The Bible addresses witchcraft and related practices in a number of passages. These references generally express a strong condemnation of such activities, viewing them as contrary to the teachings and commandments of God. Here are some key verses:
1. **Exodus 22:18** – “You shall not permit a sorceress to live.” This verse is part of the laws given to the Israelites, indicating a severe stance against witchcraft.
2. **Leviticus 19:26** – “You shall not eat any flesh with the blood still in it. You shall not practice divination or soothsaying.” This discourages not only witchcraft but any form of divination or attempts to predict the future through supernatural means.
3. **Leviticus 20:6** – “If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.” This shows the seriousness of turning to witches and medium practitioners.
4. **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 comprehensive list reinforces the prohibition against engaging in witchcraft and similar practices.
5. **1 Samuel 28:7-20** – This passage recounts the story of King Saul seeking out the witch of Endor to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. Saul’s actions are depicted negatively, and he ultimately faces dire consequences for consulting a medium.
6. **Galatians 5:19-21** – “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery (witchcraft), 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.” Here, witchcraft is listed among sinful practices that separate individuals from God’s kingdom.
These passages highlight the Bible’s clear stance against witchcraft, characterizing it as a serious offense and a deviation from the worship of God.