The spiritual journey is often marked by moments of seeking clarity and strength, especially when facing the unknown or the allure of practices that draw us away from divine truth. In a world filled with diverse beliefs and practices, understanding God’s perspective on matters that could lead us astray is paramount. The Bible offers a guiding light, revealing God’s unchanging nature and His desire for us to walk in His wisdom and protection. This collection of verses is designed to illuminate God’s Word on subjects that may seem mysterious or tempting, reminding us of His power and His unwavering love.
Engaging with these scriptures can be a deeply personal and faith-building experience. They are not meant to instill fear, but rather to equip us with spiritual understanding and to deepen our reliance on God’s ever-present guidance. As we reflect on these powerful truths, let us open our hearts to God’s wisdom, seeking His strength to navigate life’s challenges with courage and unwavering faith. May this devotional exploration strengthen your resolve and draw you closer to the heart of our loving Heavenly Father, encouraging you to seek His face in all circumstances.
Let us turn to the sacred text for guidance and reassurance. The Word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path, offering wisdom that transcends human understanding. In times of confusion or when confronted with practices that may not align with divine principles, the Bible provides clear direction and unwavering truth. This collection of verses is a testament to God’s sovereignty and His desire for His children to live in freedom and truth.
35 Powerful Bible Verses about Witchcraft in 2026
1. Deuteronomy 18:10-12
“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consul ter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.” — Deuteronomy 18:10-12
This passage clearly outlines practices that are considered an abomination to the Lord. It emphasizes God’s desire for His people to remain pure and separate from any form of sorcery, divination, or communication with spirits other than Himself. By understanding this, we are encouraged to rely solely on God for guidance and protection, trusting in His divine wisdom rather than seeking answers or power from forbidden sources. This verse calls us to a life of complete devotion to Him.
2. Exodus 22:18
“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” — Exodus 22:18
This verse, from the Old Testament Law given to the Israelites, addresses the severity with which witchcraft was viewed in that society. While we live under a different covenant today through Christ, the underlying principle remains: God views practices associated with witchcraft as harmful and contrary to His will. It highlights the importance of spiritual discernment and the need to protect oneself and the community from influences that could lead away from God’s truth and His protective embrace.
3. Leviticus 19:31
“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek ye wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” — Leviticus 19:31
God’s instruction here is direct and firm: His people are not to consult with those who practice sorcery or claim to communicate with spirits. This prohibition is given to prevent His followers from being spiritually defiled. It serves as a reminder that our allegiance belongs solely to the Lord. By avoiding such practices, we honor God and maintain a clear channel of communication with Him, ensuring our spiritual purity and dependence on His divine guidance.
4. Leviticus 20:6
“And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.” — Leviticus 20:6
This verse underscores the seriousness of turning to forbidden spiritual practices. The phrase “go a whoring after them” illustrates a betrayal of one’s covenant relationship with God, akin to spiritual adultery. It warns that such actions will incur God’s displeasure and separation. This serves as a powerful motivation to remain steadfast in our faith, seeking all our needs and answers from the Lord alone, and guarding our hearts against any temptation to stray.
5. 1 Samuel 15:23
“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” — 1 Samuel 15:23
Here, the prophet Samuel equates rebellion and stubbornness against God’s Word with the sin of witchcraft. This comparison highlights that disobedience and rejecting God’s commands are deeply offensive to Him, just as sorcery is. It teaches us that true spiritual faithfulness lies in obedience and humility, not in seeking power or knowledge outside of God’s revealed will. Our trust must be in His Word, not in our own willful ways.
6. Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” — Galatians 5:19-21
The Apostle Paul lists “witchcraft” among the works of the flesh, which are contrary to the Spirit. This passage places it alongside other serious sins, indicating that it is a manifestation of a life not surrendered to God. It serves as a stark reminder that such actions hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with God. By recognizing these works, we are motivated to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit instead, living lives pleasing to Him.
7. Acts 19:19
“Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.” — Acts 19:19
This verse describes the powerful transformation that occurred in Ephesus when people turned to Christ. Those who had practiced “curious arts”—often associated with magic and sorcery—publicly renounced their former ways by burning their incriminating books. This act of repentance demonstrates a complete break from past practices and a wholehearted commitment to God. It inspires us to likewise discard anything that pulls us away from Him and to embrace His light fully.
