### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term φαρμακεύς (pharmakeús, `{{G5332}}`) derives from φάρμακον (pharmakon), which broadly referred to a drug, medicine, or potion. In its earliest applications, pharmakeús could denote one who prepares or administers such substances, a "druggist" or "pharmacist." However, the semantic range quickly expanded and specialized in ancient contexts due to the widespread practice of employing drugs and potions in magical rituals, incantations, and attempts at divination or manipulation. Therefore, pharmakeús came to signify not merely a dispenser of medicines, but more pointedly a "poisoner," and by significant extension, a "magician" or "sorcerer" who utilizes such substances, often to induce trance states, cause harm, or influence events through supernatural means. The predominant connotation in biblical usage is negative, emphasizing illicit and spiritually dangerous practices.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word φαρμακεύς (pharmakeús, `{{G5332}}`) appears exclusively in the Book of Revelation within the New Testament. It is consistently translated as "sorcerer" in major English versions.
* In [[Revelation 21:8]], pharmakeús is listed among those who will inherit the "lake that burns with fire and sulfur," which is described as "the second death." The company it keeps—the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, murderers, the sexually immoral, idolaters, and all liars—underscores the severe nature of this sin. It places sorcery in a category of spiritual rebellion and moral depravity that incurs divine wrath and eternal judgment.
* Similarly, in [[Revelation 22:15]], "sorcerers" are explicitly excluded from the New Jerusalem, being placed "outside" with "the dogs and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." This reiterates the absolute incompatibility of such practices with the purity and holiness of God's eternal kingdom.
The consistent context in Revelation links pharmakeús with idolatry and other grave sins, highlighting that the practice is not merely a secular act but a profound spiritual transgression, rooted in deception and opposition to God's truth and sovereignty.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **φαρμακεία (pharmakeia, `{{G5331}}`):** This related noun, from the same root, refers to the *practice* of sorcery, witchcraft, or enchantment. It is listed as one of the "works of the flesh" in [[Galatians 5:20]] and is associated with spiritual deception and judgment in [[Revelation 9:21]] and [[Revelation 18:23]]. Pharmakeús is the practitioner of pharmakeia.
* **φαρμακός (pharmakos, `{{G5333}}`):** Another related term, often used for a sorcerer or one who uses drugs, sometimes even a scapegoat in classical literature.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The concept of sorcery and divination is strongly condemned throughout the Old Testament. Hebrew terms such as כָּשַׁף (kashaph, `{{H3784}}`, "to practice sorcery") and קֶסֶם (qesem, `{{H7081}}`, "divination") are relevant. Passages like [[Deuteronomy 18:10-12]] explicitly forbid such practices, labeling them as "abominations to the Lord," and associating them with the practices of the nations dispossessed by Israel.
* **Idolatry:** In Revelation, pharmakeús is frequently grouped with idolaters, suggesting a deep connection between the practice of sorcery and the worship of false gods or reliance on illicit spiritual powers rather than the one true God.
### Theological Significance
The condemnation of φαρμακεύς in the Book of Revelation carries profound theological significance. It represents more than a prohibition against the use of mind-altering substances; it is a decisive judgment against seeking power, knowledge, or influence through means outside of God's revealed will and divine order. This practice is seen as a direct affront to God's sovereignty, an embrace of illicit spiritual authority, and is often linked to demonic influence. The inclusion of pharmakeús among the most grievous sinners—such as murderers, idolaters, and liars—underscores the gravity with which God views this sin. It is a fundamental perversion of truth and a rejection of the exclusive claim of God over human allegiance and trust. The ultimate consequence for pharmakeús—exclusion from the New Jerusalem and eternal judgment in the lake of fire—highlights the absolute incompatibility of such practices with God's holiness and the blessedness of His kingdom. This word serves as a potent warning against all forms of occultism, reliance on magic, or any attempt to manipulate spiritual forces apart from the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the imperative for spiritual purity, unwavering trust in God alone, and reliance solely upon His divine provision and truth.
### Summary
The Greek word φαρμακεύς (pharmakeús, `{{G5332}}`) denotes a "sorcerer" or "magician" in the New Testament, deriving from a root referring to drugs or potions. This term carries a strong negative connotation due to the ancient association of such substances with magical practices, enchantment, and often, poisoning. In the Book of Revelation, pharmakeús appears in [[Revelation 21:8]] and [[Revelation 22:15]], where "sorcerers" are unequivocally condemned and excluded from God's eternal presence, facing judgment alongside murderers, idolaters, and other unrepentant sinners. This term, closely related to φαρμακεία (pharmakeia, `{{G5331}}`), signifies a profound spiritual rebellion against God, a reliance on illicit powers, and a practice utterly incompatible with divine holiness. It serves as a powerful theological warning against all forms of occultism and spiritual deception, emphasizing the necessity of absolute devotion and trust in God alone.
TRV