35 Powerful Bible Verses About Witchcraft And Divination (With Commentary)

Witchcraft and divination are topics that many people wonder about, especially when it comes to understanding what the Bible says about them. These practices can often seem mysterious and confusing. However, the Bible offers clear teachings on these subjects to help guide us in our understanding of God’s will for our lives. By looking at these verses, we can learn how God feels about these practices and why He warns against them.

Today, we will take a closer look at several Bible verses that address witchcraft and divination. These scriptures remind us of the importance of turning to God for guidance rather than seeking answers from sources that may lead us away from Him. Understanding what the Bible says on this topic can help us grow in our faith and make wise choices.

Bible Verses About Witchcraft And Divination

Exodus 22:18

“Do not allow a sorceress to live.” Exodus 22:18

This verse is a strong warning from the law given to Israel. It shows how seriously God viewed practices that turned people away from Him. When we read this passage in light of witchcraft and divination, we see a call to protect the community from spiritual harm. The text speaks to the danger of trusting someone who claims power apart from God. In our day we do not carry out ancient judgments, yet the principle remains that God wants His people to avoid tools or people that lead hearts away from faithful reliance on Him.

Leviticus 19:26

“Do not practice divination or seek omens.” Leviticus 19:26

Leviticus gives rules that shape daily living for a holy community. This short command forbids seeking signs and omens. The verse tells us to avoid practices that look for spiritual answers outside God. When thinking about witchcraft and divination here, the passage reminds us that God expects trust and obedience. Turning to omens weakens faith. The command invites us to look for God in prayer and Scripture. It also protects the people from being led astray by methods that claim to read fate or control future events.

Leviticus 19:31

“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them.” Leviticus 19:31

This verse warns against consulting mediums and spiritists. The language of defilement shows a deep concern for spiritual purity. For anyone studying witchcraft and divination, this passage makes clear that such practices separate people from God. The text asks the community to refuse any practice that opens doors to other spirits. The refusal protects faith and communal life. The verse encourages turning to God directly in prayer and seeking leaders who point people to Scripture rather than to hidden powers or secret rites that claim special access to the future.

Leviticus 20:6

“I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them.” Leviticus 20:6

This passage uses strong language to show how God reacts when people rely on mediums. The idea of turning God’s face away illustrates broken relationship. In the topic of witchcraft and divination, the verse calls out the seriousness of seeking spiritual help from forbidden sources. The betrayal image teaches that trust belongs to God alone. The warning invites confession and a return to God for anyone who has looked elsewhere for answers. The intent is restoration, not shame, so we learn to lead others back to prayer and biblical counsel.

Leviticus 20:27

“A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist must be put to death.” Leviticus 20:27

This law reflects the seriousness of ancient Israel’s covenant life. It shows that practices of witchcraft and divination were treated as direct threats to the community. The historic penalty emphasized how much God wanted His people to avoid spiritual confusion. For modern readers the passage calls for caution about any practice that claims spiritual authority outside Scripture. It reminds us to protect our families and churches from anything that invites spiritual compromise. The heart of the message is loyalty to God and careful discernment about spiritual claims.

Deuteronomy 18:9

“When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there.” Deuteronomy 18:9

This verse begins a warning against taking on the customs of surrounding peoples. The context is about stopping practices tied to false religion. In terms of witchcraft and divination, the passage asks God’s people not to copy those rituals. The idea is that God wants a people set apart who look to Him, not to the cultural rites of the moment. The passage encourages teaching and tradition that form a life of faith. It asks families to pass on trust in God rather than habits that open doors to other spiritual powers.

Deuteronomy 18:10

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery.” Deuteronomy 18:10

This verse lists forbidden practices together with extreme forms of idolatry. Grouping divination with violent rites makes the point clear. Witchcraft and divination are part of religious systems that pull people from God. The command calls for a holy separation from those patterns. For us the words are a reminder to teach our children to seek God’s wisdom. The verse helps families and churches to see that spiritual curiosity must be guided by Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel rather than occult methods.

Deuteronomy 18:11

“Anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens or sorcery.” Deuteronomy 18:11

This list names different kinds of occult practices to be rejected. The passage covers many ways people try to get control over the future. When we read this in light of witchcraft and divination, the variety shows how wide the temptation can be. The verse invites careful listening to God rather than to those who promise hidden knowledge. It also helps leaders spot false practices in public life. The clear teaching encourages patience in prayer and steady trust in God’s timing for answers.

