Magic and the supernatural have intrigued humans for centuries. The Bible contains verses that address the topic of magic and its implications. Join us as we look into these verses and their significance.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Helping Your Neighbor
Bible Verses About Magic
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 showcases the existence of magic and sorcery in ancient Egypt. Pharaoh called upon the wise men and sorcerers who used their secret arts to mimic the miracles performed by Moses and Aaron. However, it is important to note that the power of God surpassed the power of these magicians.
Leviticus 19:26
“Do not practice divination or seek omens.”
This verse explicitly forbids the practice of divination and seeking omens. God commands His people to refrain from engaging in practices that involve trying to foresee or manipulate the future through magical means. Divination and seeking omens are contrary to placing trust in God’s sovereignty and wisdom.
Deuteronomy 18:9-12
“When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 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.”
These verses serve as a stern warning to the Israelites against adopting the detestable practices of the surrounding nations. God strictly prohibits engaging in diverse forms of magical activities, such as sacrificial rituals, divination, sorcery, witchcraft, casting spells, and consulting the dead. These practices go against God’s commandments and His desire for His people to trust in Him alone.
1 Samuel 28:7-14
“Then Saul said to his attendants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.” “There is one in Endor,” they said. So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. “Consult a spirit for me,” he said, “and bring up for me the one I name.” But the woman said to him, “Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?” Saul swore to her by the Lord, “As surely as the Lord lives, you will not be punished for this.” Then the woman asked, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” “Bring up Samuel,” he said. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!” 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.””
This intriguing passage tells the story of King Saul seeking out a medium to bring back the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. Saul’s desperation led him to engage in forbidden practices, despite having banned such activities in the land. This event emphasizes the dangers and consequences of dabbling in magic, as it ultimately brings about Saul’s downfall.
2 Kings 17:17
“They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the LORD, arousing his anger.”
This verse reflects the disobedience of the Israelites who turned away from God’s commandments. They abandoned their faith and integrity, engaging in detestable practices such as divination, seeking omens, and even engaging in child sacrifices. All these acts provoked the anger of the Lord, highlighting the severe consequences of practicing magic and turning away from God.
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.”
These words were spoken as a warning to Babylon, symbolizing the judgements that would befall them due to their involvement in sorcery and the casting of potent spells. This verse demonstrates that the use of magic is futile in protecting oneself against God’s righteous judgement and punishment.
Acts 8:9-11
“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, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.””
This passage introduces Simon, a sorcerer who had deceived the people of Samaria with his magical abilities. He had gained popularity and was regarded as the Great Power of God. However, Simon’s methods were deceptive and manipulative, leading people astray rather than pointing them towards the true power of 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.”
Here, we encounter an encounter between Paul, Barnabas, and a Jewish sorcerer named Bar-Jesus. Elymas (Bar-Jesus) attempted to hinder the proconsul from hearing the Word of God. This incident reveals the conflicting forces of magic and the spreading of the gospel, highlighting the battle between truth and deception.
Revelation 18:23
“The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world’s important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.”
This verse speaks about the judgement of Babylon, which is characterized by the absence of light and joy. The verse also mentions the use of magic spells as a means to deceive and lead nations astray. This serves as a reminder that relying on magic to gain power or control will ultimately lead to destruction and eternal separation from God.
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
In this verse, practicing magic arts is listed as one of the sins that will result in eternal punishment. God warns that those who engage in magical practices will face the same fate as unbelievers, murderers, idolaters, and liars. This solemn verse underscores the serious consequences of partaking in magic and emphasizes the importance of wholeheartedly following God’s commands.
1 Corinthians 10:20-21
“No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. 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.”
This passage reminds believers that engaging in magical practices or offering sacrifices to other entities is idolatrous and participation with demons. Paul urges the Corinthians to choose between devotion to God or involvement with magic, highlighting the incompatibility of following Christ while simultaneously partaking in magical practices.
Galatians 5:19-21
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Paul outlines the works of the flesh, which include witchcraft, among other sinful practices. Those who continue to indulge in such behaviors are warned that they will not inherit the kingdom of God. This verse reinforces the importance of turning away from magical practices and pursuing a life that is pleasing to God.
Revelation 22:14-15
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
These verses speak of the heavenly reward awaiting those who have washed their robes and remained faithful to God. In contrast, those who practice magic arts, along with other sinful behaviors, are condemned to be outside the glorious city, separated from the blessings of God’s presence forever.
