Is Witchcraft a Sin in the Bible? Old Vs New Testament

Witchcraft has become a popular topic in modern culture, often portrayed in books, movies, and spiritual practices as either mystical or empowering. But from a biblical perspective, how is witchcraft viewed? Is it just another spiritual path, or is it considered a sin?

This article explores what the Bible says about witchcraft, why it is condemned, and how it relates to broader themes of sin, rebellion, and spiritual deception. We will look at key scriptures, theological insights, and historical context to understand why witchcraft is not just discouraged but defined as sin in the Bible.

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What Is Witchcraft?

Before we explore its status as sin, it’s important to define what the Bible means by “witchcraft.” The term encompasses a variety of occult practices, including:

• Divination – seeking knowledge of the future through spiritual means (e.g., tarot, astrology)

• Sorcery – using spells, charms, potions, or incantations to influence events

• Necromancy – attempting to contact the dead

• Mediumship – acting as a channel between spirits and humans

• Enchantment – casting spells or invoking supernatural forces

The modern world often sees these practices as harmless or spiritual alternatives. But in the Bible, they are consistently linked to rebellion against God’s authority and the pursuit of supernatural power apart from Him.

Old Testament: Witchcraft as a Serious Offense

The Old Testament provides a firm foundation for understanding God’s attitude toward witchcraft. Far from being tolerated, it is explicitly condemned and categorized as sinful behavior that separates people from God.

1. Exodus 22:18 (KJV)

“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.”

This is one of the most direct and often-cited verses regarding witchcraft. It shows that in ancient Israel, witchcraft wasn’t just frowned upon—it was considered a capital offense. The term translated as “witch” (mekhashepha in Hebrew) refers to someone who practices forbidden magical arts.

2. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 (NIV)

“Let no one be found among you who... practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft... Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”

This passage lists several occult practices and declares them “detestable.” The Hebrew word here translated as “detestable” (toebah) refers to practices that are morally repugnant and spiritually corrupt in God's eyes.

3. Leviticus 19:31

“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them.”

The word “defiled” implies that these practices spiritually pollute individuals and communities. They are seen not as harmless rituals, but as sins that corrupt the soul and invite separation from God.

Witchcraft and Idolatry: A Spiritual Parallel

One of the Bible’s strongest accusations against witchcraft is its similarity to idolatry, which is often referred to as spiritual adultery in the Old Testament.

1 Samuel 15:23 (NIV)

“For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.”

This verse, spoken by the prophet Samuel to King Saul, equates rebellion against God’s commands with divination. In other words, witchcraft isn't just about rituals—it represents a heart posture of rejecting God’s authority.

In biblical theology, sin is not only breaking moral laws but also seeking power or meaning apart from God. Witchcraft, which attempts to control or influence events through spiritual means not sanctioned by God, is a clear example of that kind of rebellion.

New Testament: Witchcraft as a Work of the Flesh

While the Old Testament laws were given to Israel as a nation, the New Testament continues to affirm that witchcraft is sinful—not as a civil crime, but as a spiritual offense.

Galatians 5:19–21 (NIV)

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity... idolatry and witchcraft... I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

The Greek word used for “witchcraft” here is pharmakeia, which originally referred to the use of potions or magical drugs, and later came to mean sorcery or magical arts. It is included among the sins that separate a person from God's kingdom.

Revelation 21:8 (NIV)

“But the cowardly, the unbelieving... and those who practice magic arts—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur.”

This verse offers a stark warning: those who persist in unrepentant sin—including “magic arts,” another reference to witchcraft—will face eternal separation from God.

The New Testament reinforces that witchcraft is not only a bad habit or superstition, but a sinful practice that reveals a deeper spiritual rebellion.

Real Examples of Witchcraft in the Bible

The Bible doesn’t speak of witchcraft in abstract terms. It describes real individuals who engaged in these practices—and the spiritual consequences they faced.

1. The Witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28)

King Saul, desperate for guidance, consults a medium to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. While she successfully brings forth a spirit (whose identity is debated), the Bible clearly portrays this act as sinful. Saul had previously banned mediums, yet broke God's law out of fear and desperation.

“Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord... and even consulted a medium for guidance.” (1 Chronicles 10:13)

This episode shows that even a king was judged harshly for engaging in witchcraft.

2. Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9–24)

Simon amazed people with his magic in Samaria before encountering the apostles. After his conversion, he tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit—an act that revealed his unchanged heart.

Peter rebuked him sharply:

“May your money perish with you... your heart is not right before God.” (Acts 8:20–21)

Simon’s story illustrates how even those who believe in Jesus can be tempted by spiritual power for selfish gain.

Why Is Witchcraft Considered a Sin?

Witchcraft is a sin in the Bible for several interconnected reasons:

1. It Invites Spiritual Deception

Witchcraft often involves communication with spirits, which may appear helpful or enlightening. But the Bible warns that not all spirits come from God:

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1)

The supernatural realm exists, but not all supernatural experiences are holy. Witchcraft opens the door to deception.

2. It Seeks Power Outside of God

One of the most dangerous aspects of witchcraft is the desire to control circumstances or other people through spiritual means. This desire for control mirrors the original sin in the Garden of Eden—wanting to be “like God” without submitting to Him.

3. It Undermines Faith

Biblical faith requires trusting in God’s timing and will, not manipulating outcomes through rituals, spells, or secret knowledge. Witchcraft, by its nature, bypasses that trust.

Can People Be Forgiven for Practicing Witchcraft?

Absolutely. The Bible is clear that no sin is beyond forgiveness if a person repents and turns to God.

Acts 19:18–19 (NIV)

“Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly.”

This moment in the early church is powerful: people who had practiced witchcraft didn’t just believe in Jesus—they renounced their old ways and publicly turned from sin. In response, God welcomed them into the community of believers.

God is not looking to punish curiosity, but to restore relationship with anyone willing to submit to His truth.

Modern Witchcraft: A Different Name, Same Spirit

Today, witchcraft often appears under new labels—such as Wicca, energy healing, manifestation, astrology, or New Age spirituality. While some of these practices may seem harmless, they often involve the same core issue: seeking spiritual knowledge or power apart from God.

Even “white magic” or healing practices can be problematic if they rely on spirit guides, ritual manipulation, or unbiblical sources of power.

Conclusion: Yes, Witchcraft Is a Sin in the Bible

In both the Old and New Testaments, witchcraft is clearly identified as a sin—not because of superstition or fear, but because it reflects a deeper spiritual rebellion. It is detestable to God not merely for what it is, but for what it represents: a rejection of His authority, a trust in false spiritual powers, and an attempt to gain control without faith.

The Bible doesn’t just warn against witchcraft—it invites people to freedom from it. True spiritual life and power come from knowing God, not from spells, spirits, or secret knowledge. And no matter what someone has practiced in the past, the door is always open to forgiveness, healing, and transformation.

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Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.