The Bible and Witchcraft: What Does It Actually Say?

By NICOLE LAU

Introduction: Beyond "Thou Shalt Not Suffer a Witch to Live"

"The Bible clearly condemns witchcraft." This statement is repeated so often it's taken as fact. But what does the Bible actually say about witchcraft, magic, and sorcery? And more importantly, what did those words mean in their original languages and historical contexts?

The answer is more complex than simple prohibition. Translation issues, historical context, and the difference between ancient Near Eastern practices and modern witchcraft all complicate the picture. The famous "thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" may not even be about witches at all.

This guide examines what the Bible actually says about witchcraft, magic, and divination—looking at original languages, historical context, scholarly interpretations, and how these ancient texts relate (or don't) to modern magical practice.

Key Biblical Passages

Old Testament Prohibitions

Exodus 22:18 (KJV)

"Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live."

Hebrew word: מְכַשֵּׁפָה (mekhashepha)

Translation issues:

• Modern translations vary: "sorceress" (NRSV, NIV), "woman who practices sorcery" (NIV)
• Root word: כָּשַׁף (kashaph) - to practice sorcery, use witchcraft
• May refer to poisoning or drug use, not modern witchcraft
• Gendered in Hebrew (feminine form), though some argue it applies to all
• Context: Part of the Covenant Code, ancient Israelite law

What it likely meant: Prohibition against specific practices in ancient Near Eastern context, possibly poisoning or harmful magic, not modern Wicca or witchcraft

Leviticus 19:26

"Do not practice divination or seek omens."

Hebrew words:

• נָחַשׁ (nachash) - divination, enchantment
• עָנַן (anan) - practice soothsaying, observe times

Context: Part of the Holiness Code, distinguishing Israelites from surrounding nations

Leviticus 19:31

"Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists."

Hebrew words:

• אוֹב (ov) - medium, necromancer, one who consults the dead
• יִדְּעֹנִי (yidde'oni) - spiritist, wizard, one who knows

Leviticus 20:27

"A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death."

Death penalty for: Mediumship and consulting the dead

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

Comprehensive list of prohibited practices:

• Sacrificing children in fire
• Divination (קֶסֶם - qesem)
• Sorcery (עֹנֵן - onen)
• Interpreting omens (נָחַשׁ - nachash)
• Witchcraft (כָּשַׁף - kashaph)
• Casting spells (חָבַר חֶבֶר - chaver chever)
• Mediumship (שָׁאַל אוֹב - sha'al ov)
• Spiritism (יִדְּעֹנִי - yidde'oni)
• Consulting the dead (דָּרַשׁ אֶל־הַמֵּתִים - darash el-hametim)

Context: Distinguishing Israelite practices from Canaanite religion

1 Samuel 28: The Witch of Endor

Story: King Saul consults a medium to summon the prophet Samuel's spirit

Interesting points:

• The medium successfully summons Samuel (it works!)
• Saul had previously banned mediums but seeks one out
• The medium is called בַּעֲלַת־אוֹב (ba'alat-ov) - "mistress of a spirit"
• Often translated as "witch" but more accurately "medium" or "necromancer"
• Presented negatively but the practice itself is shown as effective

New Testament References

Acts 19:19

"Many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them."

Greek word: τὰ περίεργα (ta perierga) - "curious arts," magic

Context: New converts in Ephesus renouncing their former practices

Galatians 5:19-21

"The works of the flesh are evident... sorcery (φαρμακεία - pharmakeia)..."

