Magicians
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Magicians in the Bible?
Magicians, derived from the Hebrew term hartumim, were practitioners of occult arts and astrology who frequently served as royal advisors in ancient Near Eastern courts.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the role of magicians helps readers distinguish between ritual magic and state-sanctioned divination in biblical texts, offering deeper insight into the socio-political dynamics of the Babylonian and Persian periods.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Magicians reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Magicians in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Magicians 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
"Magicians." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/magicians/