8. Revelation 21:8
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” — Revelation 21:8
In this prophetic vision, sorcery is listed among severe sins that lead to eternal separation from God. This verse highlights the ultimate consequence of engaging in such practices, emphasizing God’s holiness and His judgment against sin. It serves as a solemn warning, encouraging us to live lives that are pure and pleasing to Him, seeking His righteousness and eternal fellowship rather than temporary, deceptive powers.
9. Deuteronomy 18:14
“For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.” — Deuteronomy 18:14
God explicitly distinguished His chosen people from the surrounding nations by forbidding them from practicing divination or observing times. This verse highlights God’s unique plan for Israel and, by extension, for believers today. It encourages us to trust that God has provided us with His own divine guidance and protection, and we do not need to resort to pagan or forbidden practices to understand the future or gain advantage.
10. 2 Kings 17:17
“And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, by provoking him to anger.” — 2 Kings 17:17
This verse describes the wicked practices of the Israelites that led to their downfall. Passing children through fire and using enchantments were acts of idolatry and sorcery that deeply angered God. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that straying from God’s commands and engaging in deceptive spiritual practices leads to destruction and separation from Him. Our focus must remain on His righteous path.
11. Isaiah 8:19
“And when they shall say unto you, Seek ye unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?” — Isaiah 8:19
The prophet Isaiah poses a rhetorical question that challenges the wisdom of seeking guidance from mediums or spirits instead of God. He points out the absurdity of consulting the dead or those who practice sorcery when the living God is available. This verse inspires us to always turn to the Lord in prayer and scripture for answers, recognizing that His wisdom is supreme and His guidance is life-giving.
12. Jeremiah 27:9-10
“Therefore hearken ye not unto your prophets, nor unto your diviners, nor unto your dreamers, nor unto your enchanters, nor unto your sorcerers, which speak unto you, saying, Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon: For they prophesy falsely unto you, to remove you far from your land, and that I should drive you out, and ye should perish.” — Jeremiah 27:9-10
Here, Jeremiah warns against false prophets and sorcerers who give misleading advice, urging people to resist God’s ordained authority. These deceptive figures promised safety and prosperity by denying the truth of God’s judgment. This verse teaches us the importance of discerning true prophecy from false, and to be wary of any spiritual counsel that contradicts God’s Word or leads us away from His will and His people.
13. Micah 5:12
“And I will cut off the witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers:” — Micah 5:12
This prophecy speaks of a future time when God will eradicate witchcraft and soothsaying from His people. It points to God’s ultimate victory over deceptive spiritual powers and His desire to restore His people to a state of purity and dependence on Him alone. This offers immense hope, assuring us that God is powerful enough to remove these influences from our lives and grant us true freedom.
14. Nahum 3:4
“Because of the multitude of the whoredoms of the well favoured harlot, the mistress of witchcrafts, that selleth nations through her whoredoms, and families through her enchantments.” — Nahum 3:4
This verse describes the city of Nineveh as a mistress of witchcraft, using her deceptive practices to control nations. It illustrates how spiritual deception can be used for manipulation and exploitation. This serves as a reminder that true power comes from God, and any power derived from deceptive or forbidden sources ultimately leads to destruction and enslavement, not freedom.
15. Acts 8:9-11
“But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.” — Acts 8:9-11
This passage introduces Simon the sorcerer, who deceived people with his magical abilities. It shows how sorcery can create an illusion of power and draw people away from genuine faith. This story encourages us to seek truth and spiritual reality in God, not in deceptive displays of power that ultimately mislead and enslave. True spiritual power comes from the Holy Spirit, not from human manipulation.
16. 1 Corinthians 10:20
“But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should be partakers of their table.” — 1 Corinthians 10:20
Paul explains that sacrifices made by Gentiles were often to demons, not to God. This verse extends the principle of avoiding forbidden spiritual practices to include any participation in activities that are associated with demonic influence. It calls us to a clear separation from anything that could compromise our worship of the one true God, ensuring our fellowship is with Him alone.
17. Ephesians 5:11
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” — Ephesians 5:11
This verse instructs believers to avoid any association with practices rooted in darkness and deception. It calls for a proactive stance, not just abstaining but also gently exposing such works. This encourages us to live lives that reflect God’s light, actively choosing righteousness and purity, and not being entangled with anything that dishonors Him or leads others astray.
18. 1 John 4:1
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” — 1 John 4:1
John urges believers to test the spirits, recognizing that not all spiritual claims are from God. This is crucial in discerning truth from deception, especially when encountering practices that may seem spiritual but are not aligned with God’s Word. It motivates us to rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment, ensuring we follow God’s path and not deceptive imitations.