Deuteronomy 18:12

“Because of these things the Lord drives out those nations before you.” Deuteronomy 18:12

This verse explains the reason for the warning. The presence of such practices brought judgment on other nations. For students of witchcraft and divination, the passage warns that turning to occult ways brings harm. The focus here is on the cause and effect between false worship and the fall of a people. The text calls us to guard our worship life. It invites regular repentance and corporate life shaped by God’s commands so that our community avoids the pitfalls that once led to ruin.

Deuteronomy 18:14

“These nations will be driven out before you. You must completely destroy them.” Deuteronomy 18:14

This verse closes the warning section by urging Israel to remove pagan influence. The practical aim was to prevent the spread of corrupted worship. When we think about witchcraft and divination, it means guarding our homes and neighborhoods from practices that lead away from God. The call to remove harmful influence encourages teaching and careful fellowship. The goal is a strong community formed by Scripture. The verse points to spiritual health that comes from keeping life focused on the living God.

1 Samuel 15:23

“Rebellion is like the sin of divination.” 1 Samuel 15:23

Samuel uses a powerful comparison when speaking to Saul. He treats rebellion and partial obedience as closely related to divination. For our topic of witchcraft and divination, the verse teaches that refusing God’s commands is dangerous. It shows how turning to other practices can reflect a heart that will not submit. The point is that sin may take the form of hidden practices or open disobedience. The verse calls us to a heart that follows God fully and does not try to pick and choose spiritual priorities.

1 Samuel 28:7

“Saul then said to his attendants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium.'” 1 Samuel 28:7

This verse tells of Saul seeking a medium when he felt lost. It is a sad moment of a king turning from God. For the study of witchcraft and divination, the scene shows the danger of seeking forbidden help. Saul’s choice led him farther from God’s guidance. The passage teaches that panic and fear can push us into wrong places. The better response is to seek God, trusted leaders, and Scripture. The story stands as a warning about the cost of looking for answers outside God’s ways.

1 Samuel 28:8

“The woman had a familiar spirit, and she answered Saul in the name of Samuel.” 1 Samuel 28:8

When the medium speaks, the spirit pretends to be a prophet. This episode shows how deceptive occult practice can be. In the topic of witchcraft and divination, the verse reveals that such practices can confuse and mislead. The counsel is to be wary of any voice claiming divine authority that does not align with God’s Word. The passage teaches us to test messages and to rely on Scripture and prayer. It also calls leaders to guide people away from places that promise spiritual contact outside God.

1 Samuel 28:20

“Saul bowed down with his face to the ground and fell full length on the ground, and was terrified by what the woman said.” 1 Samuel 28:20

Saul’s fear shows the emotional pull of forbidden counsel. The woman’s words brought terror to the king. For those studying witchcraft and divination, the verse warns that such encounters can leave people shaken. The story encourages turning to God for peace and clarity. Friends and church leaders should offer comfort and sound teaching to those who feel drawn by occult practices. The scene reminds us that faith rooted in God gives steadiness even in trials that tempt us to look elsewhere for answers.

1 Chronicles 10:13

“So Saul died for his unfaithfulness, which he had committed against the Lord, because he did not keep the word of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 10:13

This summary of Saul’s death notes unfaithfulness as the cause. The context includes his turn to a medium. The verse reminds readers that turning from God has serious consequences. In light of witchcraft and divination, it shows that abandoning God’s ways can lead to ruin. The passage calls us to faithful obedience and humble repentance. The story is a pastoral reminder to help those who stray to come back to God. Pastors and families can use this to teach the cost of rejecting God’s guidance.

2 Kings 21:6

“He sacrificed his children in the fire and practiced divination and witchcraft.” 2 Kings 21:6

This verse condemns Manasseh’s reign and its evils. The list includes divination and witchcraft among grave sins. For the topic, the verse shows how leaders can lead a people into spiritual corruption. The passage warns that public life can be shaped by the choices of rulers. It calls believers to pray for godly leadership and to hold fast to Scripture in difficult times. The example teaches that avoiding witchcraft and divination is part of living a life that honors God in society and family life.

