In the context of the Bible, spells are often associated with practices that are contrary to the worship and obedience of the one true God. The use of spells is typically linked to sorcery, witchcraft, and divination, all of which are explicitly condemned in the Scriptures. The Bible consistently warns against engaging in such practices, as they are seen as attempts to manipulate spiritual forces outside of God's will and authority.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament contains several prohibitions against the use of spells and related practices. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are instructed: "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."

This passage highlights the seriousness with which God views the practice of casting spells, placing it alongside other forbidden activities such as child sacrifice and consulting the dead. The underlying principle is that such practices are an abomination because they represent a reliance on powers other than God.

In Exodus 22:18 , the law is clear: "You must not allow a sorceress to live." This severe command underscores the gravity of engaging in sorcery and spells, reflecting the need to maintain the purity and holiness of the community.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues to affirm the rejection of spells and similar practices. In Acts 19:19 , we see a powerful example of repentance and renunciation of such practices: "And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in front of everyone. When the value of the books was calculated, it came to fifty thousand drachmas."

This account from Ephesus demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel, as those who had previously engaged in magic arts publicly renounced their former ways, signifying a complete break from their past practices.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the use of spells is seen as a form of idolatry, as it involves seeking power and guidance from sources other than God. The Bible teaches that God alone is the source of true power and wisdom, and any attempt to access supernatural power apart from Him is considered rebellion against His sovereignty.

The practice of casting spells is also viewed as a deception, as it often involves the manipulation of spiritual forces that are ultimately under God's control. Believers are called to trust in God's providence and to seek His guidance through prayer and the study of Scripture, rather than resorting to forbidden practices.

Practical Considerations

For Christians, the biblical prohibitions against spells serve as a reminder to remain vigilant against influences that may lead them away from their faith. This includes being cautious about cultural practices, entertainment, and literature that may glamorize or trivialize the use of spells and magic.

In pastoral care, it is important to address any involvement in such practices with compassion and clarity, guiding individuals towards repentance and a deeper relationship with God. The focus should be on the redemptive power of Christ, who offers forgiveness and freedom from all forms of spiritual bondage.

Overall, the Bible's stance on spells is clear: they are incompatible with a life devoted to God, and believers are called to reject them in favor of a wholehearted commitment to the Lord.Micah 5:12
And I will cut off witchcrafts out of your hand; and you shall have no more soothsayers:
Topicalbible.org

Leviticus 19:26
You shall not eat any thing with the blood: neither shall you use enchantment, nor observe times.
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Leviticus 20:27
A man also or woman that has a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be on them.
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Leviticus 19:31
Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
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2 Chronicles 33:6
And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he worked much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
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Isaiah 8:19
And when they shall say to you, Seek to them that have familiar spirits, and to wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek to their God? for the living to the dead?
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2 Kings 21:6
And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he worked much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
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Deuteronomy 18:9-12
When you are come into the land which the LORD your God gives you, you shall not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
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5331. pharmakeia -- the use of medicine, drugs or spells
... the use of medicine, drugs or spells. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration:
pharmakeia Phonetic Spelling: (far-mak-i'-ah) Short Definition: magic ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5331.htm - 7k

1114. goes -- a wailer, a sorcerer, a swindler
... a whining enchanter. This person uses their verbal spells and incantations
to give the (false) they can do miracles. Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1114.htm - 7k

3132. manteuomai -- to divine
... From a derivative of mainomai (meaning a prophet, as supposed to rave through
inspiration); to divine, ie Utter spells (under pretense of foretelling -- by ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3132.htm - 6k

1845. exorkistes -- an exorcist
... Phonetic Spelling: (ex-or-kis-tace') Short Definition: an exorcist Definition: an
exorcist, a caster out of evil spirits by the use of names or spells. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1845.htm - 6k

2267. cheber -- company, association, spell
... 2266, 2267. cheber. 2268 . company, association, spell. Transliteration:
cheber Phonetic Spelling: (kheh'-ber) Short Definition: spells. ...
/hebrew/2267.htm - 6k

2266. chabar -- to unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell ...
... A primitive root; to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of
spells) to fascinate -- charm(- er), be compact, couple (together), have ...
/hebrew/2266.htm - 6k