19. Deuteronomy 4:19
“And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun and the moon and all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath ordained for all people under the whole heaven.” — Deuteronomy 4:19
This verse warns against idolatry, specifically the worship of celestial bodies, which was common in ancient paganism and sometimes intertwined with astrological practices. It reinforces the commandment to worship only the Lord. This reminds us that our devotion must be exclusively for God, who created all things, and not for created things or systems that seek to usurp His rightful place.
20. 1 Samuel 28:3-9
“Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and laid him in his sepulchre. And Saul had put away those that had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land. And the Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and pitched in Shunem: and Saul gathered all Israel, and they pitched in Gilboa. And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul enquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, at Endor, that I may go to her, and enquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, thou hast put away those that have familiar spirits and the wizards out of the land: wherefore then seekest thou to come at a temptation to sin? And Saul said unto them, God forbid. And Saul straitened for the spirit, and went, and came to the woman by night: and said, I pray thee, divine unto me by thy familiar spirit, and bring me him up, whom I shall name unto thee. Then said the woman, Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath cut off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: wherefore then layest thou a snare for my life, to cause me to die? And Saul sware to her by the LORD, saying, As the LORD liveth, there shall no punishment happen unto thee for this thing. Then charged she him, What shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel. And she brought up Samuel, and the woman cried with a loud voice: and the woman said to Saul, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a robe. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and fell to his face, and bowed himself to the ground.” — 1 Samuel 28:3-9
This narrative illustrates King Saul’s desperate attempt to consult a medium after God had stopped answering him. His actions, driven by fear and disobedience, led him to seek forbidden counsel. The outcome was terrifying and ultimately unhelpful, highlighting that turning to such practices when God is silent is a dangerous path. It encourages us to remain faithful and obedient, trusting that God’s silence is not abandonment but often a call to deeper trust.
21. Deuteronomy 13:1-5
“If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And if that sign or wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the voice of that prophet, or dreamer of dreams; for the LORD your God is proving you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. And that prophet, or dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.” — Deuteronomy 13:1-5
This passage provides a critical test for discerning true prophets from false ones, even if they perform signs or wonders. The key is whether they lead people away from worshipping the Lord. This teaches us to evaluate all spiritual claims and manifestations against the unchanging Word of God. Our ultimate loyalty is to the Lord, and any teaching or practice that deviates from Him must be rejected.
22. Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
While not directly about witchcraft, these verses offer a powerful antidote to seeking forbidden knowledge or power. They encourage complete trust and reliance on God for direction. By acknowledging Him in all our ways, we invite His wisdom to guide us, ensuring we stay on His path and avoid the deceptive allure of practices that promise shortcuts or hidden knowledge outside of His will.
23. Colossians 2:8
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” — Colossians 2:8
Paul warns against being deceived by human philosophies or worldly practices that are not rooted in Christ. This caution applies to any system of belief or practice that offers a way to spiritual power or knowledge apart from Jesus. It inspires us to anchor our faith firmly in Christ and His teachings, recognizing that true spiritual understanding comes only through Him.
24. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivers of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” — 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
This verse describes the deceptive nature of evil, which operates with counterfeit signs and wonders. It highlights that such manifestations are designed to lead people astray, especially those who do not embrace the truth of God. This encourages us to cherish God’s truth and to be discerning, recognizing that genuine spiritual power is rooted in righteousness, not in deceptive displays.
25. Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” — Romans 12:2
This verse calls for a transformation of our minds, moving away from worldly patterns and embracing God’s will. This is a direct contrast to practices like witchcraft, which often conform to worldly desires or deceptive spiritual systems. By allowing God to renew our minds, we gain the spiritual insight to recognize and reject what is not of Him, and to embrace His perfect plan for our lives.
26. Joshua 24:14-15
“Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” — Joshua 24:14-15
Joshua presents a clear choice: serve the Lord in sincerity and truth, or follow the gods of the surrounding nations. This powerful declaration challenges us to make a decisive commitment to God, rejecting any form of idolatry or forbidden spiritual practice. It inspires us to stand firm in our faith, choosing to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, knowing He is the only true source of life and guidance.
