Strong's Lexicon pharmakeia: Sorcery, witchcraft Original Word: φαρμακεία Word Origin: Derived from φάρμακον (pharmakon), meaning "a drug" or "spell-giving potion." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with similar practices is כֶּשֶׁף (kesheph), which also refers to sorcery or witchcraft, as seen in passages like Exodus 22:18 and Deuteronomy 18:10. Usage: In the New Testament, "pharmakeia" refers to the practice of sorcery or witchcraft, often involving the use of potions, spells, and enchantments. It is associated with idolatry and the manipulation of spiritual forces through illicit means. The term is used to describe practices that are contrary to the worship of the one true God and are often linked with moral corruption and deception. Cultural and Historical Background: In the ancient Greco-Roman world, "pharmakeia" was commonly associated with the use of drugs and potions for magical or religious purposes. Sorcerers and magicians were believed to have the power to influence the spiritual realm, often for personal gain or to harm others. Such practices were prevalent in pagan religions and were condemned by Jewish and early Christian teachings as they were seen as attempts to usurp God's authority and engage with demonic forces. HELPS Word-studies 5331 pharmakeía (from pharmakeuō, "administer drugs") – properly, drug-related sorcery, like the practice of magical-arts, etc. (A. T. Robertson). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pharmakeuó (to administer drugs) Definition the use of medicine, drugs or spells NASB Translation sorceries (1), sorcery (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5331: φαρμακείαφαρμακεία (WH κια, so T (except in Galatians 5:20; cf. the Proleg., p. 88); see Iota), φαρμακείας, ἡ (φαρμακεύω); a. the use or the administering of drugs (Xenophon, mem. 4, 2, 17). b. poisoning (Plato, Polybius, others): Revelation 9:21 (here WH text Tr marginal reading φαρμακῶν; many interpretations refer the passage to the next entry). c. sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it: Galatians 5:20 (where see Lightfoot) (Wis. 12:4 Wis. 18:13; for כְּשָׁפִים, Isaiah 47:9; for לָטִים, Exodus 7:22; Exodus 8:18; for לְהָטִים, Exodus 7:11); tropically, of the deceptions and seductions of idolatry, Revelation 18:23. STRONGS NT 5331: φάρμακον [φάρμακον, φαρμάκου, τό, from Homer down, a drug; an enchantment: Tr marginal reading WH text in Revelation 9:21 (R. V. sorceries), for φαρμακεία, which see (in b.). From pharmakeus; medication ("pharmacy"), i.e. (by extension) magic (literally or figuratively) -- sorcery, witchcraft. see GREEK pharmakeus Englishman's Concordance Galatians 5:20 N-NFSGRK: εἰδωλολατρία φαρμακεία ἔχθραι ἔρις NAS: idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, KJV: Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, INT: idolatry sorcery enmities strife Revelation 18:23 N-DFS |
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