Bible Dictionary
Enchantments
Enchantments were magical practices, spells, omens, or incantations intended to gain secret knowledge or influence events. Scripture consistently condemns such practices as contrary to trust in God.
Definition
Enchantments were secret arts, muttered spells, magical practices, serpent charms, or omens used in an attempt to gain knowledge, influence people, or affect events. Scripture treats these practices as deceptive or forbidden methods.
Biblical Usage
Egyptian magicians used secret arts; Balaam sought omens; and other passages refer to spells, sorceries, and serpent charming. The Mosaic law condemned enchantments and related practices, and Scripture warns against their continued use.
Historical Background
The biblical terms include expressions for covered or secret arts, muttered incantations, charms, omens, and magical spells. Such practices were associated with both Egyptian magicians and surrounding peoples.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
(1.) The rendering of Hebrew latim_ or _lehatim, which means “something covered,” “muffled up;” secret arts, tricks (Ex. 7:11, 22; 8:7, 18), by which the Egyptian magicians imposed on the credulity of Pharaoh. (2.) The rendering of the Hebrew keshaphim, “muttered spells” or “incantations,” rendered “sorceries” in Isa. 47:9, 12, i.e., the using of certain formulae under the belief that men could thus be bound. (3.) Hebrew lehashim, “charming,” as of serpents (Jer. 8:17; comp. Ps. 58:5). (4.) Hebrew nehashim, the enchantments or omens used by Balaam (Num. 24:1); his endeavouring to gain omens favourable to his design. (5.) Hebrew heber (Isa. 47:9, 12), “magical spells.” All kinds of enchantments were condemned by the Mosaic law (Lev. 19:26; Deut. 18:10-12). (See DIVINATION.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The words so translated have several signification: the practice of secret arts, (Exodus 7:11,22; 8:7); “muttered spells,” (2 Kings 9:22; Micah 5:12) the charming of serpents, (Ecclesiastes 10:11) the enchantments sought by Balaam, (Numbers 24:1) the use of magic, (Isaiah 47:9,12) Any resort to these methods of imposture was strictly forbidden in Scripture, (Leviticus 19:26; Isaiah 47:9) etc.; but to eradicate the tendency is almost impossible, (2 Kings 17:17) and we find it still flourishing at the Christian era. (Acts 13:6,8)