2 Chronicles 33:6

“He practiced sorcery, consulted mediums and spiritists.” 2 Chronicles 33:6

The chronicler gives the same sad picture of Manasseh. The verse lists practices that brought moral decay. For those studying witchcraft and divination, the passage warns about how such practices can spread through a nation. The text urges correction and reform. It also holds out hope since Manasseh later repents. The story tells us that even deep entanglement can be met with God’s mercy when a heart turns back. The lesson is to address occult influence with prayer and clear teaching.

Isaiah 8:19

“Should not a people ask their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” Isaiah 8:19

Isaiah challenges people who consult the dead instead of God. The verse questions the wisdom of seeking guidance from spirits. In terms of witchcraft and divination, it calls believers to bring their concerns directly to the Lord. The rhetorical style makes the point clear: God is the proper source of counsel. The verse invites trust in prayer and Scripture over any contact with the dead. It comforts the faithful by pointing to a living God who answers rather than to silence or shadowy claims.

Isaiah 47:13

“You are wearied with your many counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators stand up.” Isaiah 47:13

This scornful invitation shows how powerless occult advisers are when judgment comes. Isaiah mocks those who claim control over fate. For the topic of witchcraft and divination, the verse teaches that human attempts to predict or control are futile before God. The passage encourages reliance on God’s wisdom instead of seeking control through spells or charts. It humbles the proud who promise certainty. The message strengthens faith that God governs history, not the techniques of fortune telling or hidden arts.

Isaiah 47:14

“All the counsel they give you has only worn you out.” Isaiah 47:14

Isaiah points out the broken promises of false counselors. The verse fits the theme of witchcraft and divination by showing their emptiness. People who follow such counsel end up weary and disappointed. The text encourages those feeling exploited to turn to God for rest. It also calls leaders to offer true comfort. The passage reassures us that God’s ways bring life. It reminds the reader that seeking God provides lasting hope rather than the fleeting answers of occult practices.

Ezekiel 13:6

“They see false visions and give false hopes, leading my people astray.” Ezekiel 13:6

Ezekiel condemns false prophets who promise peace where there is no peace. The verse connects false visions to misleading the flock. For witchcraft and divination, it warns about any practice that fabricates hope apart from God. The passage asks the community to test messages against truth. The practical call is to teach discernment in church life. It also offers pastoral care to those confused by false words, guiding them back to God’s revealed truth and steady comfort.

Ezekiel 21:21

“For the king of Babylon stood at the fork to use divination; he made decisions using omens.” Ezekiel 21:21

This verse gives a picture of a ruler who used divination to choose a path. The prophet shows how leaders can trust omens instead of God. In the study of witchcraft and divination, the verse warns against relying on signs to guide nations. The passage suggests that true wisdom comes from God rather than guessing. The call is to public and private life shaped by prayer and counsel. It reminds us to ask God for guidance in decisions rather than testing fate with rituals.

Exodus 7:11

“The Egyptian magicians did the same by their secret arts and made frogs appear.” Exodus 7:11

This early Exodus scene shows magic mimicking God’s work. The magicians copied signs by secret arts. For the topic of witchcraft and divination, the verse reveals that occult power can imitate divine acts. The story encourages awe for God who is greater than any trick. It warns leaders and people to seek God’s work rather than be fooled by imitation. The passage helps believers spot counterfeit signs and to trust God’s authority over displays that claim supernatural origin.

Acts 8:9

“There was a man named Simon who had practiced sorcery and amazed the people.” Acts 8:9

Luke introduces Simon the Sorcerer who amazed a city with his acts. The verse shows how spectacle can draw a crowd. In the context of witchcraft and divination, it warns that people may follow power over truth. The passage calls Christians to offer the gospel, not simply showmanship. It also offers a model for confronting false claims with clear teaching. The life of Simon prompts questions about repentance and true faith rather than mere fascination with spiritual signs.

Acts 8:10

“They followed him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.” Acts 8:10

This verse highlights the long term effect of sorcery on a community. People were drawn for years by dramatic displays. For witchcraft and divination, the passage warns that repeated exposure can normalize the occult. The text urges churches to offer steady, loving teaching to replace fascination with genuine faith. It also reminds families to protect children from things that glamorize hidden power. The story points to the need for trust in Christ over attraction to spiritual spectacle.