Greek word: φαρμακεία (pharmakeia)

Meaning:

• Literally: "drug use," "pharmacy," "medication"
• Could mean: poisoning, drug-induced religious experiences, or sorcery
• Not clearly equivalent to modern witchcraft

Revelation 21:8 & 22:15

"Sorcerers" (φαρμακοῖς - pharmakois) excluded from the kingdom

Same root as Galatians passage

Acts 8:9-24: Simon the Sorcerer

Story: Simon practices magic (μαγεύων - mageuon), converts, then tries to buy spiritual power

Issue: Not the magic itself but trying to buy the Holy Spirit

What These Words Actually Meant

Hebrew Terms

כָּשַׁף (Kashaph) - "Witchcraft/Sorcery"

• Root meaning: Uncertain, possibly related to cutting or herbs
• May refer to: Poisoning, harmful magic, drug use
• Context: Associated with foreign, non-Israelite practices
• Not equivalent to: Modern Wicca, folk magic, or contemporary witchcraft

אוֹב (Ov) - "Medium/Necromancer"

• Meaning: One who consults the dead, medium
• Practice: Necromancy, spirit communication
• Why prohibited: Consulting dead instead of God

קֶסֶם (Qesem) - "Divination"

• Meaning: Divination, fortune-telling
• Methods: Various forms of seeking hidden knowledge
• Interesting: Some forms of divination were acceptable (Urim and Thummim, prophetic dreams)

Greek Terms

φαρμακεία (Pharmakeia) - "Sorcery"

• Literal meaning: Drug use, pharmacy, medication
• Extended meaning: Poisoning, drug-induced states, sorcery
• Context: May refer to specific Greco-Roman magical practices
• Not clearly: Modern witchcraft or herbalism

μαγεία (Mageia) - "Magic"

• From: Persian "magi" (wise men, astrologers)
• Could be: Neutral (wise men in Matthew 2) or negative (Simon in Acts 8)
• Context-dependent

Historical and Cultural Context

What Was Being Prohibited?

1. Worship of Other Gods

• Primary concern: Idolatry, not magic per se
• Magic often involved invoking foreign deities
• Violates First Commandment
• The issue: spiritual adultery, not the techniques

2. Canaanite Religious Practices

• Specific practices of surrounding nations
• Child sacrifice (Molech worship)
• Temple prostitution
• Divination methods used in pagan worship
• Context: Maintaining Israelite distinctiveness

3. Consulting Dead Instead of God

• Necromancy bypasses God as source of guidance
• Seeking knowledge from wrong source
• Demonstrates lack of faith in God's provision

4. Harmful Magic

• Poisoning (literal meaning of some terms)
• Cursing and harmful sorcery
• Using magic to harm others
• Manipulation and control

What Was NOT Being Prohibited

Acceptable "Magical" Practices in the Bible

• Urim and Thummim: Priestly divination tools (Exodus 28:30)
• Prophetic dreams and visions: Throughout the Bible
• Miracles by prophets: Elijah, Elisha, Moses
• Healing: Various methods including symbolic actions
• Blessings and curses: By patriarchs and prophets
• Symbolic actions: Prophets performing symbolic magic

The Distinction

• Acceptable: Power from God, glorifies God, serves God's purposes
• Prohibited: Power from other sources, serves human desires, involves other gods

The problem: This distinction is often subjective and based on who's doing it

Translation and Interpretation Issues

The "Witch" Problem

• KJV translation: Used "witch" for various Hebrew and Greek terms
• Modern understanding: "Witch" means something very different now
• Anachronism: Applying modern concepts to ancient texts
• Result: Confusion about what's actually prohibited

Multiple Meanings

• Same Hebrew/Greek words translated differently in different contexts
• Translators' theological biases affect word choices
• Cultural assumptions shape interpretation
• Original meanings lost or obscured

Historical Distance

• 3000+ years between text and modern practice
• Completely different cultural contexts
• Ancient Near Eastern magic ≠ modern witchcraft
• Greco-Roman sorcery ≠ contemporary paganism

Scholarly Perspectives

What Biblical Scholars Say

Conservative Scholars

• Maintain prohibitions apply to all magic and witchcraft
• See continuity between ancient and modern practices
• Emphasize spiritual danger and demonic involvement
• Apply texts directly to contemporary context

Liberal/Critical Scholars

• Emphasize historical and cultural context
• See prohibitions as specific to ancient practices
• Question direct application to modern witchcraft
• Focus on underlying principles (idolatry, harm) rather than specific practices

Points of Agreement

• Texts prohibit something related to magic/sorcery
• Context is ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman
• Translation is complex and contested
• Original practices differ from modern ones

Does This Apply to Modern Witchcraft?

