Bible Dictionary

Witchcraft

Sin & Judgment • Both

Witchcraft refers to occult practices such as sorcery, necromancy, or seeking supernatural knowledge through forbidden spirits. Scripture condemns these practices and directs people to seek God rather than divination or familiar spirits.

Definition

Witchcraft in the biblical material includes necromancy and forms of divination associated with supernatural spirits. In the popular sense of the term, Scripture does not specifically speak of witches or witchcraft, but it does describe people who claimed or possessed such powers.

Biblical Usage

The woman of En-dor was a necromancer who feigned converse with the dead. The servant girl at Philippi had a spirit of divination, literally a spirit called a pithon, associated with the heathen god Apollo, who was regarded as a god of prophecy. Witchcraft is also named among condemned practices.

Historical Background

The supplied material distinguishes biblical descriptions from the popular use of the English word. It connects the relevant practices with necromancy, heathen prophecy, and evil spiritual influence.

Scripture References

1 Samuel 15:23 2 Kings 9:22 2 Chronicles 33:6 Micah 5:12 Nahum 3:4 Galatians 5:20 1 Samuel 28 Acts 16:16

Historical Bible Dictionaries

Easton's Bible Dictionary

(1 Sam. 15:23; 2 Kings 9:22; 2 Chr. 33:6; Micah 5:12; Nahum 3:4; Gal. 5:20). In the popular sense of the word no mention is made either of witches or of witchcraft in Scripture. The “witch of En-dor” (1 Sam. 28) was a necromancer, i.e., one who feigned to hold converse with the dead. The damsel with “a spirit of divination” (Acts 16:16) was possessed by an evil spirit, or, as the words are literally rendered, “having a spirit, a pithon.” The reference is to the heathen god Apollo, who was regarded as the god of prophecy.

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