Bible Dictionary
Sorcerer
A sorcerer is one who claims power through magical or occult practices. Scripture treats sorcery as sinful and warns that those who persist in it face divine judgment.
Definition
A sorcerer is one who claims power through magical practices or communication with evil spirits. The term is associated with muttering or professed occult power and belongs to the wider subject of divination.
Biblical Usage
Sorcery is presented as a practice subject to severe punishment and divine judgment. The sources refer to its condemnation in Malachi and Revelation.
Historical Background
The word is connected with the Latin term for one who casts lots or tells another’s lot. In Daniel it translates a term for those who professed power over evil spirits.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
From the Latin sortiarius, one who casts lots, or one who tells the lot of others. (See DIVINATION.) In Dan. 2:2 it is the rendering of the Hebrew mekhashphim, i.e., mutterers, men who professed to have power with evil spirits. The practice of sorcery exposed to severest punishment (Mal. 3:5; Rev. 21:8; 22:15).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Divination]