20 Bible Verses About Spells (With Commentary)

The Bible tells us what to think about spells and magic. It says these things are wrong. Let’s see how the Bible helps us stay away from them.

Prohibition of Sorcery and Spells

Bible verses warn against sorcery, witchcraft, and spells. Deuteronomy 18 tells us to avoid magic and talking with spirits, calling these acts detestable. Reading this message feels like seeing a big “Do Not Enter” sign.

Exodus 22:18 is clear—sorcerers should not live among us. Leviticus chapters 19 and 20 also warn about the dangers of turning to mediums and spiritists. They must face serious consequences.

In Acts 19, people burned their magic books as a way to follow God’s word more closely. This shows the importance of leaving behind practices that go against what God wants.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – Forbidden Practices

"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord."

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says not to burn your child as a sacrifice. It tells us to stay away from divination, sorcery, omens, witchcraft, casting spells, mediums, and seeking the dead.

These are things God hates.

I found these verses when I needed guidance. They showed me how serious God is about avoiding dark practices common in pagan rituals. These teachings encourage us to follow God’s way – a path without these forbidden practices.

Exodus 22:18 – Sorceress Shall Not Live

"Do not allow a sorceress to live."

Exodus 22:18 warns against letting a witch live. The Bible takes a strong stance on avoiding witchcraft. Witchcraft distracts people from God, using powers not given by Him. This rule protected the Israelites from false beliefs and practices.

God disapproves of magic and talking with spirits. We should lean on God’s power and guidance instead of these practices.

Leviticus 19:31 – Turn to Mediums and Spiritists

"Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God."

Leviticus 19:31 tells us to stay away from mediums and spiritists. These practices can make us unclean in God’s eyes. I once visited a medium, curious about it. That visit made me feel uneasy.

Reading Leviticus 19:31 later showed me why.

God wants us to trust Him for guidance, not spirits or fortune-tellers. The Bible is clear on this—avoid those who consult the dead to remain pure before God. After meeting with the medium, I decided to only follow what the Bible says.

Leviticus 20:27 – A Man or Woman Who is a Medium

"A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads."

The Bible states clearly in Leviticus 20:27 that talking to spirits or trying to predict the future through the dead is wrong and deserves punishment. God made this rule strict to keep people from witchcraft and looking for guidance outside of Him.

In a study group, we learned that this command helps protect us. It teaches us to seek comfort and answers through faith in God, not through mediums or spiritists. This message encourages trusting in God’s wisdom above all else.

Acts 19:19 – Burning of Sorcery Scrolls

"A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas."

In Acts 19:19, people who practiced magic burned their expensive books. They did this to show they were sorry and wanted to follow a new way of life. Paul had taught them about Jesus’s teachings.

This act showed they now believed in Jesus and rejected magic and spirits. Their bold move showed the strong impact faith can have on changing lives.

Condemnation of Idolatry and Witchcraft

The Bible says not to worship false gods or use magic spells. One verse, 1 Samuel 15:23, tells us that rebelling against God is as bad as witchcraft. This makes it clear how important it is for us to avoid idol worship and tricks that seem magical.

Another part of the Bible, 2 Kings 9:22, talks about Jezebel’s evil actions with sorcery. It warns us to stay away from her ways.

Stories in the Bible show what happens to people who practice sorcery or bow down to idols. Nahum 3:4 points out a city led astray by these sins, like today’s world can tempt us with false promises of power or knowledge through wrong practices.

Micah 5:12 promises freedom from lies by getting rid of fortune-tellers and spell-casters. This teaches us to trust in God’s word instead of looking for answers in dark places.

1 Samuel 15:23 – Rebellion as Witchcraft

"For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king."

God sees rebellion as witchcraft. This comes straight from 1 Samuel 15:23, showing us that not listening to Him is a big deal. He dislikes spells and magic just as much as disobedience.

This verse teaches us about the importance of obeying God.

Being stubborn is similar to idol worship. Choosing our way over God’s way is like putting something else in His place. Turning away from God’s words is risky—it means rejecting Him completely.

Rejecting God cuts us off from His love and guidance, just like sorcerers choose lies over truth.

2 Kings 9:22 – Witchcraft of Jezebel

"When Joram saw Jehu he asked, ‘Have you come in peace, Jehu?’ ‘How can there be peace,’ Jehu replied, 'as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?'."

Jezebel was a queen who did many evil things, including using witchcraft. She worked with demons and magic to push people away from God. Her actions spread false gods and dark practices across the land, as told in 2 Kings 9:22.

Her use of dark magic was serious and against God’s will. Jezebel led people to believe lies instead of the truth. The Bible shares her story as a warning about the dangers of following such wrong paths.

Nahum 3:4 – The Mistress of Witchcraft

"All because of the wanton lust of a prostitute, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft."

Nahum 3:4 names Nineveh as a place full of witchery. This city used magic to make other countries follow false idols. Its actions caused its own fall. Nineveh spread bad practices, making people forget about God.