Arguments That It Does

• Principle applies: Even if specific practices differ, the principle of not seeking power from non-God sources remains
• Spiritual danger: Opening to spiritual forces outside God's authority
• Continuity: Modern witchcraft is continuation of ancient practices
• Clear prohibition: Bible consistently condemns magic and sorcery

Arguments That It Doesn't

• Different practices: Modern Wicca/witchcraft is not ancient Canaanite religion
• Historical context: Prohibitions were specific to their time and place
• Translation issues: "Witch" is anachronistic translation
• Many modern witches: Don't worship other gods or practice what was prohibited
• Atheist witchcraft: No gods involved at all

The Complexity

• Depends on how you interpret the Bible
• Depends on what type of witchcraft you're discussing
• Depends on whether you apply ancient law to modern practice
• Depends on your theological framework

Christian Witches: Reconciling the Texts

How Christian Witches Interpret These Passages

• Historical context: Prohibitions were about idolatry, not magic itself
• Jesus as magician: Performed acts that look like magic
• Natural gifts: Magic as God-given ability
• Directed through Christ: All power channeled through Jesus
• Avoid prohibited practices: Don't worship other gods, don't harm, don't consult dead

Practices Christian Witches Avoid

• Invoking deities other than the Christian God
• Necromancy and spirit communication (usually)
• Anything that conflicts with Christian ethics
• Practices explicitly prohibited in their interpretation

Practices Christian Witches Engage In

• Herbalism and natural magic
• Energy work and healing
• Divination (reinterpreted as intuition)
• Spellwork directed through Christ
• Seasonal celebrations

Practical Implications

For Christians Considering Witchcraft

• Study the actual texts in context
• Understand what was being prohibited and why
• Consider whether modern practice is equivalent
• Examine your own theology and conscience
• Be prepared for controversy and criticism
• Seek guidance from Scripture, prayer, and trusted mentors

For Witches Facing Biblical Criticism

• Understand what the Bible actually says (not just what critics claim)
• Know the translation and context issues
• Recognize that interpretation varies
• You don't have to accept others' interpretations
• Many biblical prohibitions aren't followed today (mixed fabrics, shellfish, etc.)
• Decide for yourself what authority the Bible has in your life

For Everyone

• Don't assume "the Bible clearly says" without examining the text
• Translation and interpretation matter
• Historical context is essential
• Ancient practices ≠ modern practices
• Honest engagement with texts is better than proof-texting

Conclusion: More Complex Than It Seems

What does the Bible actually say about witchcraft? The answer is: it's complicated.

Key points:

• The Bible prohibits something related to magic, sorcery, and divination
• Translation is contested—"witch" may be anachronistic
• Historical context matters—ancient practices differ from modern ones
• Primary concern was idolatry, not magic per se
• Some "magical" practices were acceptable when from God
• Application to modern witchcraft is debated
• Interpretation varies by theological perspective

Whether you're a Christian considering witchcraft, a witch facing biblical criticism, or simply someone seeking to understand what the Bible actually says, honest engagement with the texts—in their original languages, historical contexts, and interpretive complexity—is essential.

The Bible's relationship with magic and witchcraft is far more nuanced than "thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" suggests. Understanding that nuance allows for more informed, honest, and respectful conversations about faith, magic, and spiritual practice.

NICOLE LAU is a researcher and writer specializing in Western esotericism, Jungian psychology, and comparative mysticism. She is the author of the Western Esoteric Classics series and New Age Spirituality series.