Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and TerminologySorcery, in biblical terms, refers to the practice of using supernatural powers or magic, often through the assistance of evil spirits, to influence events or manipulate people. The term is frequently associated with witchcraft, divination, and the occult. In the original biblical languages, several words are translated as "sorcery" or "sorcerer," including the Hebrew word "kashaph" and the Greek word "pharmakeia," which can also imply the use of potions or drugs in magical practices.
Old Testament ReferencesThe Old Testament strongly condemns sorcery and related practices. In the Law of Moses, sorcery is explicitly prohibited.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, "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 detestable to the LORD." This passage underscores the seriousness with which God views such practices, associating them with pagan rituals and idolatry.
In
Exodus 22:18 , the command is clear: "You must not allow a sorceress to live." This reflects the severity of the offense in the context of ancient Israelite society, where maintaining purity and allegiance to Yahweh was paramount.
New Testament ReferencesThe New Testament continues the condemnation of sorcery, emphasizing its incompatibility with Christian life. In
Galatians 5:19-21 , sorcery is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."
The Book of Acts provides narrative examples of sorcery and its rejection by the early church. In
Acts 8:9-24, Simon the Sorcerer attempts to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, revealing the incompatibility of sorcery with the gospel message. Peter rebukes him, saying, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!" (
Acts 8:20).
Theological ImplicationsSorcery is viewed as a direct challenge to the sovereignty and authority of God. It represents a reliance on powers other than God and is often linked with idolatry and rebellion. The biblical narrative consistently portrays sorcery as a deceptive and destructive force, leading people away from the truth of God and into spiritual bondage.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn the ancient Near East, sorcery was a common practice among pagan cultures, often intertwined with religious rituals and the worship of false gods. The Israelites were called to be distinct from these practices, serving as a holy people dedicated to the one true God. The biblical prohibitions against sorcery served to protect the community from spiritual corruption and to maintain the purity of worship.
Contemporary RelevanceIn modern times, the allure of sorcery and the occult persists in various forms, from astrology and tarot readings to more overt practices of witchcraft. The biblical warnings against sorcery remain relevant, urging believers to discernment and faithfulness to God. Christians are called to reject all forms of occultism and to rely solely on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
ConclusionWhile the Bible unequivocally condemns sorcery, it also offers hope and redemption through Jesus Christ. Those who have been involved in such practices are invited to repent and turn to God, who offers forgiveness and new life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Witchcraft; divination by the assistance of evil spirits, or the power of commanding evil spirits; magic; necromancy; enchantment.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SORCERER; SORCERYSeeASTROLOGY, 1;DIVINATION; MAGIC; WITCHCRAFT.
Greek
5331. pharmakeia -- the use of medicine, drugs or spells... or spells. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: pharmakeia Phonetic Spelling:
(far-mak-i'-ah) Short Definition: magic,
sorcery, enchantment Definition
...3096. mageuo -- to practice magic
... to practice magic. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: mageuo Phonetic Spelling:
(mag-yoo'-o) Short Definition: I practicesorcery or magic Definition: I...
3095. mageia -- magic
... Word Origin from mageuo Definition magic NASB Word Usage magic arts (1).sorcery.
From mageuo; "magic" --sorcery. see GREEK mageuo. (mageiais) -- 1 Occurrence....
Strong's Hebrew
3785. kesheph --sorcery... 3784, 3785. kesheph. 3786 .
sorcery. Transliteration: kesheph Phonetic Spelling:
(keh'-shef) Short Definition: sorceries.
...sorcery, witchcraft.
...3784. kashaph -- to practicesorcery
... 3783, 3784. kashaph. 3785 . to practicesorcery. Transliteration: kashaph
Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-shaf') Short Definition: sorcerers....
Library
Of theSorcery at Carr?? which was Detected after his Death. After...
... Book III. Chapter XXI."Of thesorcery at Carr?? which was detected after his death.
After he was slain the jugglery of hissorcery was detected....
Magic andSorcery Only Apparent in their Effects God Alone Can...
... Chapter LVII."Magic andSorcery Only Apparent in Their Effects God Alone
Can Raise the Dead. It is either a very fine thing to...
In the Next Place, Speaking of those who Employ the Arts of Magic...
... Chapter XXXIX. In the next place, speaking of those who employ the arts
of magic andsorcery? In the next place, speaking of those...
Faustus Seeks to Justify the Docetism of the Manich??ans. Augustin...
... 1. Faustus said: If Christ was visible, and suffered without having been
born, this wassorcery. This argument of yours may be turned...
Celsus, Indeed, Evinced a Slight Knowledge of Scripture when He...
... nor a common wood-pigeon [3329] the same as a dove, [3330] so there is no resemblance
between what is done by the power of God and what is the effect ofsorcery...
Immediately after This, as if Doing his Utmost to Reduce the Human...
... the latter which manifests their greatness, he declares that "in certain individuals
among the irrational creation there exists the power ofsorcery;" so that...
Acts xiii. 4, 5
... And then in respect of the proconsul the wonder is, that although prepossessed by
the man'ssorcery, he was nevertheless willing to hear the Apostles....
Jesus, Accordingly, in Turning Away the Minds of his Disciples...
... Depart from Me, because ye are workers of iniquity." [3322] But Celsus, wishing
to assimilate the miracles of Jesus to the works of humansorcery, says in...
Addition to Acts of Philip.
... Mariamne to be stripped, saying: Search them. Perhaps you will find their
sorcery. And the executioners stripped them, and laid...
Celsus, However, Accepting or Granting that Jesus Foreknew what...
... Him, might think to make light of the admission, as he did in the case of the miracles,
when he alleged that they were wrought by means ofsorcery; for he...
Thesaurus
Sorcery (10 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SORCERER;
SORCERY. See ASTROLOGY, 1; DIVINATION;
MAGIC; WITCHCRAFT. Multi-Version Concordance
Sorcery (10 Occurrences).
...Enchantments (12 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV). Leviticus 19:26 "'You shall not eat any meat with the blood still
in it; neither shall you use enchantments, nor practicesorcery. (WEB ASV)....
Practiced (22 Occurrences)
... Acts 8:9 But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practicesorcery
in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some...
Wizards (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 21:6 He made his son to pass through the fire, and practicedsorcery, and
used enchantments, and dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with...
Mediums (10 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 21:6 He made his son to pass through the fire, and practicedsorcery, and
used enchantments, and dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with...
Sorcerer (3 Occurrences)
... The practice ofsorcery exposed to severest punishment (Malachi 3:5; Revelation
21:8; 22:15). Noah Webster's Dictionary.... SORCERER;SORCERY....
Enchantment (4 Occurrences)
... They included enchantment,sorcery, witchcraft, sooth-saying, augury, necromancy,
divination in numberless forms, and all kinds of magic article Nine varieties...
Familiar (35 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 21:6 He made his son to pass through the fire, and practicedsorcery, and
used enchantments, and dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with...
Magic (12 Occurrences)
... by a mastery of secret forces in nature attained by a study of occult science,
including enchantment, conjuration, witchcraft,sorcery, necromancy, incantation...
Wizard (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 33:6 He also made his children to pass through the fire in the valley
of the son of Hinnom; and he practicedsorcery, and used enchantments, and...
Resources
What does the Bible say about sorcery? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about black magic? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between miracles and magic? | GotQuestions.orgSorcery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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