27. Deuteronomy 18:10
“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,” — Deuteronomy 18:10
This verse is a foundational prohibition against various forms of sorcery and occult practices. It sets a clear boundary for God’s people, distinguishing them from nations that engaged in these activities. It serves as a constant reminder of God’s desire for His people to be set apart, relying on His divine providence and guidance, rather than resorting to deceptive or harmful spiritual means.
28. Acts 16:16-18
“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.” — Acts 16:16-18
This account shows the power of Jesus’ name over a spirit of divination. The girl’s accurate pronouncements were not from God but from a deceptive spirit seeking to mislead. Paul’s decisive action demonstrates that true spiritual authority rests in Christ, and His power can overcome any form of sorcery or demonic influence. This inspires confidence in God’s ability to deliver us from deceptive spiritual forces.
29. Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” — Proverbs 14:12
This proverb offers a profound warning against trusting our own judgment or deceptive appearances. Practices associated with witchcraft might seem appealing or harmless, but if they lead away from God, their ultimate end is destruction. This verse encourages us to seek God’s perspective in all things, ensuring that our paths are aligned with His truth, not merely with what seems right to us.
30. 1 Timothy 4:1
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” — 1 Timothy 4:1
This verse foretells a time when people will be led away from faith by deceptive spirits and false teachings. This is directly relevant to understanding the dangers of practices that align with such influences. It motivates us to stay grounded in God’s Word and to be vigilant against teachings or spiritual experiences that contradict biblical truth, seeking only the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
31. Zechariah 10:2
“For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they are removed, and are become a prey.” — Zechariah 10:2
Zechariah condemns the emptiness and falsehood of idols and divination. Those who rely on such practices receive only vanity and lies, offering no true comfort or salvation. This verse encourages us to turn away from any deceptive spiritual source and to place our complete trust in the Lord, who alone provides genuine truth, comfort, and lasting security.
32. Deuteronomy 18:11
“Or a charmer, or a consul ter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.” — Deuteronomy 18:11
This verse continues the list of forbidden practices, specifically mentioning charmers, those who consult familiar spirits, wizards, and necromancers. These terms all point to attempts to gain knowledge or power through means other than direct communion with God. It reinforces the need for spiritual exclusivity with God, discouraging any engagement with practices that seek supernatural insight from forbidden sources.
33. Isaiah 47:13-14
“Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: there shall not be a coal left to warm at, nor fire to sit before it.” — Isaiah 47:13-14
Isaiah mocks the futility of astrological and divinatory practices in the face of God’s judgment. Those who relied on such methods were powerless to save themselves. This powerfully illustrates that true security and salvation come only from God, not from any form of occult knowledge or prediction. It inspires us to place our faith in the Almighty, who is sovereign over all.
34. Acts 13:8-10
“But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” — Acts 13:8-10
This passage highlights the direct opposition between the power of the Holy Spirit and the deceptive power of sorcery. Elymas the sorcerer tried to block the spread of the Gospel, but Paul, empowered by the Spirit, exposed and overcame him. This inspires us to trust in the superior power of God’s Spirit to counteract any spiritual deception and to stand firm in the truth of the Gospel.
35. 1 John 5:19
“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” — 1 John 5:19
This verse provides a stark contrast between the spiritual reality of believers and the world influenced by evil. It reminds us that the world is susceptible to deceptive practices like witchcraft because it lies in wickedness. As children of God, we are called to live differently, illuminated by His truth and protected by His power, not influenced by the darkness that surrounds us.
Conclusion
The journey through these powerful Bible verses reveals a consistent message from God: He desires our complete devotion, purity, and trust in Him alone. The scriptures clearly delineate practices associated with witchcraft, sorcery, and divination as contrary to His will, emphasizing their deceptive nature and the spiritual danger they pose. These passages are not meant to instill fear, but rather to equip us with divine wisdom and to strengthen our faith in God’s unwavering protection and guidance. They serve as a beacon, illuminating the path of righteousness and encouraging us to rely solely on His strength, not on any temporary or deceptive worldly power.
As we reflect on these truths, we are called to a deeper engagement with God’s Word and a more profound reliance on His Spirit. The verses highlight that true spiritual authority and wisdom come from Him, and any attempt to seek them elsewhere leads to spiritual defilement and separation. By choosing to obey God’s commands and to trust in His divine plan, we align ourselves with His truth and experience the freedom and peace that come from a life lived in His light. Let these scriptures inspire you to continually seek God’s face, to guard your heart against deception, and to walk confidently in His power and love, knowing that He is your ultimate refuge and guide.