18 Bible Verses About Spells (With Commentary)

The concept of spells has intrigued and fascinated humanity for centuries, but what does the Bible say about it? Join me on this intriguing exploration of Bible verses that shed light on the subject of spells and magic.

Through these scriptures, we will discover the importance of seeking God’s guidance, finding our security in Him, and embracing His supernatural power.

Get ready to uncover the transformative truth hidden within the pages of the Bible and gain a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty over all things.

Bible Verses About Spells

Deuteronomy 18:10-12

“There shall not be found among you anyone who… practices witchcraft, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord.”

In this passage, God explicitly forbids engaging in witchcraft, sorcery, and any form of divination. He considers such practices detestable because they involve seeking supernatural power outside of Him, which is in direct violation of His commandments.

Acts 19:19

“Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver.”

This verse highlights the powerful impact of the Gospel on individuals practicing magic. The conversion of the Ephesians led them to renounce their involvement in sorcery completely. They voluntarily gathered and destroyed their magical books, signifying their commitment to follow Christ wholeheartedly.

Leviticus 19:26

“You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor shall you practice divination or soothsaying.”

God instructed the Israelites not to indulge in divination or soothsaying, which involved seeking knowledge or predictions through occult means. He desired His people to trust in Him alone for guidance, recognizing that any attempt to seek supernatural knowledge outside of God’s ordained ways was both forbidden and futile.

Isaiah 47:12-13

“Stand now with your enchantments and the multitude of your sorceries, in which you have labored from your youth; perhaps you will be able to profit, perhaps you will prevail. You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you.”

In these verses, the prophet Isaiah confronts Babylon, a nation steeped in sorcery and occult practices. He challenges their enchantments, astrological predictions, and counsel from various occult sources, implying that their reliance on such means would ultimately prove useless against the impending judgment of God.

Galatians 5:19-20

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are… sorcery… of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

In this New Testament passage, the apostle Paul identifies sorcery as one of the works of the flesh. He warns believers about engaging in such practices, emphasizing that those who persist in them will not inherit the kingdom of God. This highlights the importance of living in accordance with God’s principles and refraining from any involvement in occult practices.

Micah 5:12

“I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no more tellers of fortunes.”

This verse points to a future time when God will intervene and put an end to sorceries and fortune-telling. It speaks of a day when these deceptive practices will no longer hold sway, as God establishes His righteous rule.

Exodus 7:11

“But Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers; so the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments.”

During the time of Moses’ confrontation with Pharaoh, the Egyptian sorcerers and magicians were able to replicate some of the signs and wonders through their enchantments. However, their power was limited, and their abilities were ultimately no match for the true power of God, as demonstrated through Moses.

Revelation 21:8

“But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers… shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

In this solemn warning, sorcerers are listed among those who will face eternal judgment unless they repent and turn to Christ. This verse highlights the gravity of participating in sorcery and underscores the need for individuals to seek salvation and reconciliation with God.

2 Chronicles 33:6

“He also caused his sons to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom; he practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft and sorcery, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger.”

This verse describes the wicked actions of Manasseh, a king who turned away from God. He engaged in various occult practices, including witchcraft, sorcery, and consulting mediums. Manasseh’s actions demonstrated his rebellion against God and resulted in severe consequences for both himself and the nation.

Acts 8:9-11

“But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great. To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, ‘This man is the great power of God.’ And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.”

These verses recount the story of Simon, a sorcerer who had gained a reputation for his magical abilities. He deceived the people, claiming to be a great power of God. Many were captivated by his tricks and sorceries, highlighting the danger of being misled by those who use supernatural means to gain influence or deceive others.

Isaiah 8:19

“And when they say to you, ‘Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,’ should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?”

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah contrasts seeking after mediums and wizards with seeking God. He questions the wisdom of seeking answers from the dead or those involved in occult practices when the true source of guidance and wisdom is found in a relationship with the living God.

Leviticus 20:27

“A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones. Their blood shall be upon them.”

This verse highlights the seriousness of practicing as a medium or possessing familiar spirits. In the Old Testament, God commanded severe consequences for those involved in such practices. This stern judgment underscored the importance of remaining faithful to God and not seeking supernatural guidance through illegitimate means.

Acts 13:6-8

“Now when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man called for Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for so his name is translated) withstood them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith.”

This passage recounts the encounter between Paul, Barnabas, and a sorcerer named Elymas. Elymas opposed the teachings of Paul and Barnabas, attempting to hinder the proconsul from accepting the Christian faith. However, Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked Elymas and temporarily blinded him, demonstrating the superiority of God’s power over sorcery.

Nahum 3:4

“Because of the multitude of harlotries of the seductive harlot, the mistress of sorceries, who sells nations through her harlotries, and families through her sorceries.”

This verse uses vivid imagery to depict a wicked city characterized by its indulgence in sorcery. The reference to a seductive harlot and mistress of sorceries illustrates the enticement and allure of these occult practices. The verse emphasizes the detrimental impact of sorcery on nations and families, warning against involvement in such practices.

Acts 16:16-18

“Now it happened, as we went to prayer, that a certain slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and us and cried out, saying, ‘These men are the servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.’ And this she did for many days. But Paul, greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And he came out that very hour.”

In this narrative, a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination approached Paul and his companions, making accurate statements about their mission. Although her words were true, her association with divination revealed her demonic possession. Paul, moved by the Holy Spirit, commanded the spirit to leave her, setting the girl free from the bondage of sorcery.

1 Samuel 28:7-20

“Then Saul said to his servants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.’ And his servants said to him, ‘In fact, there is a woman who is a medium at En Dor.’… So Saul disguised himself and put on other clothes, and he went, and two men with him; and they came to the woman by night. And he said, ‘Please conduct a séance for me, and bring up for me the one I shall name to you.’… Then Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’… And Saul perceived that it was Samuel…”

In this account, Saul, in desperation, sought a medium to contact the deceased prophet Samuel for guidance. Though God had previously rejected Saul, He permitted Samuel’s spirit to speak, delivering a message of impending judgment upon Saul and his kingdom. This event highlights the dangers and spiritual repercussions of engaging in witchcraft and seeking supernatural guidance through forbidden means.

Malachi 3:5

“And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness against sorcerers…”

In this verse, God declares His judgment against sorcerers and all who practice witchcraft. He asserts that He will personally intervene and act as a swift witness, holding accountable those who participate in such practices. This serves as a reminder of God’s righteous judgment and the importance of seeking Him in truth and obedience.

Isaiah 19:3

“The spirit of Egypt will fail in its midst; I will destroy their counsel, and they will consult the idols and the charmers, the mediums and the sorcerers.”

This verse pronounces a judgment on Egypt, predicting that their spirit will fail, and their counsels will be destroyed. As a result, they will turn to idolatry, seeking guidance from charmers, mediums, and sorcerers. It demonstrates the consequences of forsaking the true God and turning to false spiritual practices.