The Bible strongly condemns witchcraft in all its forms, viewing it as a sinful and detestable practice that opposes God. Witchcraft, which includes activities such as divination, sorcery, fortune-telling, casting spells, and consulting the dead or spirits, is considered a rebellion against God's sovereignty and a form of spiritual deception. The Bible explicitly forbids it in passages such as Deuteronomy 18:9-12, where God commands His people not to imitate the detestable practices of surrounding nations, warning that anyone who engages in these acts is detestable to Him. Under the Mosaic Law, the penalty for practicing witchcraft was death (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:27). The New Testament also warns against sorcery and deceitful spiritual practices, emphasizing that true power comes from God alone, not from occult or magical practices.
Key Biblical Passages on Witchcraft
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12 forbids sacrifices to demons, divination, sorcery, witchcraft, spell-casting, mediums, spiritists, and consulting the dead.
- Exodus 22:18 states, "You shall not tolerate a sorceress."
- Leviticus 20:27 prescribes death for anyone who is a medium or has familiar spirits.
- 1 Samuel 15:23 equates rebellion with the sin of witchcraft.
- Micah 5:11-12 promises an end to witchcraft in the Messianic age.
- Revelation 9:20-21 warns that people who do not repent of witchcraft will face judgment.
- Acts 19:19 encourages burning books and objects related to magic as an act of repentance.
Spiritual and Moral Warnings
- Witchcraft represents distrust in God's power and authority.
- It is viewed as opening oneself to deception by evil spirits/demons.
- The practice of witchcraft is linked historically with idolatry, child sacrifice, and other sinful behaviors.
- The Bible calls for believers to avoid all ties with witchcraft and to seek spiritual protection in God alone.
Thus, the biblical stance is clear: witchcraft is forbidden and condemned as a serious spiritual offense and a rejection of God’s authority.