what does the bible say about witches

The Bible strongly condemns witchcraft and witches. Witchcraft in the Bible often refers to practices like divination, sorcery, consulting spirits or the dead, and casting spells, which are seen as attempts to communicate with evil spirits. The Bible warns against engaging in these activities because they open people to dangerous demonic influences. For example, in Deuteronomy 18:9-12, God commands His people not to imitate the detestable practices of surrounding nations, listing activities such as sacrifice, divination, sorcery, and consulting the dead as abominations. Under Old Testament law, the penalty for practicing witchcraft was death (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 20:27). Witchcraft is portrayed as a serious offense against God, and those who practice it are described as leading others astray from true faith (1 Samuel 15:23; Isaiah 8:19). In the New Testament, witchcraft (or sorcery) is listed among the works of the flesh that separate people from God's kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21; Revelation 21:8). Overall, the Bible teaches that witchcraft is detestable to God and believers are warned to avoid all forms of it.