The term "enchant" and its derivatives, such as "enchantment" and "enchanter," are associated with practices that are generally condemned in the Bible. These terms are often linked to sorcery, witchcraft, and divination, which are seen as contrary to the worship and reliance on the one true God. The Bible consistently warns against engaging in such practices, as they are considered abominations and are associated with pagan religions and idolatry.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, enchantment is frequently mentioned in the context of prohibitions against occult practices. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you."

The Hebrew word often translated as "enchant" or "enchantment" is "נַחַשׁ" (nachash), which can also mean to practice divination or to observe signs. In Isaiah 47:9,12 , the prophet Isaiah speaks against Babylon, highlighting their reliance on enchantments and sorceries: "But these two things will overtake you in a moment, in a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and the potency of your spells... Persist in your spells and your many sorceries, at which you have labored from your youth. Perhaps you will succeed; perhaps you will inspire terror!"

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the practice of enchantment is similarly condemned. Acts 8:9-11 recounts the account of Simon the Sorcerer, who practiced magic in Samaria and amazed the people, claiming to be someone great. However, upon hearing the gospel, Simon believed and was baptized, though his subsequent actions revealed a misunderstanding of the faith.

Galatians 5:19-21 lists sorcery as one of the works of the flesh: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, enchantment is seen as a form of rebellion against God. It represents a reliance on powers other than God and a desire to manipulate the spiritual realm for personal gain or insight. This is in direct opposition to the biblical call to trust in God's sovereignty and to seek His guidance through prayer and the study of Scripture.

The Bible's strong stance against enchantment underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and fidelity to God. It serves as a warning to avoid practices that can lead believers away from the truth and into spiritual deception.1. (v. t.) To charm by sorcery; to act on by enchantment; to get control of by magical words and rites.

2. (v. t.) To delight in a high degree; to charm; to enrapture; as, music enchants the ear.

Christ the End of the Law
... this day. Perhaps it may please the Lord to enchant them with the perfection
of the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. As Bunyan ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 22 1876/christ the end of the.htm

The Nativity
... Delightful views of nature, dressed by art,. Enchant no longer this indifferent
heart; The Lord of all things, in his humble birth,. ...
/.../translations from the french of madame de la mothe guion/the nativity.htm

A Confirmation of what Has Been Said by a Noteworthy Comparison.
... outside, but he who bites this apple, that is, he who sounds their nature, finds
neither taste nor contentment in them, nevertheless they enchant us and put us ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter ix a confirmation of.htm

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
... joy: he had the flower and quintessence of all delights " sumptuous fare, stately
edifices, vineyards, fishponds, all sorts of music to enchant and ravish ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/2 there is a blessedness.htm

On the Theophany, or Birthday of Christ.
... Let us not adorn our porches, nor arrange dances, nor decorate the streets; let
us not feast the eye, nor enchant the ear with music, nor enervate the nostrils ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxviii on the theophany.htm

For the King There were Three Great Perils: the People...
... It has brought you and me together,". "To enchant me with your beauty?" he
inquired. "Nay," said she, her cheek touching his shoulder. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 16 for the king.htm

Meanwhile Florian Varillo had not Gone to Naples. ...
... Ah! Then the view would enchant the Signor, because it would be quite new to him!
The room should be prepared at once! Would the Signor take supper? ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxxi meanwhile florian varillo had.htm

Of Flattery.
... abroad, they are willing to return to their most complaisant company: and so this
Sycophant Devil having once got them within his circle, may enchant them as ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section viii of flattery.htm

The Preface to the Commandments
... our Segullah, or chief treasure! Are our hearts so chained to God that
no other object can enchant us, or draw us away from him? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 3 the preface to the.htm

An Exhortation to the People Respecting Fortitude and Patience...
... Is there any one of harsh and unyielding character among them? "Let the melody of
every kind of music," saith he, "enchant and soften him." But is he superior ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iv an exhortation to.htm

Enchant (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (vt) To delight in a high degree; to charm; to enrapture; as, music enchants
the ear. Multi-Version Concordance Enchant (1 Occurrence). ...
/e/enchant.htm - 6k

Witch (2 Occurrences)
... versiera. 6. (n.) The stormy petrel. 7. (vt) To bewitch; to fascinate; to
enchant. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. EN-DOR, WITCH OF. ...
/w/witch.htm - 24k

Encamps (3 Occurrences)

/e/encamps.htm - 7k

Enchanter (5 Occurrences)

/e/enchanter.htm - 8k

Bewitch (1 Occurrence)
... to injure) by witchcraft or sorcery. 2. (vt) To charm; to fascinate; to please to
such a degree as to take away the power of resistance; to enchant. Int. ...
/b/bewitch.htm - 8k

Charm (5 Occurrences)
... to allay; to soothe. 9. (n.) To attract irresistibly; to delight exceedingly;
to enchant; to fascinate. 10. (n.) To protect with ...
/c/charm.htm - 14k

Clouds (99 Occurrences)
... of the flies. (BBE). Leviticus 19:26 Ye do not eat with the blood; ye do
not enchant, nor observe clouds. (YLT). Deuteronomy 4:11 ...
/c/clouds.htm - 35k

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