Spiritual Deception: φαρμακεία (Strong’s G5331: pharmakeia) Warns Against Occult Practices

Strong’s G5331: A noun meaning “sorcery, witchcraft, magical arts,” originally referring to use of drugs, potions, and spells. Used in lists of serious sins in Galatians and Revelation. Represents manipulation and deception through supernatural means, opposing God’s authority and truth.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word φαρμακεία originally referred to the use of drugs and medications but developed broader meaning encompassing sorcery, witchcraft, and magical arts. In New Testament usage, it appears in lists of serious sins, highlighting the spiritual danger of attempting to manipulate reality through occult practices. The term connects drug use with magical rituals and spiritual deception, reflecting ancient practices where pharmaceuticals were used in pagan ceremonies. The early church recognized φαρμακεία as representing any attempt to bypass God’s authority through supernatural manipulation. Today, this word warns against both chemical and spiritual dependencies that promise control but lead to bondage.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φαρμακεία, pharmakeia, far-mak-i’-ah
• Pronunciation Guide: far (as in “far”) + mak (as in “mock”) + i (as in “see”) + ah
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• φάρμακον (pharmakon): root meaning “drug” or “poison”
• -εία (-eia): noun-forming suffix indicating practice or activity
  Combined to mean “practice of using drugs/potions”

D – Defining Meanings

• Sorcery
• Witchcraft
• Use of drugs in magic
• Magical arts

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

Translation Options:

• “Sorcery” – emphasizes magical practices
• “Witchcraft” – focuses on supernatural manipulation
• “Drug-related magic” – captures original connection to substances

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μαγεία (mageia, mag-i’-ah) – magic See G3095
• γοητεία (goēteia, go-ay-ti’-ah) – imposture, deception See G1144
• περίεργα (perierga, per-ee’-er-ga) – magic arts See G4021

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Examples:

• Nominative: φαρμακεία
• Genitive: φαρμακείας
• Dative: φαρμακείᾳ
• Accusative: φαρμακείαν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide comprehensive understanding of φαρμακεία. BDAG emphasizes its connection to both drug use and sorcery. Thayer’s notes its evolution from medicine to magic. LSJ documents its classical usage in both medical and magical contexts. Vine’s particularly emphasizes its appearance in lists of serious sins. Strong’s connects it to the practice of medicine and magic. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in magical papyri for spells involving drugs. The LEH shows its use in the Septuagint for condemning magical practices.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Galatians 5:20: “idolatry, sorcery [φαρμακεία], hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies”

Additional References:
Revelation 9:21, Revelation 18:23

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φαρμακεία powerfully warns against attempts to manipulate reality through supernatural means apart from God. It reminds us that seeking power or control through occult practices leads to spiritual bondage. The good news is that King Jesus has overcome all spiritual powers and offers true freedom through relationship with Him. While φαρμακεία promises control, the Gospel offers genuine liberty through submission to God’s authority.

D – