Magicians and the practice of magic are mentioned in the Bible, often with warnings. Let’s explore what Scripture says about magicians, sorcery, and the spiritual dangers associated with these practices.
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What Does The Bible Say About Magicians
Acts 8:9
Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great.
This verse introduces Simon, a magician who practiced sorcery and gained fame among the people of Samaria. It highlights the fascination and awe that magicians could generate with their supernatural abilities.
Magicians, throughout history, have captivated audiences with their illusions and tricks. While their performances may entertain, it is essential to recognize the distinction between entertainment and attempting to manipulate supernatural powers outside of God’s authority.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
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.
In these verses, God warns against indulging in practices associated with magic, divination, witchcraft, and communicating with the dead. God strictly prohibits involvement in these activities, as they oppose His commandments and lead people away from the worship and obedience to Him.
These verses illustrate the importance of seeking guidance and direction from God alone, rather than turning to supernatural practices that can be deceptive and lead to spiritual harm.
Exodus 7:11
Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts.
This verse demonstrates how Pharaoh called upon magicians and sorcerers in Egypt to oppose Moses and Aaron’s miracles by replicating them through their secret arts. It highlights that even though magicians can mimic supernatural powers, they lack the true power and authority of God.
While magicians may create optical illusions and perform impressive feats, they should not be mistaken for possessing genuine divine authority. Believers should discern the difference between the temporary wonders of magicians and the eternal power of God.
Leviticus 19:26
Do not practice divination or seek omens.
This verse straightforwardly instructs believers not to engage in divination or seek omens. God’s people are called to trust in Him and rely on His guidance, rather than turning to supernatural practices that attempt to predict the future.
Divination and seeking omens undermine one’s faith in God’s sovereignty and omniscience. Instead, believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and direction through prayer, studying God’s Word, and seeking counsel from mature Christians.
Daniel 2:2
So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed. When they came in and stood before the king…
In this verse, King Nebuchadnezzar sought assistance from magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to interpret a dream he had. It reveals the ancient practice of seeking supernatural insights and guidance from individuals believed to have mystical powers.
However, as believers, we are called to trust God and His revealed Word for direction and understanding. Relying on human wisdom or magical practices can lead to deception and hinder our relationship with God.
Acts 13:6-8
They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
In this passage, Paul and Barnabas encountered a Jewish sorcerer named Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas, who opposed their preaching to the proconsul. Elymas’s actions represent how magicians sometimes use their powers to deceive and hinder the spread of the Gospel.
However, God’s power ultimately triumphed as Paul confronted Elymas and temporarily blinded him. This account reminds us that God’s truth surpasses any opposition or manipulation of magicians, ensuring that His Word will prevail.
Exodus 7:22
But the Egyptian magicians did the same things by their secret arts, and Pharaoh’s heart became hard; he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the Lord had said.
Once again, this verse highlights how the Egyptian magicians were able to imitate some of the miracles that Moses and Aaron performed through their secret arts. Despite witnessing these astonishing feats, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, demonstrating the limitations of magic in transforming a person’s heart.
Although magicians may amaze with their illusions and supernatural abilities, it is vital to understand that true spiritual transformation and salvation come from surrendering to God, rather than relying on human talents or mystical practices.
Acts 19:19
A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.
In this verse, individuals who had formerly engaged in sorcery willingly renounced their magical practices by burning their scrolls publicly. This symbolic act signifies their rejection of false and deceptive supernatural powers, choosing instead to follow Jesus Christ.
As believers, we are called to renounce any form of occult practices or involvement with magic and turn to God for forgiveness and cleansing. This verse encourages believers to take decisive steps in breaking free from the bondage and deception of magical practices.
Isaiah 8:19
When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?
Isaiah’s words emphasize the futility of seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists who communicate with the dead instead of seeking God’s wisdom and direction. God’s people are called to seek Him for answers and put their trust in His divine guidance.
Believers should be cautious of falling into the trap of seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means, as it can lead to deception and spiritual harm. Instead, let us turn to the living God who is the source of truth and wisdom.
Matthew 7:22-23
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
These verses caution against those who claim to perform miracles and supernatural acts in the name of Jesus but are not truly known by Him. It reminds us that the power to perform miracles does not guarantee a genuine relationship with God.
Believers should be careful not to be deceived by those who use supernatural gifts or magical practices to manipulate or mislead others. Discernment and a genuine relationship with Jesus are crucial in identifying true servants of God.
2 Chronicles 33:6
He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.
This verse describes the actions of Manasseh, a wicked king who engaged in various occult practices, including divination, witchcraft, and consulting mediums. His disobedience to God’s commands stirred God’s anger and brought judgment upon him and the nation.
