Bewitch
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Bewitch in the Bible?
The New Testament employs Greek terminology associated with bewitchment, such as pharmakos, to describe states of being overwhelmed, astonished, or influenced by occult forces and the evil eye.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this concept clarifies the cultural context of early Christian communities, revealing how apostolic writers addressed prevalent pagan beliefs and superstitions to guide converts away from syncretistic practices.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Bewitch. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Bewitch in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Bewitch clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Bewitch." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bewitch/