Ghosts and hauntings are popular topics in movies and folklore, but what does the Bible say about them? While Scripture doesn’t specifically address ghosts as we think of them today, it does offer insights into the spiritual realm and what happens after death. Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about ghosts, spirits, and the afterlife.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Iniquity
What Does The Bible Say About Ghosts Hauntings
1 Samuel 28:13-15
“The king said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid. What do you see?’; The woman said, ‘I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.’ ‘What does he look like?’ he asked. ‘An old man wearing a robe is coming up,’ she said. Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.”
This verse recounts the story of King Saul consulting a medium to conjure the ghost of the prophet Samuel. It serves as a cautionary tale, showing that engaging with spirits or seeking wisdom from the dead is not aligned with God’s will. Instead, we are encouraged to seek guidance and protection from the living God through prayer and reliance on His word.
Leviticus 19:31
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.”
In this verse, God explicitly commands His people to refrain from seeking guidance or assistance from mediums or spiritists. Engaging in such practices defiles and separates us from God, as it goes against His righteous and holy nature. It is a reminder to trust in God alone and not to seek answers or guidance from supernatural sources that may lead us astray from His truth.
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 warns against seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists, emphasizing the importance of seeking counsel from God Himself. As believers, we are encouraged to approach God with our concerns, questions, and needs, rather than turning to supernatural practices that communicate with the dead. Our trust should be in the living God who has the power to guide and protect us.
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
This verse serves as a reminder that there are deceptive spirits and demonic forces at work. It cautions us to be vigilant and discerning, ensuring that we do not abandon our faith in Christ and fall prey to false teachings or supernatural influences that may lead us astray. Instead, we should rely on the Holy Spirit and the truth of God’s Word to discern between what is of God and what is of the enemy.
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. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD.”
This passage clearly outlines the detestable practices that are forbidden by God. It explicitly warns against engaging in divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and other supernatural practices, including consulting the dead. As believers, we are called to uphold God’s commandments and steer clear of any involvement with practices that are contrary to His will and character.
Luke 24:37-39
“They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.’
This passage recounts the disciples’ fear and confusion when they believed they saw a ghost after Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus, in His resurrected body, assures them that He is not a ghost but a living being with flesh and bones. This serves as a reminder that although spirits and ghosts may exist, they are distinct from the resurrected and glorified bodies that believers will receive in eternity.
Hebrews 9:27
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”
This verse clarifies the biblical perspective on the afterlife and the certainty of death for every person. It emphasizes that once we die, there is no returning as ghosts or spirits to dwell among the living or haunt them. Instead, we face judgment before God, determining our eternal destiny. This encourages believers to focus on living a righteous life and preparing for eternity rather than being preoccupied with the idea of ghosts or hauntings.
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 highlights the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus and the authority that comes from knowing Him personally. It shows that merely using Jesus’ name without a true faith and relationship with Him can lead to dire consequences. Believers are reminded to approach spiritual matters with reverence, seeking the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and remaining rooted in Christ’s authority.
1 John 4:1
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
This verse cautions believers against blindly accepting every spiritual encounter or message they may encounter. Instead, we are called to test the spirits and ensure that they align with the truth and character of God. Many deceptive and false influences exist in the spiritual realm, requiring us to be discerning and vigilant in our faith.
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This verse reminds us that our battles as believers are not against physical beings but against spiritual forces of evil. While the existence of ghosts or spirits is beyond the scope of this verse, it highlights the reality of a spiritual realm filled with both good and evil. As believers, we are called to put on the full armor of God to stand strong against these forces and remain steadfast in our faith.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”
This passage warns us that Satan and his followers can disguise themselves as agents of light and righteousness. They may attempt to deceive individuals by appearing benevolent or offering false supernatural encounters. Thus, believers must be discerning, test everything against the truth of God’s Word, and rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to discern between what is genuinely from God and what is a masquerade of the enemy.
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
This verse encourages believers to focus their thoughts and minds on things that align with the truth and goodness of God. Instead of dwelling on or seeking out supernatural occurrences, it reminds us to set our minds on what is true, righteous, and praiseworthy. By doing so, we guard ourselves against being consumed by thoughts of the supernatural that may distract from our relationship with God.
Colossians 2:18
“Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.”
This verse warns against being led astray by individuals who claim to have had supernatural encounters or visions. It cautions against idolizing angels or placing too much emphasis on their worship. Instead, believers are encouraged to remain grounded in the truth of who Christ is and to be discerning when it comes to sensational spiritual experiences.
Psalm 118:8
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.”
This verse highlights the importance of placing our trust and reliance on the Lord rather than seeking help or guidance from human or supernatural sources. While ghosts or spirits may exist, the psalmist reminds us that true refuge and security are found in God alone. He is our ultimate protector, guide, and comforter in all aspects of life.
John 1:1-5
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him, all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
This powerful passage establishes Jesus as the eternal Word and the source of all creation. It emphasizes the light that Jesus brings into the world, dispelling darkness. While ghosts or hauntings may capture our curiosity, the light of Christ shines brighter, offering hope, peace, and salvation to all who believe in Him.
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
This beloved psalm reminds believers that even in the midst of darkness, God’s presence brings comfort and protection. While the concept of ghosts or hauntings may evoke fear, we can find solace in knowing that God is always with us, guiding and reassuring us in every circumstance we face.
Hebrews 13:5-6
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So, we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?'”
This verse reminds believers of God’s unchanging faithfulness and provision. It encourages contentment and trust in God’s presence, assuring us that even in the face of supernatural phenomena, we need not fear. The love and protection of the Lord surpass the limitations of mortal beings, granting us security and peace.
Psalm 91:1-2
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
This Psalm echoes the promise of God’s shelter and refuge for those who abide in Him. It reinforces the assurance that believers can find safety and protection in God’s presence, regardless of any supernatural occurrences or fears. The Lord is our trustworthy refuge, providing peace and strength as we seek His shelter.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
This verse encourages believers to surrender and submit themselves fully to God, acknowledging His authority and power. It reminds us that when we resist the enemy and stand firm in our faith, he will ultimately flee from us. As we focus on God and His truth, we need not be overwhelmed by the existence of ghosts or hauntings, for we have the victory in Christ.
Psalm 27:1
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
This psalm declares God as our light, salvation, and stronghold. It underscores our strength and courage in Him, dispelling any fear or trepidation we may have regarding ghosts or hauntings. The power and presence of the Lord far surpass any supernatural phenomenon, assuring us of our security in Him.
1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
This verse reminds believers to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith, acknowledging the reality of spiritual warfare. While the existence of ghosts may be a topic of intrigue, our focus should be on resisting the Enemy and standing firm in the truth of God’s Word. We find strength and encouragement in knowing that believers worldwide face similar struggles and can support one another in the face of spiritual challenges.
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This verse provides a powerful assurance of God’s presence and provision. It encourages believers to trust in Him rather than succumbing to fear or dismay. Regardless of any supernatural encounters, we can find solace and confidence in God’s promise to strengthen, help, and uphold us with His righteous hand.
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This remarkable passage emphasizes the unfailing love of God that transcends all realms and powers. It assures believers that nothing, including the existence of ghosts or supernatural forces, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Our confidence rests in His eternal love and the security we have in Him.