What does the Bible say about enchantment?

Answer  
  

In modern usage, the word *enchantment* can refer to the feeling of being attracted by something interesting, pretty, or exciting. But in the Bible *enchantment* usually refers the practice of the magic arts. Enchantment, as a part of [witchcraft](Bible-witchcraft.html) and sorcery, was clearly forbidden in God’s Law (Leviticus 19:26; 2 Kings 21:6\). An enchanter was one who cast spells or put “curses” on someone. Some English translations use the words *diviner*, *magician*, *fortune\-teller*, *necromancer*, or *astrologer* to identify someone who practiced enchantment.  
  

Only two sources of power exist in the universe: those that originate with God, and those that God has allowed Satan to control (Job 1:12\). Since time began, God has commanded us to listen and obey Him alone (Genesis 2:16–17\). Although He gives us the freedom to choose our master, God has always had strong words for human beings who dabble in Satan’s territory (Deuteronomy 18:14; Isaiah 2:6; Revelation 9:21\). He will not tolerate our idolatry or our fascination with enchantment (Exodus 22:18\).  
  

It is also interesting to note that the Greek word [*pharmakeia*](pharmakeia-in-the-Bible.html), translated in Galatians 5:20 as “witchcraft” or “sorcery,” is also a word that implies the use of magic potions and mind\-altering substances as part of a sorcerer’s enchantment. From this Greek word we get the English word *pharmacy*, associated with the manufacture and dispensing of drugs. This word is used again in Revelation 18:23 by an angel executing God’s judgments upon Babylon, in part because of her refusal to repent from her “magic spell”—*pharmakeia*—or enchantments of every sort.  
  

With this deeper understanding of all that enchantment encompasses, the Bible’s prohibition of it becomes even more relevant for our day. Our world’s out\-of\-control abuse of mind\-altering substances has its roots in satanic enchantment. The very demons of hell thrive in environments where drugs, witchcraft, necromancy, and psychics are celebrated (2 Corinthians 11:14; 1 Chronicles 10:13; Leviticus 20:27; Acts 13:6–11\). What our sinful flesh finds enchanting, God knows will destroy us. So He prohibits involvement with sorcery and enchantment on any level.  
  

For a Christian, the prohibition against enchantment goes one step further. Ephesians 5:18 warns us that we cannot be controlled by both [alcohol](sin-alcohol.html) and the Holy Spirit. Alcoholic liquor, which is often dubbed “spirits,” controls us in a way that only God’s Spirit should control us. When we transfer ownership of our lives to Jesus (Luke 9:23\), the Holy Spirit comes to live inside our hearts (Acts 2:38\). He comes with the intention of transforming us into the image of Christ by directing our lives through our voluntary surrender and obedience to His Word (Romans 8:29; Galatians 5:16\). This transformation cannot happen when we choose to be controlled by something other than Him. When we seek enchantments, through drugs, alcohol, horoscopes, fortune\-telling, or any number of other satanic controls, we forfeit the fruit that God desires to produce in our lives (Galatians 5:22; John 15:1–4\).  
  

The only “enchantment” believers seek is found in the presence of God Himself. Paul uses the Greek word *huperbolé*, which means “surpassing excellence,” to put into words the experience of intimate fellowship with Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:7, 17; 12:7\). In Philippians 3:8, Paul describes His “enchantment” with Jesus this way: “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” David was similarly enthralled: “I say to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.’ . . . You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:2, 11\). To be caught up in the Holy Spirit, enraptured in the worship of Almighty God, is the highest form of enchantment and the only form we should ever pursue.  
  

