Bible Verses About Witchcraft and Sorcery

Witchcraft and sorcery are mentioned in the Bible as practices that lead people away from God. Scripture warns against them and highlights the importance of seeking God’s wisdom instead of relying on dark powers. In this post, we’ll look at Bible verses that explain God’s view of witchcraft and why He calls His people to walk in truth and holiness.

Bible Verses About Witchcraft and Sorcery

The Old Testament contains direct prohibitions against witchcraft, sorcery, and divination. These practices were seen as a direct violation of Israel’s calling to be set apart for God.

“Do not allow a sorceress to live.” — Exodus 22:18 (NIV)

This command highlights how seriously God viewed witchcraft in ancient Israel. The people were to rely on Him alone, not on occult practices for guidance or power.

The Book of Deuteronomy expands this teaching:

“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, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord…” — Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV)

Here, witchcraft is grouped with other practices God calls “detestable” because they open the door to deception and spiritual harm.

Witchcraft in the New Testament

The New Testament continues this theme, showing that sorcery is incompatible with following Christ.

In Acts 8, we read about Simon the Sorcerer, who amazed the people with his magic. Yet when he saw the true power of the Holy Spirit, he tried to buy it — revealing his heart was not right before God.

“Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.’” — Acts 8:20-21 (NIV)

Paul also warns against witchcraft in his letters:

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: … idolatry and witchcraft; … I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” — Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)

This shows that witchcraft is not a neutral practice — it is listed among behaviors that separate people from God’s Kingdom.

Can You Be a Christian and Practice Witchcraft?

The Bible makes it clear that you cannot combine faith in Christ with practices of the occult. Following Jesus requires leaving behind anything that belongs to the kingdom of darkness.

“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” — 1 Corinthians 10:21 (NIV)

Christian faith calls us to seek God alone for wisdom, guidance, and power — not spiritual forces opposed to Him.

What This Means for Believers Today

The biblical warnings against witchcraft are still relevant. Today, practices such as astrology, tarot reading, divination, and occult rituals may appear harmless or popular, but Scripture reminds us that they are spiritually dangerous.

As believers, we are called to:

• Seek God Alone — Trust His power and provision instead of turning to other spiritual sources.
• Exercise Discernment — Be cautious of media, literature, or cultural trends that glamorize witchcraft or the occult.
• Stay Grounded in Scripture — Strengthen faith through prayer, the Word of God, and fellowship with other believers.

Conclusion

The Bible provides clear and consistent teaching on witchcraft: it is not something God’s people are to practice or entertain. These practices are incompatible with faith in Christ and open the door to deception. Instead, God calls us to rely on Him alone — the true source of wisdom, power, and life.

✨ Still Have a Question?

If you didn’t find your answer here, don’t worry — you’re not alone. You can send your question directly through the Ask a Bible Question page, and I’ll do my best to respond with guidance from God’s Word.

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