Magic and sorcery have long been subjects of fascination, and the Bible contains numerous references to magicians, sorcerers, and enchanters. From Pharaoh’s magicians in Exodus to the sorcerer Simon in the New Testament, the Bible consistently addresses the role of magic in both historical and spiritual contexts.
In this article, we explore 30 Bible verses about magicians, their significance, and what the Bible says about the practice of magic.
What Does the Bible Say About Magicians?
The Bible offers clear guidance regarding magicians, sorcery, and mystical practices. Magic is often associated with rebellion against God’s authority, as practitioners of magic attempt to manipulate spiritual forces. Scripture warns against seeking answers from magicians, diviners, and sorcerers, as these practices are contrary to God’s teachings.
In the Old Testament, God warned Israel to avoid practices involving witchcraft, magic, and divination. In the New Testament, magic is similarly condemned as an act that opposes God’s power and truth.
Examples of Magic in the Bible
Several accounts in the Bible reveal instances of magic and sorcery, often used to deceive people or challenge God’s power. Here are some notable examples:
- Pharaoh’s Magicians (Exodus 7:11-12) – The magicians of Egypt attempted to replicate the miracles Moses performed, but God’s power ultimately proved greater.
- Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24) – Simon practiced sorcery and amazed people, but when he attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, he was rebuked by Peter.
- Elymas the Sorcerer (Acts 13:6-11) – Elymas tried to turn people away from the faith, resulting in Paul declaring him blind for a time.
- The Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7-20) – King Saul consulted a medium, seeking guidance through necromancy, which displeased God.
- Balaam the Sorcerer (Numbers 22-24) – Balaam was hired to curse Israel, but God intervened, causing him to bless Israel instead.
30 Bible Verses About Magicians
Here are 30 Bible verses about magicians, sorcery, and the consequences of magic in the Bible:
- Exodus 7:11 – “Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts.”
- Exodus 8:7 – “But the magicians did the same things by their secret arts; they also made frogs come up on the land of Egypt.”
- Exodus 8:18 – “But when the magicians tried to produce gnats by their secret arts, they could not.”
- Exodus 9:11 – “The magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils that were on them and on all the Egyptians.”
- Daniel 2:2 – “So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed.”
- Daniel 4:7 – “Then the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and diviners came, and I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it.”
- Leviticus 19:31 – “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them.”
- Deuteronomy 18:10-11 – “Let no one be found among you…who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells.”
- Isaiah 8:19 – “When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists…should not a people inquire of their God?”
- Isaiah 47:12-13 – “Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries…Surely you are worn out by your many counsels.”
- Jeremiah 27:9 – “So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers.”
- Micah 5:12 – “I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.”
- Malachi 3:5 – “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers.”
- Acts 8:9 – “Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people.”
- Acts 13:6 – “They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus.”
- Revelation 21:8 – “But the cowardly, the unbelieving…those who practice magic arts…will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.”
- Revelation 22:15 – “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers…”
- 2 Chronicles 33:6 – “He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists.”
- Nahum 3:4 – “All because of the wanton lust of a prostitute, alluring, the mistress of sorceries…”
- Galatians 5:20 – “Idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy…”
- 1 Samuel 28:7 – “Then Saul said to his attendants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium.'”
- 2 Kings 21:6 – “He practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists.”
- Deuteronomy 13:1-3 – “If a prophet or one who foretells by dreams appears among you…”
- 2 Thessalonians 2:9 – “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works.”
- Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy.”
- Ezekiel 13:18 – “This is what the Sovereign LORD says: ‘Woe to the women who sew magic charms.”
- Ezekiel 21:21 – “For the king of Babylon will stop at the fork in the road…”
- Matthew 24:24 – “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders.”
- Mark 13:22 – “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders.”
- 1 John 4:1 – “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”
Conclusion
These 30 Bible verses about magicians provide insight into God’s stance on magic, sorcery, and spiritual deception. Scripture consistently warns believers to avoid such practices and rely on God’s power alone. By understanding these passages, Christians can grow stronger in faith and recognize the dangers associated with magic and false spiritual practices.
Read also: 30 Bible Verses About Divination
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