It serves as a warning to believers, cautioning against involving themselves in practices that oppose God’s will. Instead, let us strive to live in obedience to God’s Word and seek Him wholeheartedly.
Revelation 22:15
Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
In the final chapter of Revelation, those excluded from the New Jerusalem include those who practice magic arts, among other sinful behaviors. This verse emphasizes that those who persist in engaging in magical practices, devoid of repentance, will be separated from God’s eternal presence.
It serves as a reminder that followers of Christ are called to live according to God’s truth and reject anything that opposes His divine will, including involvement in magic or occult practices.
Acts 19:13-16
Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
This passage recounts an incident where seven sons of a Jewish chief priest attempted to cast out an evil spirit by invoking the name of Jesus whom Paul preached, without having a genuine relationship with Christ. The demon recognized their lack of authority and attacked them.
This verse emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, rather than relying on mere religious formulas or magical incantations. It also highlights the dangers of delving into spiritual realms without genuine faith in Christ’s saving power.
Isaiah 47:9
Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and all your potent spells.
Isaiah prophesies the judgment that would befall Babylon, despite their reliance on sorcery and enchantments for protection or gain. This verse highlights the futility of relying on magical practices to avoid the consequences of sin and disobedience.
It serves as a reminder that attempting to manipulate supernatural forces instead of seeking God’s forgiveness and relying on His mercy will ultimately lead to despair and destruction.
Acts 16:16-18
Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally, Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.
This passage recounts an encounter where Paul cast out a spirit of divination from a slave girl who was being used for fortune-telling. Even though her words seemed to affirm Paul and his companions, they recognized the demonic influence behind her abilities and freed her from it.
Believers should be cautious of relying on supernatural predictions or guidance outside of God’s Word, as their source may be demonic and deceptive. We must always seek to discern the true origin of spiritual manifestations.
Isaiah 47:13
All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you.
Isaiah’s words mock the astrologers and stargazers who relied on the movements of celestial bodies to make predictions. It exposes the futility of trusting in astrology or any other form of divination to avert impending calamities or provide genuine guidance.
As believers, we are called to put our trust in God alone and seek His wisdom through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His guidance through the Holy Spirit instead of placing our faith in the transient predictions of astrologers or magicians.
Leviticus 20:27
A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.
These verses establish severe consequences for those who practice mediumship or engage in spiritism. God’s commandments strictly forbid the involvement in these occult practices, considering them as abominable and punishable by death.
These verses reaffirm the seriousness with which God regards these practices and emphasize the importance of pursuing a relationship with Him based on faith and obedience, rather than seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden means.
Acts 13:7-8
The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.
In this account, Elymas, also known as Bar-Jesus, acted as a sorcerer opposing the preaching of Paul and Barnabas, attempting to hinder the proconsul from accepting the Gospel message.
It serves as a reminder that there will always be opposition from those who manipulate supernatural powers to oppose the spread of God’s Word. However, we can trust that God’s truth will prevail and that His power is greater than any magic or deception.
2 Kings 21:6
He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted spiritists and mediums. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.
These verses describe the evil practices of Manasseh, who engaged in divination, sought omens, and consulted spiritists and mediums. Such actions incited God’s anger, as they represented a departure from true worship and obedience to the Lord.
As believers, we should seek to please God by avoiding any involvement in magic, divination, or any form of occult practices. Instead, let us cultivate a relationship with God rooted in love, faith, and obedience.
2 Chronicles 33:6
He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.
This verse refers to the wicked practices of King Manasseh, who engaged in divination, witchcraft, and sought omens and guidance from mediums and spiritists. These actions brought about divine anger and showcased the dangers of dabbling in the occult.
Believers should heed the warning from Manasseh’s example and refrain from participating in practices that defy God’s commands. Instead, let us seek to glorify God and walk in obedience to His Word.
Revelation 9:21
They did not repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.
This verse depicts a group of people who stubbornly refuse to repent of their involvement in magic arts, among other sins. It underscores the severity of continually engaging in magical practices and reaffirms the need for repentance and turning away from such behaviors.
As believers, we should always be willing to confess and forsake any involvement in ungodly practices, recognizing that true repentance requires a genuine desire to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Acts 19:20
So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.
Following the account of the sons of Sceva’s failed attempt to cast out demons, this verse highlights that despite the opposition of magicians and false spiritual practices, the Word of the Lord continued to triumph and spread powerfully.
It serves as a reminder that God’s truth cannot be overcome by deceptive practices or magical illusions. The power of the Gospel will prevail, and believers can take solace in knowing that God’s Word will ultimately triumph over all forms of falsehood or manipulation.