Acts 8:11

“All the people, both small and great, gave attention to him.” Acts 8:11

Here Luke notes that the attraction to Simon crossed social lines. When witchcraft and divination grab attention, the whole community can be affected. The verse warns against assuming that social status protects one from error. The message encourages community leaders to teach plainly and pastorally. The passage shows the church must offer clear alternatives to popular spiritual fads. It also invites those attracted to spectacle to see the deeper truth of the gospel, which offers real life instead of temporary wonder.

Acts 8:13

Acts 8:13

Simon’s initial belief led to baptism, yet his heart still sought control over spiritual power. In the study of witchcraft and divination, the verse is a caution. Conversion that is true produces humble service, not a desire to buy spiritual authority. The passage calls churches to teach about transformation of the heart. It invites new believers to grow in faith that trusts God’s gift rather than trying to possess spiritual influence. The story opens pastoral concern for deeper change.

Acts 16:16

“A slave girl had a spirit by which she predicted the future.” Acts 16:16

This short description shows how divination appeared in Paul’s ministry. The girl’s gift brought profit to her owners and drew attention. For witchcraft and divination, the verse warns about exploitation and about spiritual forces at work. Paul’s response to free the girl demonstrates that gospel power confronts spiritual oppression. The passage encourages prayerfulness and moral courage. It also reminds believers to seek freedom for those trapped by practices that use people and promise control of the future.

Acts 13:6

“They met a Jewish false prophet and sorcerer named Elymas.” Acts 13:6

Elymas opposed Paul and Barnabas, trying to turn people from the faith. The verse shows how sorcery can be used to stop the gospel. In the topic of witchcraft and divination, the passage calls for bold witness and prayerful confrontation of false power. The scene reveals that God’s truth can overcome attempts to deceive. The story encourages clear proclamation of the gospel and trust that God will open eyes. The passage also warns of spiritual opposition to Christian work.

Acts 13:8

“Elymas the sorcerer opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.” Acts 13:8

This verse names the tactic of opposition used by sorcerers. They try to divert leaders from hearing the gospel. For witchcraft and divination, the passage stresses that spiritual deception aims at steering people away from Christ. The apostles respond with firmness and prayer. The lesson for believers is to stand rooted in Scripture when persuasion and sleight of hand try to derail faith. The account shows God supports those who courageously speak truth to power and false teaching.

Galatians 5:20

“Idolatry and witchcraft are among the acts of the sinful nature.” Galatians 5:20

Paul lists witchcraft in his catalog of harmful actions that harm spiritual life. The verse places the practice among things that block the Spirit. Thinking about witchcraft and divination, the passage warns that such acts resist the work of God in us. Paul’s call to live by the Spirit invites a different kind of life marked by love and self control. The teaching urges believers to turn away from occult practices and toward fruit that builds up the church and nurtures a faithful walk with God.

Galatians 5:21

“Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:21

Paul states a serious consequence for persistent practice of immoral acts. For the theme of witchcraft and divination, the verse is a sober reminder that continuing in such behavior cuts off fellowship with God. The warning presses believers to choose repentance and transformation. The passage also encourages church accountability and pastoral care. The heart of Paul’s message is hope for change. The call is to leave practices that harm and to embrace life formed by the Spirit and God’s Word.

Revelation 21:8

“The cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, along with all liars and sorcerers, will face the second death.” Revelation 21:8

The book of Revelation warns of final judgment for those who persist in sin. Including sorcerers among those excluded from the new life underlines the seriousness of occult practice. In the context of witchcraft and divination, the verse calls people to repent and to trust Christ. The imagery of final separation reminds readers to value faithfulness. The passage encourages urgent faith and warns against treating the occult as harmless. It calls the church to speak clearly about salvation and to invite all to new life in Christ.

Revelation 22:15

“Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral.” Revelation 22:15

The closing chapter of Revelation lists those kept from the holy city. The verse places sorcerers outside the blessing God offers. For witchcraft and divination, this calls for sober reflection. The invitation of the book is for sinners to turn and be healed. The passage urges people to accept God’s mercy now so they are not shut out. The message is pastoral: God longs for people to be part of His kingdom, and turning from occult practices is part of that change.

1 Corinthians 10:20

“What pagans sacrifice they offer to demons, not to God.” 1 Corinthians 10:20

Paul warns that participating in pagan rites is in fact participation with demons. The verse links idolatry and demonic activity. When reading about witchcraft and divination, this passage reminds Christians to avoid practices that connect them to other spirits. The point is that worship belongs to God alone. The verse calls believers to wise choices about what they attend and support. The teaching urges a life of worship that honors God and leaves no room for spiritual confusion.

