Curses and spells are topics that may cause fear, but the Bible addresses them clearly. Today, we’ll look at what Scripture says about spiritual protection and the power of God over all things.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Maturity
What Does The Bible Say About Curses And Spells
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 verse emphasizes the prohibition against engaging in occult practices such as divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and casting spells. It warns believers to avoid any form of seeking guidance or power outside of God, as these practices are considered abominable in His sight.
It serves as a reminder of the dangers and spiritual consequences associated with curses and spells, highlighting God’s desire for His people to trust in Him alone for guidance and protection.
Leviticus 19:26
“Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it. Do not practice divination or seek omens.”
This verse cautions against the practice of divination and seeking omens. It reflects God’s desire for His people to rely on Him for guidance rather than seeking supernatural signs or attempting to manipulate future outcomes through forbidden methods.
By prohibiting these practices, God establishes His authority as the only true source of wisdom and direction, encouraging His people to trust in His sovereignty.
Galatians 5:19-20
“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.”
In this passage, witchcraft is listed among the works of the flesh, which are contrasted with the fruits of the Spirit. It highlights that engaging in witchcraft, like other sinful behaviors, can potentially hinder a person from inheriting the kingdom of God.
This verse underscores the importance of turning away from practices that oppose God’s will and aligning our lives with His Spirit, who produces righteousness, love, and a transformed character.
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.”
This verse tells the story of repentant sorcerers who, upon encountering the truth of Christ, brought their scrolls containing spells and occult knowledge, and burned them publicly. They willingly renounced their involvement in sorcery, demonstrating their commitment to following Jesus.
It serves as a powerful example of the transformative power of the Gospel and the importance of renouncing and turning away from practices associated with curses and spells.
Isaiah 47:12-13
“Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror. 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.”
This verse speaks prophetically against those who persist in practicing magic spells and sorceries, challenging the futility of relying on such practices. It highlights that the counsel and predictions offered by astrologers and stargazers ultimately cannot save or protect individuals from God’s judgments.
It serves as a reminder that placing trust in human-made systems and occult practices is futile, and that genuine security and salvation can only be found in a steadfast relationship with God.
Exodus 22:18
“Do not allow a sorceress to live.”
This verse makes clear the seriousness with which God views sorcery and practicing magic. It states that sorceresses should not be allowed to live, indicating the severe penalty associated with engaging in such practices under the Mosaic law.
While this verse reflects the historical context of ancient Israel, it underscores the absolute rejection of sorcery and implies the spiritual dangers that accompany involvement in these practices.
1 Samuel 15:23
“For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has rejected you as king.”
This verse draws a parallel between rebellion and divination, highlighting their shared disobedience to God’s Word. It reveals that arrogance is equated with the evil of idolatry, emphasizing the importance of humble submission to God’s authority.
It serves as a warning against the dangers of pride and disobedience and emphasizes the need for a heart that is surrendered and obedient to God’s commands.
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, those who practice magic arts are listed among those who will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. It highlights the eternal consequences associated with engaging in such practices.
It serves as a sobering reminder that participating in curses, spells, and any form of occult activity is incompatible with a life lived for Christ, and ultimately leads to spiritual destruction.
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.”
This verse indicates the severe penalty prescribed for those who act as mediums or spiritists. It underscores the seriousness with which God regards involvement in occult practices and the spiritual ramifications associated with such activities.
While the death penalty outlined in this verse is specific to the context of ancient Israel, it reinforces the idea that engaging in curses and spells is an affront to God’s holiness and should be unequivocally rejected by believers.
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?”
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah challenges the people to turn to God rather than seeking guidance and knowledge through mediums and spiritists. He refutes the practice of consulting the dead on behalf of the living and highlights it as a misguided and inappropriate practice.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God for wisdom and direction, rather than relying on supernatural or occult means that are contrary to His will.
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 warns of a future time when some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and teachings of demons. It implies that involvement in practices associated with curses and spells can lead individuals astray from the truth of the Gospel.
It underscores the need for believers to stay firm in their faith, rooted in God’s Word, and to be discerning about spiritual influences and teachings that may lead them away from the path of righteousness.
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 describes Simon, a sorcerer who had gained a following through his practice of magic. Many regarded him highly, attributing his powers to being a manifestation of the power of God.