Whether a Spell Can be an Impediment to Marriage?
... marriage. For the spells in question are caused by the operation of demons. ...
like. Therefore they cannot hinder marriage by spells. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a spell can be.htm

On the First Commandment
... 319 Q. Do those who make use of spells and charms, or who believe in dreams, in
mediums, spiritists, fortune tellers, and the like, sin against the First ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 30 on the first.htm

A Message from the Crowned Christ
... Patmos Spells Patience. ... The strength in the love obeys the love passion and takes
fresh hold in holding back. Patmos spells out the patience of our Lord Jesus. ...
/.../iv a message from the crowned.htm

To the Greeks, Then, I have to Say that the Magi...
... extend to, bring about such results only as do not appear to exceed the superhuman
power and strength of the evil spirits, and of the spells which invoke them ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lx to the greeks.htm

Of Porphyry's Epistle to Anebo, in which He Asks for Information ...
... He inclines to the latter opinion, on the ground that it is by the use of stones
and herbs that they lay spells on people, and open closed doors, and do ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 11 of porphyrys epistle to.htm

Blessing and Trial.
... In the third month dropsy of the chest set in; and, on account of smothering
spells, she had to be bolstered up in bed with pillows. ...
/.../byrum/the value of a praying mother/chapter xiii blessing and trial.htm

Suffering the Birth-Pains of a New Life.
... If we read the facts of the gospel stories apart from Jesus' words, the cross
spells out just one word"in large, pot-black capitals"HATE. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/suffering the birth-pains of a.htm

Paracelsus {13}
... And these Neoplatonists were all, more or less, believers in magic"Theurgy, as it
was called"in the power of charms and spells, in the occult virtues of ...
/.../kingsley/historical lectures and essays/paracelsus 13.htm

David.
... head. Saul, who was then the King of Israel, had spells of insanity, and
David was sent for to try and calm him by his music. In ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/wee ones bible stories/david.htm

To the Right Honourable the Earl of Lichfield.
... Nor less than a plump god to fill the bowl: A thousand phantoms, and a
thousand spells,. A thousand opiates scatters, to delude,. ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/to the right honourable the.htm

Spells (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Spells (5 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 18:11 or a charmer,
or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. ...
/s/spells.htm - 7k

Enchantments (12 Occurrences)
... (2.) The rendering of the Hebrew keshaphim, "muttered spells" or "incantations,"
rendered "sorceries" in Isaiah 47:9, 12, ie, the using of certain formulae ...
/e/enchantments.htm - 11k

Enchantment (4 Occurrences)
... act of enchanting; the production of certain wonderful effects by the aid of demons,
or the agency of supposed spirits; the use of magic arts, spells, or charms ...
/e/enchantment.htm - 16k

Curse (211 Occurrences)
... The use of magic and spells of all kinds is based on the belief that it is possible
to enlist the support of the superhuman beings with whom the universe ...
/c/curse.htm - 46k

Spelling (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Spell. 3. (n.) The act of one who spells; formation of words
by letters; orthography. 4. (a.) of or pertaining to spelling. ...
/s/spelling.htm - 7k

Spelt (3 Occurrences)

/s/spelt.htm - 8k

Witch (2 Occurrences)
... events. It is not to be credited that the saintly Samuel was actually summoned
from his rest by the spells of a professional diviner. ...
/w/witch.htm - 24k

Rahab (14 Occurrences)
... the commentators. (2) (Rhachab): Josephus, Ant, V, 1, 2, 7, so spells
the name of (1) Septuagint and New Testament contra). The ...
/r/rahab.htm - 16k

En-dor (3 Occurrences)
... events. It is not to be credited that the saintly Samuel was actually summoned
from his rest by the spells of a professional diviner. ...
/e/en-dor.htm - 11k

Endor (3 Occurrences)
... events. It is not to be credited that the saintly Samuel was actually summoned
from his rest by the spells of a professional diviner. ...
/e/endor.htm - 12k

Can a Christian be cursed? Will God allow a curse on a believer? | GotQuestions.org

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What is the Egyptian Book of the Dead? | GotQuestions.org

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