Leviticus 20:6
“I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.”
In this verse, God declares His firm opposition to those who resort to mediums and spiritists. He promises to sever them from their people, emphasizing His disdain for such practices and His desire for His people to seek Him alone for guidance and assistance.
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?”
These words from the prophet Isaiah encourage God’s people to turn to Him rather than seeking advice from mediums and spiritists. Rather than relying on the guidance of the dead, believers are urged to seek God’s wisdom and direction, recognizing that only He has the power to answer their questions and provide true guidance.
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.”
Paul warns Timothy and the early church that in the last days, some will turn away from the faith and be deceived by demonic teachings and spirits. This includes engaging in magical practices that can mislead and lead believers away from the truth of the gospel.
Deuteronomy 13:1-5
“If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, ‘Let us follow other gods’ (gods you have not known) ‘and let us worship them,’ you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. It is the LORD your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. That prophet or dreamer must be put to death for inciting rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from the land of slavery. That prophet or dreamer tried to turn you from the way the LORD your God commanded you to follow. You must purge the evil from among you.”
This passage addresses the importance of discernment. Even if a self-proclaimed prophet performs signs and wonders, if their message leads the people to worship other gods, they are to be rejected and put to death. God tests His people to see if they will remain faithful and love Him wholeheartedly, emphasizing the importance of staying true to God’s commands and rejecting any form of idolatry, including magical practices.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.”
As believers, we are called to live by the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit. These verses highlight the characteristics and qualities that should be evident in the lives of those who walk in the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, and self-control, are in direct contrast to the self-empowering and deceptive nature of magic, reminding us of the importance of relying on God’s power rather than attempting to manipulate through magical means.
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.”
These verses serve as a reminder that our battles are not merely physical, but they are spiritual in nature. The forces of darkness and evil are real, and engaging in magical practices only serves to align oneself with those dark forces. Instead, believers are encouraged to put on the full armor of God and engage in spiritual warfare with the power and protection that comes from God alone.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
These powerful words from James call believers to submit themselves fully to God and resist the devil and his schemes. Magic often involves attempting to gain power or control through supernatural means, playing right into the hands of the enemy. However, when believers align themselves with God and resist the devil, the enemy must flee, unable to maintain his hold.
Psalm 115:4-8
“But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths but cannot speak, eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, noses but cannot smell. They have hands but cannot feel, feet but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”
These verses present a contrast between the true God and idols made by human hands. Idols, including magical objects, may hold a certain appeal and allure, but they are ultimately powerless. God alone possesses true power and authority, and those who place their trust in Him will be blessed. Trusting in idols, whether they are magical or not, will only lead to disappointment and a lack of true fulfillment.
Psalm 118:8-9
“It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes.”
These verses remind us of the importance of placing our trust in God rather than relying on human wisdom or power. This principle applies to magical practices as well – it is far better to seek refuge in the Lord and rely on His guidance and provision than to trust in the temporary and unreliable power that magic may offer.
What Does the Bible Say About Magic?
In the Bible, magic or sorcery is consistently portrayed as a practice that is opposed to God’s will. The use of magic is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, the Lord explicitly forbids His people from practicing divination, sorcery, interpreting omens, and engaging in witchcraft. These practices are considered abominations to the Lord.
As Christians, we are called to put our trust in God and seek His guidance and provision, rather than turning to magical or occult practices. The Bible teaches us that our reliance should be on prayer, seeking God’s wisdom, and trusting in His plan for our lives. When we seek supernatural answers or power outside of God, we open ourselves up to spiritual deception and potentially dangerous influences.
Furthermore, the Bible warns us about the deceptive nature of magic and sorcery. In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, the apostle Paul speaks of the coming of the lawless one, empowered by Satan, who will use all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders to deceive those who are perishing. This serves as a reminder that not all supernatural phenomena are from God, and we must be discerning in our pursuit of spiritual experiences.
As followers of Christ, our focus should be on cultivating a deep and personal relationship with God. We are called to seek Him earnestly, study His Word, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. Any form of seeking supernatural power outside of God’s will is not in line with biblical teachings. Instead, our faith should be grounded in the truth of God’s word and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, the Bible consistently warns against the practice of magic and sorcery, urging us to place our trust in God alone. As Christians, we are called to walk in obedience to God’s commands and rely on His supernatural guidance, rather than seeking supernatural power through forbidden means.