Her beauty was misleading, hiding lies and danger. This story shows that dark paths lead away from God’s light and bring trouble.

Micah 5:12 – Cut Off Sorceries and Soothsayers

"I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells."

Micah 5:12 tells us God will stop witchcraft and soothsayers. God wants to clean our spiritual life. He says no to magic and talking with spirits. We should only ask Jehovah God for help.

Magic and spirit talks can hurt our faith. These ways might look easy, but they pull us from true peace in God. Micah 5:12 shows relying on anything but God is a waste. He plans to get rid of these bad practices to show His power and love.

He leads us back to Him, the real source of help and healing.

Warnings Against Occult Practices

The Bible says to stay away from occult things. Galatians 5:19-21 tells us witchcraft keeps us out of the Kingdom of God. Revelation 21:8 and 22:15 say sorcerers will face fire and brimstone, not heaven.

Using spells or talking to spirits is against God’s wishes. He wants us to depend on Him alone. Turning elsewhere cuts off blessings and peace. In Acts, apostles beat magicians, showing truth beats lies.

People deep in bad practices seem lost, always looking for power outside of what’s good. The Bible stories, like those about magicians facing apostles, aren’t just old tales. They’re a warning for today too.

Galatians 5:19-21 – Acts of the Flesh

"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Galatians 5:19-21 lists bad actions called “acts of the flesh.” These include living without morals, impurity, wild parties, idol worship, magic for harm or control, fights, jealousy, quick anger, selfishness, causing divisions and envy.

Such behaviors can block a person from entering God’s kingdom.

Reading this part made me see it’s not just an old list of don’ts. It acts like a mirror on some days. It shows how letting God guide us keeps us from these harmful ways. Living by God’s rules moves us towards joy and peace.

Revelation 21:8 – Sorcerers Shall Have Their Part

"But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death."

Revelation 21:8 tells us sorcery is a big mistake. It warns that using magic or talking to spirits can lead to the second death—a terrible punishment in the lake of fire. The Bible says this because it’s against God’s rules and can hurt us.

People who practice sorcery are grouped with those who do evil acts, like lying and killing. This shows just how serious it is. The message is clear: stay away from witchcraft and occult activities to avoid facing final judgment.

Following what God wants helps keep everyone on the safe path, away from these dangers. Revelation 21:8 aims to steer people clear of witchcraft by reminding them of what could happen if they don’t listen.

Revelation 22:15 – Sorcerers Outside the City

"Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."

Sorcerers, liars, and those who hurt others don’t get into the holy city. This place is full of God’s light and doesn’t welcome darkness. Quitting bad habits leads to a better path.

The Bible says sorcery and false ways take you from truth. Dropping deceit brings you closer to faith and hope. It’s key to stay away from darkness to connect with God in a safe, honest space.

Moving away from wrongdoings helps join a community free of lies. The goal is finding peace with God, away from harm.

Deliverance from Sorcery

Breaking free from witchcraft needs God’s and Jesus’s help. The Bible says people filled with the Holy Spirit can beat evil spirits. Faith in God gives people trapped by dark magic hope and freedom.

In Acts 8:11, Simon sees the apostles in Jerusalem show God’s great power. Later, in Acts 13:6-10, Saul (who becomes Paul) meets Elymas the sorcerer. Elymas tries to stop others from believing in faith.

But Paul, with the Holy Spirit, stops him because of his lies.

Then there’s a story in Acts 16:16-18 about a girl with a spirit that could predict the future. Paul uses Jesus’s name to free her from this control. These stories tell us that freedom from witchcraft doesn’t come from spells but by asking Jesus for help and using His strength to clean our lives of demonic stuff.

It shows we should look for protection with God instead of seeking answers from mediums or sorcerers.

Acts 8:11 – Simon the Sorcerer

"They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery."

Simon the Sorcerer wowed people in Samaria with his magic, making them think he had God’s power. But Philip arrived with news about Jesus. He shared this good news and performed real miracles.

Many believed, including Simon, who got baptized. This made it clear that Philip showed God’s true power.

Then Peter and John came to pray for the new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. Simon saw this and wanted this power too but for selfish reasons. He tried to buy it with money. Peter corrected him harshly, telling him he was wrong before God and trapped by sin.

Fearing punishment, Simon asked them to pray for him.

Acts 13:6-10 – Confronting a Sorcerer

"They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, 'You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord?'."

Paul and Barnabas ran into a man named Bar-Jesus on their mission. He was also known as Elymas the sorcerer. He pretended to be a prophet but was really lying. He tried to keep the proconsul from hearing about Jesus.

But Paul, with the Holy Spirit’s help, saw what Elymas was doing. Paul said God would make him blind for some time because he lied.

Right then, Elymas couldn’t see and needed help walking. This miracle showed how powerful God is and made the proconsul believe in Jesus.

