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.
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).
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.
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.
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