What is the Bible's stance on witchcraft?

Definition and Cultural Context

Witchcraft in Scripture refers broadly to practices involving sorcery, divination, enchantments, and attempts to harness supernatural power apart from the one true God. Such practices were common among ancient Near Eastern cultures, as evidenced by archaeological findings such as the Ras Shamra texts discovered in Ugarit, which depict ritualistic incantations and idolatrous ceremonies. These historical documents corroborate the biblical portrayal of widespread pagan practices in antiquity. The Bible, with consistent manuscript evidence supported by collections like the Dead Sea Scrolls, reveals a unified condemnation of witchcraft throughout its pages.

Old Testament Prohibitions

The Old Testament firmly prohibits witchcraft, linking its practice to spiritual rebellion. In Exodus 22:18, it is written: “You must not allow a sorceress to live.” This direct command highlights the severe view of sorcery under Mosaic Law. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 expands on this prohibition:

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or a spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD…”

This passage jointly condemns multiple forms of occultism, emphasizing the exclusivity of worship and dependence on Yahweh. The Bible’s stance is that seeking supernatural power from idols or spirits stands in direct opposition to reliance on the Creator.

The narrative of King Saul consulting the medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28) provides a cautionary historical example. Saul, desperate for guidance, violated God’s commands by seeking out a medium. This account underscores the biblical viewpoint that witchcraft and mediumship align with disobedience and lack of faith in God’s revealed will.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, witchcraft and sorcery continue to be regarded as contrary to God’s design. Galatians 5:19–20 includes “sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery” among the acts of the sinful nature. The Greek term often translated “sorcery” is pharmakeia, which can encompass illicit magic arts and the misuse of potions or enchantments to manipulate outcomes. Scripture aligns these practices with rebellion against God’s righteousness and holiness.

Spiritual Realities and Warnings

Biblical authors repeatedly warn that occult practices invite demonic influence and divert people from trust in the Lord. According to 1 Samuel 15:23, “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry…” This comparison shows that divination—and the broader category of witchcraft—is equated with defiance toward God.

Acknowledging a supernatural reality, the Bible distinguishes God’s power from deceptive imitations. From the magicians in Pharaoh’s court (Exodus 7–8) to the fortune-telling slave girl in Acts 16, Scripture reveals that occult powers exist yet are ultimately overwhelmed by the sovereignty of God.

Archaeological and Ancient Evidence

Archaeological discoveries such as the Mari tablets and references in ancient writings demonstrate the prevalence of sorcery, necromancy, and idolatrous rituals among nations adjacent to Israel. These findings corroborate the biblical portrayal of a spiritually complex environment, where polytheistic and occult practices were woven into daily life. The biblical narrative addresses these realities by calling God’s people to purity and an exclusive covenant relationship with Him.

Additionally, the consistent manuscript evidence attesting to the Old Testament’s textual reliability (confirmed by the Dead Sea Scrolls) supports the unchanging message regarding the dangers of witchcraft. These scrolls, along with centuries of scholarly evaluation, substantiate that prohibitions against witchcraft were never later additions but part of the original commands.

Implications for Believers and Modern Relevance

Believers throughout history have often faced cultural pressure to accommodate or experiment with occult practices. Yet, Scripture teaches that all genuine spiritual power and wisdom come only through God. For individuals seeking guidance, Scripture provides examples of God’s direct intervention or instruction (as in James 1:5) rather than approving occult means.

Even in a modern context, attempts at fortune-telling, séances, “white magic,” astrological consultations, or spiritist practices are considered incompatible with reliance on God as the ultimate source of truth. This stance extends from the biblical worldview that we honor the Creator by renouncing all counterfeit spiritualities.

Conclusion

The Bible’s stance on witchcraft is one of unwavering prohibition, rooted in the principle that God alone is to be worshiped, obeyed, and consulted for wisdom. Through Old and New Testament passages, believers are shown that witchcraft undermines trust in the Lord, stands opposed to upright living, and aligns with forces hostile to God’s holiness. Archaeology and ancient cultural documentation confirm the reality of widespread sorcery practices in biblical times, underscoring the consistency and historical credibility of Scripture’s teaching on the subject. The biblical call is to repentance from occult practices and wholehearted devotion to God, who provides guidance and salvation through faith, not sorcery.