Witch
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Witch in the Bible?
The term witch refers to a female practitioner of magic, derived from the Hebrew mekhashshepheh, and appears in Exodus 22:18 and Deuteronomy to describe individuals engaged in prohibited occult practices.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the biblical definition of a witch clarifies the specific legal and social boundaries regarding forbidden occult activities in ancient Israel, helping readers distinguish ritual enchantment from other forms of magic.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Witch. 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 Witch in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Witch clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Exodus 22:18
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
"Witch." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/witch/