In Scripture, witchcraft isn’t only about spells and potions; it is primarily about manipulation, rebellion, and the desire to control others or outcomes apart from God’s will.

Let’s explore this carefully. Witchcraft and Control in the Bible

1. Witchcraft is Rebellion Against God’s Authority

(1 Samuel 15:23 [KJV])
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

• Here, the prophet Samuel compares rebellion (refusing God’s authority) to witchcraft.

• Both seek independence and control. Rebellion tries to control one’s own life outside God’s rule, while witchcraft tries to control others or circumstances through forbidden spiritual means.

Core idea: Witchcraft = rebellion = attempting to rule apart from God’s will.

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2. Witchcraft Invokes False Power for Control

(Deuteronomy 18:10–12 [KJV])
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.

• Every practice listed here involves attempting to gain power or insight that belongs only to God — to control events, predict the future, or manipulate spiritual forces.

• It is about taking control of destiny rather than trusting God’s sovereignty.

Core idea: Witchcraft is control through forbidden knowledge or power.

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3. The Spirit of Jezebel – Manipulation and Control

(Revelation 2:20 [KJV])
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

(2 Kings 9:22 [KJV])
And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?

• Jezebel’s witchcrafts were not merely occult — they involved spiritual manipulation, seduction, and control over God’s people and even her husband, King Ahab.

• In Revelation, her “teaching and seducing” shows her controlling influence over the church through deception.

• Today’s Western women (most) are users of this Jezebel spirit of control over their men. 

Core idea: The “Jezebel spirit” is a manipulative, controlling spirit. A modern form of witchcraft operating through influence and seduction, not just ritual.

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4. Witchcraft in the Works of the Flesh

(Galatians 5:19–21 [KJV])
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

• The Greek word for witchcraft here is pharmakeia — meaning sorcery, enchantment, or manipulation through substances or spells.

• But notice it appears among relational sins (hatred, strife, envy).
  → This shows witchcraft as a relational sin, involving control, manipulation, and domination — not merely ritual magic.

Core idea: Witchcraft is fleshly control — manipulating others instead of walking in the Spirit.

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5. True Power is Through Surrender, Not Control

(Zechariah 4:6 [KJV])
Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

• All human attempts to dominate or manipulate — whether through rebellion, emotional control, or occult power — oppose God’s order.

• True spiritual authority comes from submission to God, not from seeking control over others.

  Core idea: Trust in the Lord with all thy might, for He alone will direct us in the Way.