### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kesheph**, represented by `{{H3785}}`, refers to **magic**, **sorcery**, or **witchcraft**. It appears 6 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible. This term is consistently associated with forbidden practices that provoke divine judgment and are linked to spiritual and moral corruption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3785}}` is used to condemn practices that stand in opposition to God. It is linked directly to the corruption of Queen **Jezebel** `{{H348}}`, whose many **witchcrafts** `{{H3785}}` are cited alongside her **whoredoms** `{{H2183}}` as a reason for judgment [[2 Kings 9:22]]. Similarly, the city of Nineveh is depicted as a "mistress of **witchcrafts**" that sells **nations** `{{H1471}}` and **families** `{{H4940}}` through her sorceries [[Nahum 3:4]]. The term is also a key charge against Babylon, whose "multitude of thy **sorceries**" will bring about sudden destruction, including **loss of children** `{{H7908}}` and **widowhood** `{{H489}}` ([[Isaiah 47:9]], 47:12).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and nature of **witchcraft**:
* `{{H2183}}` **zânûwn** (whoredom): This term, meaning adultery or idolatry, is frequently paired with **kesheph**. It appears in the condemnation of **Jezebel** `{{H348}}` for her **whoredoms** `{{H2183}}` and **witchcrafts** `{{H3785}}` [[2 Kings 9:22]] and in the description of Nineveh, whose downfall is tied to her **whoredoms** [[Nahum 3:4]].
* `{{H1172}}` **baʻălâh** (mistress): In [[Nahum 3:4]], Nineveh is called the "**mistress** of witchcrafts," highlighting a position of authority and mastery over these occult practices.
* `{{H6049}}` **ʻânan** (soothsayer, sorcerer): This term for a practitioner of magic is used in parallel with **kesheph**. God's promise to cleanse His people includes cutting off **witchcrafts** `{{H3785}}` and ensuring they will "have no more **soothsayers**" `{{H6049}}` [[Micah 5:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3785}}` is significant, representing a direct defiance of God's sovereignty.
* **Spiritual Adultery:** **Kesheph** is consistently linked with **whoredoms** `{{H2183}}`, which figuratively represents idolatry ([[2 Kings 9:22]], [[Nahum 3:4]]). This connection frames the practice of witchcraft not merely as a forbidden act but as a betrayal of the covenant relationship with God.
* **Deceptive and Powerless:** The practice is portrayed as ultimately futile. Babylon is taunted to **stand** `{{H5975}}` with its sorceries to see if they can **profit** `{{H3276}}` or help it **prevail** `{{H6206}}`, implying they are powerless against divine judgment [[Isaiah 47:12]]. It is a tool of deception used to enslave **nations** `{{H1471}}` and **families** `{{H4940}}` [[Nahum 3:4]].
* **Target of Divine Purification:** Scripture is clear that witchcraft is an abomination that God will eradicate. God promises to **cut off** `{{H3772}}` witchcrafts from the **hand** `{{H3027}}` of His people as an act of purification [[Micah 5:12]]. Its presence invites swift and severe judgment [[Isaiah 47:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3785}}` **kesheph** is a term for **magic** and **witchcraft** that is unequivocally condemned in scripture. It is never neutral, but always associated with spiritual corruption, idolatry, and rebellion. From the actions of **Jezebel** `{{H348}}` to the characterization of fallen nations, **witchcrafts** are presented as a deceptive and powerless alternative to faith in God, ultimately leading to judgment and destruction. The Bible's treatment of **kesheph** serves as a stark warning against seeking power or guidance from any source other than God.
TRV