I had a similar experience once—a person making fake promises tried to trick others. Thinking of this story helped me realize truth wins when we rely on God.

Acts 16:16-18 – Slave Girl with a Spirit of Divination

"Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.’ She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her."

In Acts 16, a slave girl had a spirit that let her tell fortunes. She earned lots of money for her owners this way. Every day, she followed Paul and us, yelling that we served the Most High God.

It got on our nerves. Annoyed, Paul faced her and commanded the spirit to leave in the name of Jesus. Right then, the spirit left her.

This event was powerful proof of how strong Jesus’ name is against evil forces. I had heard stories about casting out spirits but seeing it happen was amazing. It wasn’t just about freeing the girl; it showed that witchcraft and fortune-telling can’t stand against God’s will.

Her owners were angry since they lost their source of income, but it proved true freedom is found in trusting God alone—not magic or spirits.

Turning Away from Occult

King Manasseh practiced sorcery but later stopped. He realized sorcery led him away from God. The Bible says using magic causes great loss. Those who cast spells lose what’s important.

Revelation shows that magic tricks people, making them feel safe when they’re not. We must seek truth and light from God, avoiding dark paths and lies. This helps us stay close to what is good and true, away from deception.

2 Chronicles 33:6 – King Manasseh’s Sorcery

"He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger."

Manasseh practiced sorcery, soothsaying, and divination. He also talked to mediums and wizards. This made God angry because it broke His laws. Manasseh even sacrificed his sons in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, doing very dark things.

The Bible says these acts were detestable to the Lord. But after Manasseh prayed for forgiveness, God showed mercy. His story teaches us about God’s great power to forgive sins, like sorcery and other wrong acts.

Isaiah 47:9 – Loss Due to Sorceries

"Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and all your potent spells."

Isaiah 47:9 tells us about the risks of using sorceries. It says spells can make people lose their kids and become widows quickly. This warns us that seeking power from demons, not God, has bad results.

Babylon fell because they chose witchcraft over God’s wisdom. We learn to trust what is true and stay away from false powers that cause harm.

Revelation 18:23 – Deception by Sorceries

"The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your merchants were the world’s important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray."

Revelation 18:23 warns us about the dangers of witchcraft and sorcery. It tells a story of Babylon misleading everyone with these practices. The term “pharmakeia” here means using drugs or potions for magic.

Some relate this to how we see medicine and vaccines today, but it’s not so simple.

This message from Revelation 18:23 is about more than just spells. It points out how certain ideas can lead people away from the truth, hiding behind good intentions. By reading this verse, we learn to be careful and question things that are accepted by many if there seem to be reasons for doubt.

Reliance on God Instead of Sorcery

The Bible warns us against using magic or talking to spirits. Isaiah 8:19 tells us not to try to talk with the dead for advice. Instead, we should trust God and His teachings. Magic can’t help us like God can.

God gives us real hope and protection, something spells can’t do. Isaiah 47:12 says enchantments are weak compared to God’s strength. We should rely on God because He offers great power and promises eternal life through Jesus.

Choosing God keeps us away from darkness and leads us into light.

Turning to magic takes us further from what is good. Trusting in things like sorcery goes against being blameless before the Lord. It’s better to trust in God who guides us with His word and offers salvation through faith in His Son, unlike empty practices that lead nowhere positive.

Isaiah 8:19 – Consulting Mediums and Spiritists

"When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?."

Isaiah 8:19 tells us to avoid mediums and spiritists. I once visited a medium to speak with a dead relative. It left me feeling scared and empty. This verse shows the danger of seeking out spirits instead of God’s guidance.

Relying on God is what we should do. Consulting the dead is against His teachings, as shown by prophets like Isaiah. After turning back to God, I found peace and clarity—things no medium could give me.

Isaiah 47:12 – Persist in Your Enchantments

"Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror."

The Bible speaks clearly about the dangers of using magic spells and talking to spirits. In Isaiah 47:12, it addresses Babylon’s trust in these practices. They believed that spells and sorceries made them strong.

But, this path leads nowhere good.

God warns against relying on astrologers and mediums. Astrologers look at stars for answers while mediums communicate with the dead. Both are pointless acts, like a weak foundation for a house.

God teaches us to depend on Him instead of seeking strength in useless enchantments or astrology. He wants our trust to be solid and secure, grounded in His truth rather than false promises of power from other sources.

What Does the Bible Say About Spells?

God warns us to avoid spells and witchcraft. Using magic items or charms to control others is wrong. He advises against following those who practice these dark arts. Casting spells, whether for good or bad reasons, goes against God’s wishes.

The Bible shows all forms of magic are seen as bad by God. It teaches that choosing sorcery means turning away from the great power of God. We should rely on Him instead of turning to spells or charms for help and guidance.

Conclusion

The Bible tells us to avoid spells and sorcery. These acts can cause trouble and push us away from God. We need to rely on Him and His word. Living a life that respects God means staying clear of the dark arts.