Divine Judgment: φαρμακεύς (Strong’s G5332: pharmakeus) Exposes Spiritual Deception

Strong’s G5332: A noun meaning “sorcerer” or “magician,” originally referring to one who deals in drugs and potions. Used in Revelation to identify those practicing occult arts. Represents practitioners of supernatural deception who face divine judgment. Emphasizes personal responsibility in occult practices.

U- Unveiling the Word

The noun φαρμακεύς identifies practitioners of magical arts, originally referring to those who prepared and administered drugs or potions for magical purposes. In its New Testament context, particularly in Revelation, it describes those who engage in supernatural manipulation through occult practices. The word carries stronger connotations than merely mixing medicines, implying deliberate engagement with spiritual forces opposed to God. The early church understood φαρμακεύς as representing those who actively deceive others through supernatural means. Today, this word warns against those who claim spiritual power apart from God, whether through traditional occult practices or modern equivalents.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φαρμακεύς, pharmakeus, far-mak-yoos’
• Pronunciation Guide: far (as in “far”) + mak (as in “mock”) + yoos (as in “use”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• φάρμακον (pharmakon): root meaning “drug” or “poison”
• -εύς (-eus): agent noun suffix
  Combined to mean “one who deals with drugs/potions”

D – Defining Meanings

• Sorcerer
• Magician
• Mixer of potions
• Practitioner of magical arts

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a derived agent noun

Translation Options:

• “Sorcerer” – emphasizes magical practice
• “Occult practitioner” – broader modern equivalent
• “Magical poisoner” – captures original dual meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μάγος (magos, mag’-os) – magician, wise man See G3097
• γόης (goēs, go’-ace) – imposter, deceiver See G1114
• ἐπαοιδός (epaoidos, ep-ah-oy-dos’) – enchanter See G1845

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: φαρμακεύς
• Genitive: φαρμακέως
• Dative: φαρμακεῖ
• Accusative: φαρμακέα

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich understanding of φαρμακεύς. BDAG emphasizes its development from drug dealer to sorcerer. Thayer’s notes its connection to both medicine and magic. LSJ documents its classical usage in contexts of both healing and harm. Vine’s particularly emphasizes its appearance in Revelation’s lists of those facing judgment. Strong’s connects it to the practice of medication and magic. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in legal documents condemning magical practices. The term specifically denotes someone who actively practices rather than merely believes in magic.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Revelation 21:8: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers [φαρμακεύς], idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φαρμακεύς powerfully warns against those who deceive through supernatural manipulation. While such practitioners promise power and control, they face divine judgment for opposing God’s authority. The good news is that King Jesus has overcome all spiritual powers and offers true freedom from occult bondage. His authority surpasses all magical arts, and His power liberates those ensnared by supernatural deception.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word influenced both “pharmacist” and “pharmacy” but originally had darker connotations.
2. Ancient courts used this term in prosecuting cases of magical harm.
3. Early church councils specifically addressed the status of converted φαρμακεύς.

Strong’s G5332: A noun meaning “sorcerer” or “magician,” originally referring to one who deals in drugs and potions. Used in Revelation to identify those practicing occult arts. Represents practitioners of supernatural deception who face divine judgment. Emphasizes personal responsibility in occult practices.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: sorcerer, magician, occult, supernatural-deception, divine-judgment, spiritual-warfare, drug-use, magic-arts, Revelation, spiritual-bondage, deliverance, spiritual-authority, false-power, deception, judgment​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​