2 Timothy 3:1

“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud.” 2 Timothy 3:1

Paul describes difficult days when many false paths will be attractive. The list includes traits that lead people away from sound faith. For witchcraft and divination, the verse helps us see why people might turn to quick answers and secret powers. The passage calls the church to teach and to model humility and love. The remedy is faithful Scripture teaching and a caring community. The text warns believers to be alert and to encourage one another toward lasting devotion to God.

Romans 1:25

“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped created things.” Romans 1:25

Paul explains why nations fall into corrupt practices. They traded the truth for false answers and began to worship what God made. In the matter of witchcraft and divination, the verse shows that false spiritual systems come from replacing God with something else. The remedy is turning back to the true God. The passage calls us to honest heart checks to ensure we are not seeking power or control outside God. The text encourages a return to worship that honors the Creator.

Jeremiah 23:16

“Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless.” Jeremiah 23:16

Jeremiah warns against false prophets who lead people astray with empty promises. The verse applies to those who use witchcraft and divination to give false comfort. The prophet calls the people to test voices against God’s Word. For the topic, the text teaches that discernment matters. The community must reject messages that undermine trust in God. The passage encourages believers to seek leaders who point to Scripture, and to avoid those promising special access through occult means.

Micah 5:12

“I will remove your witchcraft from your hands.” Micah 5:12

God promises to remove the instruments of deceit from the people. The verse shows divine action against occult practices. In the topic of witchcraft and divination, the passage gives hope that God will cleanse and restore. The promise invites us to trust God in the process of change. It also provides a pastoral image of God taking away the very things that hurt the community. The verse reassures those who repent that God will act to heal the damage done by false practices.

Zephaniah 1:4

“I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all who live in Jerusalem who have turned back from me.” Zephaniah 1:4

Zephaniah warns of judgment when the people turn away from God. The verse speaks against turning to altars and foreign rites. For witchcraft and divination, the passage warns that spiritual wandering brings consequences. The text calls people to return to God and to worship rightly. The message presses believers to repent and to renew commitment. The warning is meant to draw hearts back to God’s love and rule rather than to frighten without hope for restoration.

Job 5:12

“He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so their hands achieve no success.” Job 5:12

In Job we learn that God frustrates the schemes of those who rely on craft and trickery. The verse brings comfort to those tempted by occult answers. For witchcraft and divination, the passage reassures that God will not be outdone by human schemes. The message encourages patience and trust that God is at work even when things seem controlled by secrecy. The text invites honest faith that does not look for shortcuts, but waits on God’s timing and wisdom.

Psalm 44:20

“If we had forgotten the name of our God, or spread out our hands to a foreign god.” Psalm 44:20

The psalmist reflects on the danger of turning to other powers. The verse warns against reaching out to foreign gods or rites. For the study of witchcraft and divination, the passage is a prayer reminder to keep God central. The community is called to remember who God is and to refuse practices that pull devotion away. The verse also offers a model prayer for restoration when people feel their hearts drifting toward other spiritual supports or promises.

Malachi 3:5

“I will come to put them on trial, and I will show mercy to those who fear me.” Malachi 3:5

God promises both judgment and mercy toward those who sin. The verse suggests that wrong practices will be examined, but mercy is for the penitent. In the context of witchcraft and divination, the passage offers hope for those who turn back. It urges honest repentance and trust in God’s mercy. The teaching invites the church to be a place of restoration. The promise reassures that careful correction comes with the aim of healing and renewal for those who seek God.

Final Thoughts

I have walked through many passages that warn against witchcraft and divination so we can see a consistent pattern in Scripture. The Bible points people back to God as the source of truth and guidance. When we face fear or uncertainty, I want us to remember that God invites us to prayer and community rather than secret arts.

We have seen stories of leaders and ordinary people who turned to the occult and suffered the consequences. I believe the heart of these warnings is care for our souls and for our communities. We are called to promote spiritual health by teaching and living a faith that trusts God and serves others in love.

I want us to be a people who offer hope to those attracted to hidden powers. We can welcome seekers, offer clear teaching from Scripture, and help one another grow in trust. My prayer is that we will choose God and encourage one another to walk in his ways.

If you want to read more about related topics, you can Halloween article or Ghosts article to explore other questions.