Lexical Summary kesheph: Sorcery, witchcraft Original Word: כֶּשֶׁף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance sorcery, witchcraft From kashaph; magic -- sorcery, witchcraft. see HEBREW kashaph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition sorcery NASB Translation sorceries (5), witchcrafts (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [כֶּ֫שֶׁף] noun masculine2Kings 9:22 sorcery, only plural (Assyrian kišpu, id.); — כְּשָׁפִים Micah 5:11; Nahum 3:4; suffix כְּשָׁפַיִךְ Isaiah 47:9,12; כְּשָׁפֶיהָ Nahum 3:4; 2 Kings 9:22; — sorceries: 1 literal מִיָּדֶיךָ ׳וְהִכְרַתִּי כ Micah 5:11, said of Israel; ׳רֹב כ Isaiah 47:9,12 "" חֲבָרַיִךְ, said of Babylon. 2 figurative of seductive and corrupting influences: of Jezebel 2 Kings 9:22 "" זְנוּנִים; of Nineveh personified as harlot Nahum 3:4 ("" id.), called ׳בַּעֲלַת כ Nahum 3:4 (following זוֺנָהמֵרֹב זְנוּנֵי). Topical Lexicon Definition and Scopeכֶּשֶׁף (kesheph) designates the practice of sorcery or witchcraft—intentional manipulation of spiritual powers apart from the revealed worship of the LORD. Scripture treats it as a deliberate rebellion against God’s sovereignty and therefore as a grave covenantal violation. Occurrences in Scripture • 2 Kings 9:22 — Jezebel’s “harlotries and sorceries” epitomize the spiritual corruption of the Omride dynasty and justify Jehu’s divinely sanctioned purge. These six textual occurrences cluster in narratives or oracles of judgment, underscoring that sorcery is both symptom and catalyst of societal apostasy. Historical and Cultural Background In the Ancient Near East, divination and magical rites permeated royal courts, military campaigns, and household life. Objects such as incantation bowls, clay figurines, and ritual texts from Mesopotamia illustrate common attempts to coerce deities or spirits. Israel’s neighbors invested sorcery with political power—Babylon consulted astrologers, Assyria employed diviners, and Canaanite cults blended magic with fertility rites. Israel’s covenant law, by contrast, demanded exclusive loyalty to Yahweh. Earlier prohibitions (for example, Deuteronomy 18:10–12) made clear that magical arts constituted abominations worthy of death. The prophets therefore treat כֶּשֶׁף not merely as superstition but as treason against the King of heaven. Theological Significance 1. Rebellion against Divine Sovereignty By attempting to manipulate unseen forces, sorcery denies the LORD’s providence. Isaiah 47 contrasts Babylon’s futile spells with God’s irresistible decree: her “many sorceries” cannot forestall calamity (Isaiah 47:9). 2. Alliance with Spiritual Darkness Nahum 3:4 links witchcraft to sexual immorality and oppressive imperialism, hinting at an underlying demonic dimension that enslaves nations. 3. Inevitable Judgment Every appearance of כֶּשֶׁף is framed by divine wrath. Whether Jezebel’s downfall, Babylon’s humiliation, or Nineveh’s destruction, God vindicates His holiness by exposing and punishing occult practice. 4. Eschatological Purging Micah 5:12 situates the eradication of sorcery within messianic renewal. The same kingdom that strikes shepherdless nations (Micah 5:8–15) will purge Israel of occult dependence, forecasting the ultimate triumph of Christ over the powers of darkness. Practical Ministry Applications • Spiritual Discernment The biblical witness warns believers to reject all modern equivalents of כֶּשֶׁף—from horoscope consulting to New Age rituals—no matter how benign they appear. • Gospel Engagement Acts 19:19 records converts in Ephesus publicly burning their magic scrolls, modeling repentance that severs ties with occult artifacts. A similar call applies today for those emerging from witchcraft, Wicca, or syncretistic folk religions. • Pastoral Care Ministry to individuals entangled in occult practices requires clear proclamation of Christ’s supremacy (Colossians 2:15) and compassionate deliverance prayer, coupled with discipleship that anchors them in Scripture and fellowship. • Cultural Analysis Like ancient Babylon and Nineveh, modern societies often veil occult fascination beneath entertainment, technology, or self-help. Churches must unmask these patterns and offer the liberating alternative of worshiping the one true God. Summary כֶּשֶׁף functions in Scripture as a concentrated symbol of humanity’s effort to seize divine prerogative. Its six occurrences illuminate the moral rot of apostate kingdoms, the futility of trusting in hidden arts, and the certainty of God’s redemptive judgment. The same Lord who overthrew Jezebel, Babylon, and Nineveh still calls His people to exclusive allegiance and promises final victory over every work of darkness. Forms and Transliterations בִּכְשָׁפֶֽיהָ׃ בכשפיה׃ וּכְשָׁפֶ֖יהָ וכשפיה כְּשָׁפִ֑ים כְּשָׁפַ֔יִךְ כְשָׁפִ֖ים כשפיך כשפים bichshaFeiha biḵ·šā·p̄e·hā biḵšāp̄ehā cheshaFim kə·šā·p̄a·yiḵ kə·šā·p̄îm ḵə·šā·p̄îm kəšāp̄ayiḵ kəšāp̄îm ḵəšāp̄îm keshaFayich keshaFim ū·ḵə·šā·p̄e·hā ucheshaFeiha ūḵəšāp̄ehāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 9:22 HEB: אִיזֶ֧בֶל אִמְּךָ֛ וּכְשָׁפֶ֖יהָ הָרַבִּֽים׃ NAS: Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many? KJV: Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are so] many? INT: Jezebel of your mother witchcrafts in abundance Isaiah 47:9 Isaiah 47:12 Micah 5:12 Nahum 3:4 Nahum 3:4 6 Occurrences |
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