Topical Encyclopedia
The term "bewitched" refers to the act of being influenced or controlled by witchcraft or magic, often leading to deception or a departure from truth. In the biblical context, it is associated with spiritual deception and the turning away from the Gospel of Christ. The concept is most notably addressed in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul.
Galatians 3:1The Apostle Paul uses the term "bewitched" in his letter to the Galatians: "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified" (
Galatians 3:1). Here, Paul expresses his astonishment that the Galatian believers have been led astray from the truth of the Gospel. The use of "bewitched" suggests that they have been seduced by false teachings, specifically the Judaizers who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation, thus undermining the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.
Old Testament ContextWhile the specific term "bewitched" is not used in the Old Testament, the practice of witchcraft and sorcery is explicitly condemned. In
Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God commands the Israelites: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells... Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD" . This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views any form of occult practice, as it leads people away from Him and into spiritual darkness.
New Testament WarningsThe New Testament continues to warn against deception and false teachings. In
2 Corinthians 11:3, Paul expresses concern for the Corinthian church: "But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ" . This warning highlights the ongoing spiritual battle against deception, which can be likened to being "bewitched" by false ideologies or practices.
Spiritual WarfareThe concept of being "bewitched" can also be understood within the broader context of spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds believers: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" . This passage emphasizes the reality of spiritual forces that seek to deceive and lead believers away from the truth of the Gospel.
Discernment and FaithfulnessBelievers are called to exercise discernment and remain faithful to the teachings of Christ. In 1
John 4:1, the apostle John advises: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world" . This call to discernment is crucial in avoiding being "bewitched" by false teachings or deceptive practices.
In summary, the biblical concept of being "bewitched" serves as a warning against spiritual deception and the importance of adhering to the truth of the Gospel. It underscores the need for vigilance, discernment, and faithfulness in the face of spiritual challenges.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Bewitch.
Greek
940. baskaino -- to slander, hence by ext. to bewitch... 5,13, ).]. Word Origin from baskanos (slanderous) Definition to slander, hence
by ext. to bewitch NASB Word Usage
bewitched (1). bewitch.
...Library
But in Addition to all that Has Been Said Already...
... Who, I ask you, O foolish Galatian, hasbewitched you, as those werebewitched
"before whose eyes Jesus Christ was evidently set forth, crucified?" [2058] From...
Seed Scattered and Taking Root
... 8. And there was great joy in that city, 9. But there was a certain man, called
Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, andbewitched the people...
Acts vii. 54
... But there was a certain man, called Simon, which before time in the same city used
sorcery, andbewitched the people of Samaria." (v.4-9.) Observe [412...
The History of Simon Magus.
... "There was a certain man called Simon, which before-time in the same city used sorcery,
andbewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some...
Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised...
... Thus, it might even be dangerous to lift up loaves of bread (though not broken pieces)
lest they should bebewitched (Erub.64 b). A number of instances are...
The Ethics of Elfland
... A tree grows fruit because it is a MAGIC tree. Water runs downhill because
it isbewitched. The sun shines because it isbewitched....
The Unclean Spirits.
... "There was a certain man called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery,
andbewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some...
Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... Having sinned, they become sobewitched with sin, that the scriptural statement
is no exaggeration: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots...
The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... rest. O foolish sinners, "who hathbewitched you?" The world bewitches
men into brute beasts, and draws them even to madness. See...
Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... Having sinned, they become sobewitched with sin that the scriptural statement is
no exaggeration: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots...
Thesaurus
Bewitched (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Bewitched (3 Occurrences).
... Acts 8:11 And to him they had
regard, because that of long time he had
bewitched them with sorceries.
...Bewitch (1 Occurrence)
... There are two Greek words in the New Testament translated "bewitch." The one given
above (Acts 8:9, 21 the King James Version "bewitched," the Revised Version...
Bewray (1 Occurrence)
Vividly (1 Occurrence)
... Galatians 3:1 You foolish Galatians! Whose sophistry hasbewitched you--you to whom
Jesus Christ has been vividly portrayed as on the Cross? (WEY)....
Evidently (4 Occurrences)
... Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hathbewitched you, that ye should not obey
the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth...
Magus
... both in the King James Version and in the Revised Version (British and American),
"used sorcery." Simon accordingly was a sorcerer, he "bewitched the people of...
Publicly (31 Occurrences)
... Galatians 3:1 Foolish Galatians, who hasbewitched you not to obey the truth, before
whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth among you as crucified?...
Portrayed (3 Occurrences)
... Galatians 3:1 You foolish Galatians! Whose sophistry hasbewitched you--you to
whom Jesus Christ has been vividly portrayed as on the Cross?...
Beforetime (21 Occurrences)
... Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same
city used sorcery, andbewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that...
Sophistry (2 Occurrences)
... Galatians 3:1 You foolish Galatians! Whose sophistry hasbewitched you--you to whom
Jesus Christ has been vividly portrayed as on the Cross? (WEY)....
Resources
What does it mean to be bewitched? | GotQuestions.orgCan a Christian be cursed? Will God allow a curse on a believer? | GotQuestions.orgWhen the Bible is translated into English, how do the translators decide what punctuation to use? | GotQuestions.orgBewitched: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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