5331. pharmakeia

Lexicon

pharmakeia: Sorcery, witchcraft

Original Word: φαρμακεία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: pharmakeia
Pronunciation: far-mak-I-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (far-mak-i'-ah)
Definition: Sorcery, witchcraft
Meaning: magic, sorcery, enchantment.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

sorcery, witchcraft.

From pharmakeus; medication ("pharmacy"), i.e. (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively) -- sorcery, witchcraft.

see GREEK pharmakeus

HELPS Word-studies

5331 pharmakeía (from pharmakeuō, "administer drugs") – properly, drug-related sorcery, like the practice of magical-arts, etc. (A. T. Robertson).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from pharmakeuó (to administer drugs)
Definition
the use of medicine, drugs or spells
NASB Translation
sorceries (1), sorcery (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5331: φαρμακεία

φαρμακεία (WH κια, so T (except in Galatians 5:20; cf. the Proleg., p. 88); see Iota), φαρμακείας, ἡ (φαρμακεύω);

a. the use or the administering of drugs (Xenophon, mem. 4, 2, 17).

b. poisoning (Plato, Polybius, others): Revelation 9:21 (here WH text Tr marginal reading φαρμακῶν; many interpretations refer the passage to the next entry).

c. sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it: Galatians 5:20 (where see Lightfoot) (Wis. 12:4 Wis. 18:13; for כְּשָׁפִים, Isaiah 47:9; for לָטִים, Exodus 7:22; Exodus 8:18; for לְהָטִים, Exodus 7:11); tropically, of the deceptions and seductions of idolatry, Revelation 18:23.

STRONGS NT 5331: φάρμακον [φάρμακον, φαρμάκου, τό, from Homer down, a drug; an enchantment: Tr marginal reading WH text in Revelation 9:21 (R. V. sorceries), for φαρμακεία, which see (in b.).]

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from φάρμακον (pharmakon), meaning "a drug" or "a spell-giving potion."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for φαρμακεία, similar concepts can be found in the Old Testament, where practices of sorcery and witchcraft are condemned. Relevant Hebrew terms include:
• כֶּשֶׁף (kesheph) • Often translated as "sorcery" or "witchcraft" (e.g., Exodus 22:18, Deuteronomy 18:10).
• לָטִים (latim) • Referring to secret arts or magic (e.g., Exodus 7:11).

These Hebrew terms reflect the biblical stance against practices that seek to manipulate spiritual forces outside of God's ordained means.

Usage: The word φαρμακεία is used in the New Testament to denote practices associated with sorcery or witchcraft, often in a negative context, highlighting the moral and spiritual corruption associated with such practices.

Context: • Pharmakeia in the New Testament: The term appears in the New Testament in contexts that condemn the practice of sorcery. It is often listed among other sinful behaviors that are contrary to the teachings of Christianity. For instance, in Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists "sorcery" (φαρμακεία) among the "acts of the flesh," which are in opposition to the fruit of the Spirit. The passage warns that those who practice such things "will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:21, BSB).
• Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient world, φαρμακεία was associated with the use of potions and spells, often for malevolent purposes. It was linked to the manipulation of spiritual forces and was considered a form of idolatry and rebellion against God. The practice was common in various pagan religions and was often condemned by Jewish and early Christian teachings.
• Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, φαρμακεία represents a reliance on occult practices rather than faith in God. It is seen as a form of spiritual adultery, where individuals seek power or knowledge through means that are contrary to God's will. The condemnation of φαρμακεία in the New Testament serves as a warning to believers to avoid practices that lead them away from a pure and devoted relationship with God.

Forms and Transliterations

φαρμακεία φαρμακείᾳ φαρμακείαις φαρμακειων φαρμακια φαρμακία φαρμακίᾳ pharmakeia pharmakeía pharmakeíāi

Englishman's Concordance

Galatians 5:20 N-NFS
GRK: εἰδωλολατρία φαρμακεία ἔχθραι ἔρις
NAS: idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife,
KJV: Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
INT: idolatry sorcery enmities strife

Revelation 18:23 N-DFS
GRK: ἐν τῇ φαρμακείᾳ σου ἐπλανήθησαν
NAS: were deceived by your sorcery.
KJV: by thy sorceries were all
INT: by the sorcery of you were misled

Strong's Greek 5331
2 Occurrences

φαρμακεία — 2 Occ.