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We commonly use the term “bewitched” to describe being “affected as if by a magic spell”; bewitchment can indicate the impact another person or experience has on an individual. For instance, we might say, “He was enchanted by her beauty,” indicating that he was captivated by an attractive woman. The Bible cautions against a different form of bewitching.
In the New Testament, there are two Greek words translated as “bewitched.” The first word means “amazed, astonished, or overwhelmed with wonder.” In Acts 8:9–11, the King James Version uses “bewitched” to portray the effect Simon the sorcerer had on the people of Samaria. They were astounded by his magic acts and gave significant credibility to his words due to his seemingly supernatural abilities. The Samaritans were entranced by Simon Magus’s powers and deeds.
The other Greek word occasionally translated as “bewitched” signifies being “under an evil influence” or “charmed by error.” Paul employs this term in Galatians 3:1, where he asks, “You foolish Galatians! Who has cast a spell on you? Before your very eyes, Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.” Paul was attempting to awaken the Christians in Galatia who were embracing false teachings about salvation through works. It seemed as if, after accepting the true gospel of grace, someone had enchanted them to alter their beliefs.
In the Bible, bewitching is frequently associated with witchcraft, a practice strongly prohibited by God (Leviticus 20:6;1 Samuel 15:23;2 Kings 23:24). God detests everything related to witchcraft or sorcery because it displaces Him in people’s hearts. When we allow ourselves to be ensnared by worldly desires (1 John 2:15-16), sorcery (Deuteronomy 18:10-12), or any other form of deception, we are turning away from God’s truth.
(Deuteronomy 18:14; Revelation 9:21), or false doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3-6), we are forsaking the true God for a counterfeit «For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. », (Jeremiah 2:13).
God created us to be living temples for His Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are to be filled by Him «Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, », (Galatians 5:19), walk with Him «He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? », (Micah 6:8), and worship only Him «Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. », (Matthew 4:10). To be controlled or bewitched by anything else is contrary to our design. The only “bewitching” we should experience is in the first sense, to be overwhelmed with wonder at the beauty of the Lord and amazed at the majesty of God Almighty (Isaiah 6:1-5).
