What is the definition of black magic?

I. Definition and Scope

Black magic, in the context commonly understood, refers to the intentional invocation of supernatural or demonic powers for malevolent or selfish purposes. Unlike practices intended merely as illusions or innocent entertainment, black magic involves attempts to manipulate unseen spiritual forces to produce harm, create fear, gain control, or influence outcomes outside the will of God. The Bible categorically opposes such practices because they violate divine commandments and acknowledge powers other than the sovereign Lord as ultimate authorities.

II. Biblical Foundations and Prohibitions

Scripture consistently warns against any form of occult practice, especially those deriving power from malevolent or demonic sources. In Deuteronomy, the people of Israel are explicitly instructed not to imitate the abominable practices of surrounding nations:

“‘When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the abominations of those nations. 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 spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD...’” (Deuteronomy 18:9–12)

Such prohibitions reflect a broader biblical teaching that reliance on dark spiritual forces constitutes rebellion against God and recognition of powers opposed to His reign. In Exodus, the command is stern: “You must not allow a sorceress to live” (Exodus 22:18). Although these commands occur within the context of ancient Israelite law, the principle that believers are not to engage with occult or demonic forces persists throughout Scripture.

III. Black Magic in Biblical Narratives

The Bible offers direct examples demonstrating the reality of dark, forbidden practices. King Saul’s tragic downfall includes consulting a medium at Endor, which breaches the divine command (1 Samuel 28:7–20). This event underscores that seeking any supernatural insight or power apart from God leads to spiritual ruin.

In the New Testament, Acts 8 recounts the story of Simon the Sorcerer, who astonished the people of Samaria with magic arts. When he encounters the power of the Holy Spirit proclaimed by Philip, Simon improperly desires to buy that power (Acts 8:9–24). This account highlights that the manipulation or purchase of spiritual gifts is incompatible with true faith.

IV. The Spiritual Roots of Black Magic

Black magic is often associated with conjuring destructive outcomes or exerting control over individuals through curses, hexes, or malevolent rituals. Although practices vary across cultures, a consistent element is the invocation of dark entities or forces attempting to rival God’s sovereignty. From a biblical standpoint, these entities stand under the domain of fallen angels or demonic spirits that oppose the Creator.

Archaeological discoveries in regions such as Mesopotamia and Canaan have unearthed amulets, incantation bowls, and texts describing rituals designed to invoke spirits for harm. Such findings corroborate the biblical portrayal of a spiritually charged ancient world in which humans sought to manipulate the divine or demonic for personal gain. Rather than endorsing these practices, Scripture condemns them as destructive rejections of God’s rightful lordship.

V. Reasons for the Prohibition

1. Violation of God’s Authority: Believers are instructed to trust in the Lord for guidance and protection. Turning to black magic replaces complete reliance on God with a dependence on sinister powers.

2. Harmful Consequences: Engaging with demonic or occult practices exposes individuals to spiritual bondage and deception. The New Testament portrays the forces behind these practices as enslaving and destructive (Ephesians 6:12).

3. Detriment to Community: The occult often breeds fear, manipulation, and division. Biblical teaching encourages believers to foster unity and peace within communities, rather than seeking personal gain through fear-based practices.

VI. Counterfeit versus Genuine Power

When individuals practice black magic, they tap into what Scripture regards as counterfeit power. Authentic power is found in the Holy Spirit, who leads people into truth and life (John 16:13). Throughout the Bible, the miraculous acts of God stand in stark contrast to the works of false prophets, sorcerers, or demonic manifestations (e.g., Exodus 7:8–12, as Aaron’s rod devours the rods of Pharaoh’s magicians).

VII. Victory Over Dark Forces

The New Testament affirms that Christ’s triumph over sin and death includes authority over every form of darkness. In Colossians, readers are reminded that He “disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15). Thus, any power claimed by black magic is ultimately subject to the authority of Christ, who grants believers victory through His death and resurrection.

VIII. Practical Implications for Believers

1. Discernment: Believers are called to test every spirit (1 John 4:1), ensuring they do not inadvertently embrace forbidden practices masked as harmless pursuits.

2. Prayer and Fellowship: Overcoming temptations to experiment with dark practices requires spiritual support through prayer, fellowship, and the study of God’s Word.

3. Evangelistic Approach: When encountering friends or family entrenched in black magic, believers are encouraged to demonstrate Christlike love and truth. Scriptures such as Matthew 5:44 call for prayer for those who oppose or persecute believers, underscoring the power of God’s grace to transform lives.

IX. Conclusion and Hope

Black magic, by its very nature, contradicts the foundational biblical teaching that all true power and authority belong to the Creator. Throughout both Old and New Testaments, the practice of manipulative sorcery or harmful magic is consistently denounced. While it may promise control or enlightenment, black magic inevitably fosters spiritual bondage and opposes God’s sovereign will.

The good news is that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in those who trust in Him (Ephesians 1:19–20). This power is stronger than any dark force. Genuine freedom, peace, and guidance come only from God, whose love surpasses all earthly and spiritual powers. By grounding faith in Scripture, believers find refuge from fear and deception, and they experience the unmatched authority of the One who conquered sin and the grave.