What is a biblical view of sorcery?

Sorcery is a dangerous, demonic practice that the Bible condemns, offering no true power or wisdom. True guidance and insight come only from God, not spells, charms, or the occult.

what does the bible say?

Sorcery is a sin condemned many times throughout the Old Testament (Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:10–14; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Malachi 3:5). We also see the limitations in practicing it, as was the case in the book of Daniel when King Nebuchadnezzar’s sorcerers could not interpret his dream but Daniel, a prophet of God, could (Daniel 2). In the New Testament, sorcery is described as a work of the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21), and we see in the end times that God will deliver fierce judgement on a future nation that uses sorcery to deceive other nations (Revelation 18:23). We also read in Revelation 21:8, that (unrepentant) sorcerers are listed among those who will be thrown into the lake of fire. Instead of participating in earthly, demonic practices (James 3:15), we should attain the wisdom of God (James 1:5; 3:17).

from the old testament

In Exodus 22:18, we see that practicing sorcery was a sin so severe in God’s sight that it was punishable by death.
In Deuteronomy 18:10–14 God commands the Israelites to not follow the egregious sins of the nearby nations, which included sacrificing children to gods, practicing divination, fortune telling, and interpreting of omens. He also specifically mentions sorcerers, charmers, mediums, necromancers, and those who inquire of the dead: “…for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”
In 2 Chronicles 33:6, a list of reasons is given for the condemnation of King Manasseh. Included, along with burning his sons as an offering, is fortune-telling, omens, sorcery, and consulting mediums and necromancers (those who say they communicate with the dead).
King Nebuchadnezzar used sorcerers to try and interpret his dreams, but in the end, only God’s prophet, Daniel, could give an accurate interpretation (Daniel 2). This goes to show just how profitless sorcery is and how God is the source of true wisdom.
God did not look over Israel when delivering justice to the nations; in fact, He started with Israel. In Malachi 3:5 we see God’s impending judgement on those who practice sorcery and other sins: “‘Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:5).

from the new testament

In Galatians 5:19–21 we read: “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.”
James writes that an earthly wisdom that is unspiritual is from the enemy of our souls (James 3:15). Instead, Christians should seek wisdom from God, which is pure and is something He gives generously when we ask (James 1:5; 3:17).
In the end times, nearly the entire world will be deceived by sorcery (Revelation 18:23). The result, for the sorcerers themselves, is a lake of fire—the second death (Revelation 21:8).

implications for today

The Greek word for sorcery is pharmakeia—where we get our word for pharmacy. In New Testament times, sorcerers often used drugs as they practiced their dark arts. The Bible clearly condemns any form of sorcery, including spells, divination, involvement with spirits, and other dark spiritual activity. Today, dabbling in the occult is something many people do—intentionally and even unintentionally. Dabbling in or practicing activities that step into the spiritual world without the guidance of the Holy Spirit and a relationship with God through Jesus Christ is condemned and is dangerous. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must not follow the ways of this world but live lives set apart and holy, as Romans 12:1-2 says: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Recap

understand

Sorcery is a sinful, demonic practice that is clearly condemned in the Bible.
Sorcery is dangerous yet limited compared to God.
Those who practice sorcery without repentance face God’s judgment, including eternal separation from Him.

reflect

How have you seen or encountered practices that could be considered sorcery, and how did it affect your faith or spiritual perspective?
Are there areas in your life where you might be tempted to seek guidance or power outside of God, and how can you redirect that toward Him?
How do you actively pursue God’s wisdom in your decisions instead of looking to worldly solutions?

engage

How can we encourage each other to discern and avoid influences of sorcery or occult practices?
How can we recognize the difference between God’s wisdom and worldly or deceptive knowledge?
How can we practically support each other in living lives set apart and resisting the temptations of spiritual shortcuts or hidden powers?