The Bible addresses witchcraft and practices associated with it in several passages, often highlighting the negative perceptions and prohibitions against such practices. Here are some key references:
1. **Exodus 22:18**: “You shall not permit a sorceress to live.” This verse emphasizes the serious stance against witchcraft in ancient Israel.
2. **Deuteronomy 18:10-12**: “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” This passage outlines various practices considered forbidden and abominable.
3. **Leviticus 19:26**: “You shall not eat any flesh with the blood in it. You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes.” This verse is part of broader instructions regarding holiness.
4. **Galatians 5:19-21**: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The term “sorcery” here translates from the Greek word “pharmakeia,” which can imply drug use associated with magical practices.
5. **1 Samuel 28:7-19**: This account involves King Saul consulting the Witch of Endor to summon the spirit of the Prophet Samuel. It illustrates the consequences and forbidden nature of seeking guidance from witches.
These references collectively demonstrate a clear biblical stance against witchcraft, sorcery, and related practices, underscoring their rejection as incompatible with worship and service to God.