Lexical Summary pharmakos: sorcerers Original Word: φαρμακός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sorcerer. The same as pharmakeus -- sorcerer. 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.) Within the Apocalypse, Strong’s 5333 designates those who practice occult arts—people who employ potions, charms, or ritual magic to manipulate spiritual realities. The term does not describe mere superstition but deliberate rebellion: an idolatrous attempt to secure power apart from the living God. Occurrences in Revelation 1. Revelation 9:21 – Among the unrepentant sins listed after the sixth trumpet, sorceries stand beside murders, sexual immorality, and thefts, showing their equal seriousness in divine assessment. Old Testament Roots Sorcery was condemned from Israel’s birth as a nation (Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Prophets decried it as spiritual prostitution (Isaiah 47:9-13; Micah 5:12). Thus, the Book of Revelation stands in continuity with prior revelation: sorcery is treason against Yahweh. Literary Function in Revelation 1. Moral Exposure – The judgments unveil human depravity that persists despite escalating divine warning (Revelation 9). Theological Significance • Rebellion: Sorcery embodies autonomy from God, seeking control through illicit spiritual means. Historical Understanding Early Christian writers (e.g., Justin Martyr, Tertullian) viewed magical arts as demonic and incompatible with baptismal vows. Converts publicly renounced “satan, his pomp, and his service,” which included sorcery. Councils such as Laodicea (fourth century) barred practitioners from Eucharistic fellowship until repentance was proven. Ministry Application • Evangelism – Address fascination with occult media and alternative spiritualities by exposing their true nature and offering the superior power of the gospel. Pastoral Warnings and Promises Revelation combines sober warning with gracious promise. While sorcerers are excluded, “the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” (Revelation 22:17). The same book that announces judgment extends mercy to any who repent. Related Scriptures for Study Acts 8:9-24; Acts 13:6-12 – Apostolic confrontation with sorcerers. Galatians 5:20 – Sorcery listed as a work of the flesh. 2 Chronicles 33:6 – Manasseh’s downfall through witchcraft. Nahum 3:4 – Nineveh’s sorceries and God’s judgment. Questions for Reflection or Teaching 1. How does modern culture repackage ancient sorcery, and how should the church respond? Summary Strong’s 5333 highlights a sin that is both ancient and contemporary. Scripture consistently condemns sorcery as a counterfeit spirituality that leads to judgment, yet the gospel offers deliverance to all who repent and submit to the authority of Jesus Christ. 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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