It serves as a cautionary account, revealing the appeal and deception that can accompany those who engage in occult practices. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and avoiding being swayed by those who claim supernatural abilities apart from the truth found in Christ.
Jeremiah 27:9
“So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers who tell you, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.'”
This verse cautions against heeding the advice and predictions of false prophets, diviners, interpreters of dreams, mediums, and sorcerers. It implies that placing trust in their words can lead to following erroneous paths and disregarding God’s plan.
It emphasizes the importance of discerning the source of guidance and aligning oneself with the truth of God’s revelation rather than relying on occult practices or false prophecies.
Acts 13:6-11
“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. Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, ‘You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.'” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand.”
In this account, Paul and Barnabas encounter a Jewish sorcerer named Bar-Jesus who opposes the preaching of the Gospel. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebukes the sorcerer and declares God’s judgment, causing temporary blindness as a sign of divine judgment.
This narrative demonstrates the clash between the power of God and the deceptive practices of sorcery. It portrays the authority and superiority of God’s Word over occult powers and serves as a reminder of the need to stand firm against spiritual opposition.
2 Kings 21:6
“He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.”
This verse describes the wicked actions of King Manasseh, who engaged in various occult practices such as sacrificing his own son, divination, seeking omens, and consulting mediums and spiritists. These practices provoked God’s anger because they opposed His commands and indulged in demonic influences.
It serves as a warning against the severe consequences and divine displeasure that accompanies involvement in curses, spells, and any form of occult activities.
Mark 1:23-26
“Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are – the Holy One of God!’ ‘Be quiet!’ said Jesus sternly. ‘Come out of him!’ The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.”
This passage recounts an incident where Jesus encountered a man possessed by an impure spirit. The spirit acknowledged Jesus’ divine authority and attempted to challenge Him, but Jesus commanded the spirit to leave, demonstrating His power over demonic forces.
It serves as a reminder of the supremacy and authority of Jesus over all spiritual realms, including those associated with curses, spells, and demonic influence.
1 Samuel 28:7-20
“Saul then 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. … 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.’ ‘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. Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?'”
This narrative recounts the account of King Saul seeking the help of a medium to bring up the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. The woman successfully summons Samuel, and his words convey a message of judgment and condemnation upon Saul for his disobedience.
It highlights the grave consequences that can result from seeking supernatural guidance outside of God’s will, emphasizing the importance of wholehearted obedience and submission to His commands.
Daniel 2:27-28
“Daniel replied, ‘No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these.”
In this passage, Daniel responds to King Nebuchadnezzar’s request to interpret a mysterious dream. He distinguishes himself from the wise men, enchanters, magicians, and diviners, stating that only God in heaven can reveal such mysteries.
This verse highlights the limited understanding and abilities of those who practice magic and divination, emphasizing the superiority of God’s wisdom and His power to reveal the hidden things.
Psalm 73:24-25
“You guide me with your counsel, and afterward, you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”
This Psalm acknowledges God as the ultimate guide and counselor. It expresses the psalmist’s complete dependence on God and declares that nothing in heaven or on earth can compare to Him.
It serves as a reminder that seeking direction and spiritual insight from God, rather than turning to occult practices, is the path to true fulfillment and the only way to experience lasting joy and peace.
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 describes an encounter between Paul and a slave girl who had a spirit of divination, enabling her to predict the future. Although her words seemingly proclaimed truth, Paul discerned the deceptive nature of the spirit and commanded it to leave her.
It serves as a reminder to be cautious of spiritual influences, even when they appear to align with the truth, and underscores the importance of discerning the source of revelation and power.
Isaiah 44:25
“I foiled the signs of false prophets and made fools of diviners. I overruled the wise and turned their knowledge into nonsense.”
This verse declares God’s ability to expose the signs and predictions of false prophets and render them ineffective. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all forms of divination and the limitations of human wisdom and understanding.
It serves as a reminder that God’s authority supersedes any occult practices or human attempts to manipulate supernatural forces, showcasing the futility and emptiness of engaging in curses and spells.
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 account narrates an incident where the sons of a Jewish priest attempted to cast out evil spirits using the name of Jesus, but without a genuine relationship with Him. The evil spirit recognized their lack of authority, attacked them, and caused them to flee in humiliation.
It serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the importance of genuine faith and an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ when engaging in spiritual warfare, rather than relying on external practices or hollow invocations.