Strong's Lexicon pharmakos: Sorcerer, magician Original Word: φαρμακός Word Origin: Derived from φάρμακον (pharmakon), meaning "a drug" or "a spell." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with similar practices is כָּשַׁף (kashaph), Strong's Hebrew 3784, which means "to practice sorcery" or "to enchant." Usage: The term "pharmakos" refers to individuals who practice sorcery or witchcraft, often involving the use of drugs, potions, or spells to manipulate or control spiritual forces. In the New Testament, it is used to describe those who engage in occult practices, which are condemned as contrary to the worship of the one true God. Cultural and Historical Background: In the ancient Greco-Roman world, sorcery and magic were common practices. Sorcerers, or "pharmakoi," were believed to have the power to influence the spiritual realm through the use of potions and incantations. These practices were often associated with idolatry and pagan rituals. The early Christian community, rooted in Jewish monotheism, rejected such practices as they were seen as attempts to usurp God's authority and rely on demonic powers. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5333 phármakos – properly, a sorcerer; used of people using drugs and "religious incantations" to drug people into living by their illusions – like having magical (supernatural) powers to manipulate God into giving them more temporal possessions. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pharmakon (a drug) Definition a poisoner, sorcerer, magician NASB Translation sorcerers (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5333: φάρμακοςφάρμακος, φαρμακη, φάρμακον (φαρμάσσω (to use a φάρμακον)) (from Aristophanes down); 1. pertaining to magical arts. 2. ὁ φάρμακος, a substantive, i. e. φαρμακεύς, which see: Revelation 21:8 G L T Tr WH; Revelation 22:15. (The Sept. several times for מְכַשֵּׁף.) The same as pharmakeus -- sorcerer. Englishman's Concordance Revelation 9:21 N-GNPGRK: ἐκ τῶν φαρμάκων αὐτῶν οὔτε INT: of the sorceries of them nor Revelation 21:8 N-DMP Revelation 22:15 N-NMP Strong's Greek 5333 |
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