If you’ve ever felt a Holy unease with the common church teachings on “witchcraft,” you’re not alone. That tug on your heart isn’t rebellion, it’s often the Holy Spirit inviting you to look deeper.
So let’s set aside the fear and the folklore and look squarely at what the Bible actually says.
The modern image of a “witch” a woman with a crystal ball or healing herbs is not found in the original languages of the Bible. The words used are far more specific.
The Hebrew Word Kashaph
The Hebrew word translated as “witch” or “sorceress” is mekhashepha from the root kashaph. Its core meaning is to whisper a spell (like a curse the new testament talks about "that person will always be this or that" is a blatant curse), to enchant, to use magick (what is magick? Our divine life force and free will) for the purpose of harming, manipulating, or controlling others. Crucially, it is linked to the use of drugs or poisons to cause harm.
Exodus 22:18: “You shall not permit a mekhashepha to live.” This is not about a woman using herbs for healing; it’s a command against someone who uses poisonous magick to deceive and harm the community.
The Greek Word Pharmakeia
This is the most common word in the New Testament for “sorcery,” and it’s where we get our word “pharmacy.” Pharmakeia means the use of drugs, potions, or spells, sorcery that often involves poisoning, intoxication, and manipulation. (Sounds like modern day pharma & psychology)
Examples: Galatians 5:19-21: Paul lists the “acts of the flesh,” including “idolatry and pharmakeia.” It is grouped with sins of manipulation, hatred, and division. Revelation 21:8: “…the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” Pharmakeia is listed among those who are ultimately opposed to God’s kingdom. Revelation 18:23: The merchants of Babylon deceived all the nations by their pharmakeia.
The biblical condemnation is not against objects, but against intent. It targets the use of spiritual means or substances to manipulate, control, deceive, or harm others. It is the opposite of the Spirit’s fruit: love, kindness, and self-control
This is where it gets interesting. If the Bible isn’t condemning objects, but the heart behind their use, let’s see how God Himself uses these very things.
The Bible is filled with sacred crystals and stones, and God loves them. They are used to represent His holiness and glory.
The High Priest’s Breastplate (Exodus 28:15-21): God commanded it to be made with twelve specific gemstones—sardius, topaz, emerald, sapphire, etc.—to represent the tribes of Israel. This was a sacred tool for discernment and connection to God.
The New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:18-21): The foundations of God’s holy city are made of twelve precious stones. The city itself is “pure gold, as pure as glass.”
God’s Throne (Revelation 4:3): Is described as having the appearance of jasper and carnelian.
God doesn’t condemn crystals; He adorns His throne and His holy city with them.
While seeking guidance from evil sources is condemned (Deuteronomy 18), God often provided His own approved methods for seeking direction.
The Urim and Thummim (Exodus 28:30): These were sacred lots, kept in the High Priest’s breastplate, used to discern God’s will for the nation. This was a form of divination sanctioned by God Himself.
Casting Lots (Acts 1:26): The apostles prayed and cast lots to decide who would replace Judas, trusting God to guide the outcome.
Reading the Stars - The Magi from the East are the prime example.
Matthew 2:1-2: “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” God used the celestial bodies—the stars—to guide these wise men to Jesus. They were not condemned for their astrological knowledge; they were rewarded with an audience with the Messiah.
Incense (sage, rosemary) is a powerful spiritual symbol throughout the Bible.
The Altar of Incense (Exodus 30): God gave detailed instructions for creating a sacred blend of incense to be burned before Him perpetually. It represented the prayers of the saints rising to Heaven.
Revelation 5:8: The twenty-four elders hold “gold bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.”
The biblical concept of “sorcery” (pharmakeia) is less about magickal props and more about a spirit of manipulation and control. It manifests in attitudes and actions that are sadly common, even in religious settings.
Gossip and Slander (Proverbs 16:28): Using words to poison relationships and destroy reputations.
Manipulation and Control: Using fear, guilt, or doctrine to control others’ behavior, rather than leading them to freedom in Christ.
Selfish Ambition and Division (James 3:14-16): The Bible says this kind of jealousy and rivalry is “earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”
Religious Deception (2 Corinthians 11:13-15): When people “masquerade as apostles of Christ” to lead others astray for their own gain.
Look at the list in Galatians 5:19-21 again. Pharmakeia (sorcery) is right alongside “hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy.” These are all fruits of the same poisonous root.
Jesus gave us the ultimate litmus test: “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16).
The “fruit of the Spirit” is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
The truth isn’t meant to divide us from God, but to draw us closer to His heart—a heart that values love, freedom, and a sincere spirit above all else.
And as Christ said: “Whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:40). The standard is fruit, not fear. The measure is love, not lists made by men.
A Moment to Breathe and Receive
Before you close this page, take a moment to create sacred space and receive.
Prepare your space and intention:
Light a candle, remembering that Christ is the Light of the World (John 8:12). Let its flame represent the Holy Spirit’s presence with you.
If you have anointing oil—perhaps frankincense, myrrh, or spikenard like Mary used—anoint your forehead, your hands, or your heart. Remember: this isn’t superstition. It’s a physical act of consecration, just as the priests were anointed (Exodus 30:30), just as Jesus Himself was anointed (Luke 4:18).
If you have a crystal or stone that speaks to you—perhaps a piece of jasper, amethyst, or clear quartz—hold it in your hand. Feel its weight. Remember that the very foundations of God’s eternal city are made of such stones (Revelation 21:19-20). They are of the earth, and the earth is the Lord’s (Psalm 24:1).
Burn some incense or sage, apple leaves etc if you wish, letting the smoke rise like the prayers of the saints before God’s throne (Revelation 5:8).
Now, breathe:
Close your eyes if you feel led.
Breathe in deeply as you hear these words from Philippians 1:6:
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
Breathe out any fear, any shame, any teaching that has made you feel distant from God’s heart.
Breathe in His truth, His love, His invitation to grow deeper.
Breathe out religion. Breathe in relationship.
Breathe out control. Breathe in freedom.
Breathe out judgment. Breathe in grace.
Rest in this: God is not afraid of your questions. He is not threatened by your growth. He is the One who initiated it. And He will see it through to completion, not through fear and restriction, but through love that casts out all fear (1 John 4:18).
The work He began in you is good. And it is ongoing.
When you’re ready, open your eyes. Blow out the candle, or let it burn as an offering. Carry the peace you’ve received into your day.
Walk forward in peace. Walk forward in truth. Walk forward in love.
