Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, charms were objects or incantations believed to possess magical powers, often used to bring good luck, ward off evil, or influence events. The use of charms is consistently condemned in the Bible, as it is associated with pagan practices and a reliance on powers other than God.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament contains several references to charms and related practices, often in the context of idolatry and false worship. In
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , God explicitly forbids the Israelites from engaging in practices such as divination, sorcery, and witchcraft, which would include the use of charms: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD."
The prophet Isaiah also speaks against the use of charms, highlighting their futility and the judgment that awaits those who rely on them. In
Isaiah 3:18-20 , the prophet lists various ornaments and amulets worn by the women of Jerusalem, indicating their misplaced trust in such items: "In that day the Lord will take away the finery of their anklets and headbands and crescents, their pendants, bracelets, and veils, their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes, their perfume bottles and charms."
New Testament ContextWhile the New Testament does not specifically mention charms, it continues the Old Testament's condemnation of practices associated with magic and sorcery. In
Acts 19:19 , we see a clear example of new believers in Ephesus renouncing their former practices: "A number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver."
The New Testament emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, leaving no room for reliance on charms or other magical practices. In
Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists sorcery among the works of the flesh, warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the use of charms is seen as a form of idolatry, as it places trust in objects or rituals rather than in God. The Bible consistently calls believers to rely solely on the Lord for protection, guidance, and provision. In
Psalm 91:1-2 , the psalmist declares, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, 'You are my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"
The biblical prohibition against charms underscores the importance of faith in God alone. Believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom and guidance through prayer and the study of Scripture, rather than turning to superstitious practices. The Bible's stance on charms serves as a reminder of the spiritual dangers associated with relying on anything other than God's power and sovereignty.
Strong's Hebrew
8588. taanug -- daintiness, luxury, exquisite delight... 8587, 8588. taanug. 8589 . daintiness, luxury, exquisite delight. Transliteration:
taanug Phonetic Spelling: (tah-an-oog') Short Definition:
charms.
...Library
Charms of Monotony. July 20.
...Charms of Monotony. July 20. I delight in that same monotony. It saves curiosity,
anxiety, excitement, disappointment, and a host of bad passions....
Of theCharms of Perfumes which are More Easily Overcome.
... Book X. Chapter XXXII."Of theCharms of Perfumes Which are More Easily Overcome.
48. With the attractions of odours I am not much troubled....
On the Words of the Gospel, John viii. 31, "If Ye Abide in My Word...
... know the truth." Here one may haply say, "And what doth it profit me to know the
truth?" "And the truth shall free you." If the truth have nocharms for you...
On the First Commandment
... 319 Q. Do those who make use of spells andcharms, or who believe in dreams, in
mediums... "Charms" are articles worn about the body for the same purpose....
Introduction.
... feet. The lowly have been lifted up to admire her graciouscharms.... followers.
She has lost none of her virtuouscharms. She is true....
The Nativity
... Whose silver waters, and whose murmurs, join. Their artlesscharms, to make the
scene divine;... All, all have lost thecharms they once possessed;...
The World.
... The world is like some objects which, when seen from afar, deceive the eyes and
allure the imagination; but on approaching or touching them theircharms vanish...
They who are of the Priesthood, or of the Clergy...
... Whoso will be priest must not be a magician, nor one who uses incantations, or
mathematical or astrologicalcharms, nor a putter on of amulets....
On Reading.
... God's minister in the pulpit of truth has no weight with those souls fascinated
by the deceitfulcharms of a bad book, which addresses itself to their...
Toilet.
... of the soul. One of the sweetestcharms that adorns your age is that which
arises from its simplicity and candor. The world itself...
Thesaurus
Charms (10 Occurrences)...Charms (10 Occurrences). Acts 19:19 And many of those that practised curious
arts brought their books of
charms and burnt them before all.
...Charm (5 Occurrences)
... Bunches ofcharms are often worn at the watch chain. 6. (n.) To make music upon;
to tune.... 11. (vi) To use magic arts or occult power; to make use ofcharms....
Charmer (5 Occurrences)
... It was an early and universal opinion that the most venomous reptiles could
be made harmless by certaincharms or by sweet sounds....
Curious (18 Occurrences)
... Ephesus was noted for its wizard and the "Ephesian spells;" ie,charms or scraps
of parchment written over with certain formula, which were worn as a safeguard...
Magician (5 Occurrences)
... MAGIC IN THE BIBLE 1. Hostility to Magic 2. Potency of Magical Words 3. Influence
ofCharms V. MAGICAL TERMS USED IN THE BIBLE 1. Divination 2. Sorcery 3...
Magic (12 Occurrences)
... MAGIC IN THE BIBLE 1. Hostility to Magic 2. Potency of Magical Words 3. Influence
ofCharms V. MAGICAL TERMS USED IN THE BIBLE 1. Divination 2. Sorcery 3...
Amulet
... the part of the body implied, and the strong words with which their employment is
condemned are only intelligible if their function as countercharms is borne...
Songs (100 Occurrences)
... supposed to be present in the Shulammite's dreams, and in her waking moments she
is ever thinking of him and describing to herself and others his manycharms....
Song (207 Occurrences)
... supposed to be present in the Shulammite's dreams, and in her waking moments she
is ever thinking of him and describing to herself and others his manycharms....
Zoroastrianism
... GJV, edition 4, III, 592-95), in many Talmudic passages (ZDMG, XXI, 552-91), certain
customs of the Essenes, various anti-demoniaccharms (see EXORCISM; SORCERY...
Resources
What does the Bible say about Voodoo? How should a Christian view Voodoo? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Letter of King Abgar to Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgIs worship of saints / Mary biblical? | GotQuestions.orgCharms: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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