φάρμακος (pharmakos)
pharmakos
sorcerer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The term pharmakos refers to someone devoted to magical arts, functioning as a noun for a magician or sorcerer. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, all within the Book of Revelation. The word carries a heavy negative connotation, linking the practitioner directly to occult practices and deception rather than divine power.
Its root connects to pharmakos (G5332), which originally meant a drug or poison, suggesting that these magical arts were viewed as toxic or harmful influences. This etymology underscores the biblical perspective that such activities are spiritually dangerous. The word is used in LXX translations for Hebrew terms like kasaph, reinforcing this association with forbidden occultism.
In Revelation 21:8 and 22:15, pharmakos appears in lists of those excluded from the New Jerusalem alongside other serious sins. This placement highlights the severity with which early Christians viewed sorcery as incompatible with faith in Christ. The term serves as a stark warning against any practice that seeks power outside God's provision.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for sorcerer in Greek carries a heavy weight of spiritual danger. It links magical arts directly to deception and harm, standing in stark contrast to the power found in Christ. In the New Testament, this term appears only three times, all within Revelation, highlighting how seriously early Christians viewed such practices.
These passages serve as a sobering reminder that seeking power outside of God’s provision is spiritually toxic. The biblical perspective warns against any occult activity, not because God restricts our freedom, but because these paths lead away from the truth and life He offers. Your faith calls you to rely on His strength alone.
Understanding this word helps clarify the boundary between divine power and human manipulation. It invites you to examine where you might be seeking control or answers in ways that do not honor God. Trusting in His provision brings peace, while turning to forbidden sources brings only confusion and harm.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to sorcerers1×
- sorceries1×
- sorcerers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φάρμακοι1×
- φαρμάκων1×
- φαρμάκοις1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 21:8
But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
This verse places sorcerers in the final exclusion list alongside other serious sins, showing that reliance on occult practices is incompatible with inheriting the New Jerusalem.
-
Revelation of John 22:15
Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Here, sorcerers are described as being outside the holy city, emphasizing that such practices keep one away from the presence of God and His people.
-
Revelation of John 9:21
They didn’t repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or their thefts.
This occurrence shows that even under judgment, people refused to repent of their sorceries, indicating a deep attachment to these harmful practices despite consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word pharmakos mean?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Why is sorcery linked to poison or drugs?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Revelation of John 3 verses
They didn’t repent of their murders, their sorceries, their sexual immorality, or their thefts.
Revelation of John 21:8But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all…
Revelation of John 22:15Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and…