A short answer
In the Bible, “sorcery” refers to attempts to gain knowledge, power, or protection by means that bypass or compete with the God of Israel. This can include casting spells, seeking guidance from the dead, reading omens, and using potions or charms in a magical way. The Bible consistently treats these practices as wrong, and it points people back to trusting God directly. Beyond that general picture, translators and scholars differ on the exact meaning of some terms.
Key words in the original languages
English Bibles use several overlapping words: sorcery, witchcraft, divination, enchantment, necromancy. Behind them are a number of Hebrew and Greek terms.
Hebrew.
- Kashaph and related words (such as kesheph) are usually translated “sorcerer,” “sorceress,” or “witchcraft.” They appear in Exodus 22:18, Deuteronomy 18:10, and 2 Kings 9:22.
- Qasam (to divine) and onen (an observer of times or omens) appear in the list in Deuteronomy 18.
- Ov is often rendered “medium” or “familiar spirit,” and relates to consulting the dead (Leviticus 19:31).
Greek.
- Pharmakeia (and related words) appears in Galatians 5:20 and Revelation 9:21, 18:23, 21:8, and 22:15. The word is connected to drugs or potions, which is why it is the root of the English “pharmacy.” Scholars discuss whether it points mainly to drug-aided magic, to poisoning, or to sorcery more generally. It would be a mistake to read it as a verse about modern medicine.
- Mageia and related words (magos, mageuo) appear in Acts 8 and 13, where the word “magi” is also used of the wise men in Matthew 2 in a different, more neutral sense.
The Old Testament
Deuteronomy 18:9-14 is the central passage. Israel is told not to learn the “abominable practices” of the nations, and a list follows: those who make a child pass through fire, diviners, soothsayers, sorcerers, those who cast spells, mediums, wizards, and those who consult the dead. The passage goes on to promise a prophet like Moses, which shows the contrast: instead of these practices, God would speak to his people through his own word.
Leviticus 19:26, 31 and 20:6, 27 forbid turning to mediums and spiritists.
Exodus 22:18 says, “You shall not allow a sorceress to live” (WEB). This is a hard verse, and readers handle it in different ways. Some stress that it belongs to Israel’s civil law in a particular setting, which Christians do not treat as binding today. Others note that the Hebrew term and what it covered are debated. Many also note that the New Testament does not tell the church to punish such practices through force, and that Jesus consistently invites rather than coerces.
Examples in narrative.
- Pharaoh’s magicians imitate some of Moses’ signs, but are ultimately overcome (Exodus 7-8).
- King Saul had banned mediums, but in desperation visited the medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28; see our lessons from the book of 1 Samuel). Later 1 Chronicles 10:13-14 names this consultation as part of his unfaithfulness.
- Manasseh practiced sorcery and divination and led Judah astray (2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chronicles 33:6).
- Daniel and his friends were set among Babylonian enchanters and magicians, and the king found their wisdom came from God (Daniel 1-2).
The New Testament
Simon in Samaria (Acts 8:9-24). Simon had practiced magic and amazed people, then believed and was baptized. Later he offered money for the power to give the Holy Spirit, and Peter rebuked him sharply and called him to repent. The story is as much about treating God’s gifts as something to buy as about magic itself.
Elymas, or Bar-Jesus (Acts 13:6-12). A sorcerer opposed Paul and Barnabas before the proconsul Sergius Paulus. Paul spoke against him, and he was struck blind for a time. The proconsul believed.
Ephesus (Acts 19:11-20). After some tried to use Jesus’ name as a charm and were overpowered, many who had practiced magic brought their scrolls and burned them publicly. Luke records the value as fifty thousand pieces of silver. The detail shows the cost people were willing to pay in turning away.
Galatians 5:19-21 and Revelation. Pharmakeia appears in lists of vices, side by side with matters of relationship and character such as hatred and strife. This hints that the Bible does not isolate sorcery as a special category of sin, but places it among practices that turn away from God.
What about everyday things like horoscopes, tarot, or charms?
The Bible does not mention these modern items by name. Many Christians apply the principle of Deuteronomy 18 and consider them off-limits, since they seek guidance outside of God. Others regard some as harmless entertainment. Both groups usually agree on the core question: where do we turn for security and direction? Your own pastor or church leader is a good person to talk with if you are unsure.
Reading related questions
What does the Bible say about witches? “Witch” in the KJV translates the same Hebrew words discussed above. The Bible speaks of practices more than of a particular kind of person, and it consistently ties its warnings to trust in God.
What does Matthew 12:34 say? It is “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (WEB). This is Jesus speaking to the Pharisees about what lies behind words, and it is not specifically about sorcery. It does fit the broader idea that the Bible cares about the heart behind actions.
If you are worried about past involvement
Some people have dabbled in the occult, tarot, or séances and now feel afraid. The New Testament consistently says forgiveness is available, and the Ephesian believers who burned their scrolls were welcomed, not shut out (Acts 19:18-19). Many churches offer prayer and pastoral care for this. If fear, nightmares, or anxiety are heavy, it is also wise to see a doctor or licensed counselor alongside pastoral support. Needing both is not a sign of weak faith.
Related reading
See our deliverance Bible study for how Scripture describes rescue, and spiritual weapons in the Bible for what Paul says about standing against deceit.