φαρμακεία (pharmakeia)
pharmakeia
sorcery
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pharmakeia refers to the use of drugs, poisons, or magical spells. In the New Testament, it carries a negative connotation, describing sorcery or witchcraft rather than modern medicine. This term appears only twice in the text: in Galatians 5:20 and Revelation 18:23.
In Galatians, Paul lists pharmakeia among the "works of the flesh," grouping it with sexual immorality and idolatry. This suggests that early Christians viewed magical practices as incompatible with a life guided by the Spirit. The term likely reflects the common ancient association between occult arts and pagan worship.
Revelation 18:23 describes Babylon’s fall, stating that "all nations were deceived by your pharmakeia." Here, the word symbolizes the widespread corruption and spiritual deception caused by a system opposed to God. The sources note that this usage highlights how such practices lead people away from truth.
The root of the word relates to administering drugs or potions. Over time, it came to signify not just physical substances but also the mystical arts used to influence others. This shift in meaning underscores the perceived danger these practices held for early believers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pharmakeia points to practices that seek power through hidden means, such as spells or substances intended to manipulate reality apart from God. In Galatians 5:20, Paul lists it alongside other behaviors that fracture community and distance us from the Spirit’s guidance. This grouping shows that early Christians saw these acts not just as personal choices, but as forces that undermine trust in God’s provision and protection.
In Revelation 18:23, the term describes a widespread deception where nations are led astray by systems built on control and illusion. The image of light going out suggests that such practices ultimately lead to spiritual darkness rather than freedom. For believers today, this serves as a reminder to anchor our lives in truth and transparency, rejecting any path that promises power through secrecy or manipulation.
Understanding this word helps clarify why honesty and reliance on God are so vital. When we turn away from hidden arts and toward open faith, we find peace that does not depend on controlling outcomes. This shift allows us to live with integrity, knowing our security comes from God alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sorcery,1×
- sorcery1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φαρμακείᾳ1×
- φαρμακεία,1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 5:20
idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,
Paul includes this term in a list of fleshly behaviors to show how magical practices disrupt the unity and holiness expected in the Spirit-led life.
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Revelation of John 18:23
The light of a lamp will shine no more at all in you. The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride will be heard no more at all in you, for your merchants were the princes of the earth; for with your sorcery all the nations were deceived.
The verse uses the word to symbolize the total spiritual blindness that results when a society relies on deception and occult influence instead of divine truth.