The path of righteousness is always open to us, beckoning us to embrace the abundant life He has planned.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
