sorcerer, sorceress, sorcery, sorceries, witchcraft, magician

Definition

“Sorcery” or “witchcraft” refers to using magic, which involves doing powerful things through the help of evil spirits. A “sorcerer” is someone who does these powerful, magical things.

• The use of magic and sorcery can involve both beneficial things (such as healing someone) and harmful things (such as putting a curse on someone). But all kinds of sorcery are wrong, because they use the power of evil spirits.
• In the Bible, God says that the use of sorcery is as evil as other terrible sins (such as adultery, worshiping idols, and child sacrifice).
• The terms “sorcery” and “witchcraft” could also be translated as “evil spirit power” or “casting spells.”
• Possible ways to translated “sorcerer” could include “worker of magic” or “person who casts spells” or “person who does miracles using evil spirit power.”
• Note that “sorcery” has a different meaning than the term “divination,” which refers to attempting to contact the spirit world.

(See also: adultery, demon, divination, false god, magic, sacrifice, worship)

Bible References

• Acts 8:9-11
• Exodus 7:11-13
• Galatians 5:19-21
• Revelation 9:20-21

Word Data

• Strong’s: H3784, H3785, H3786, H6049, G30950, G30960, G30970, G53310, G53320, G53330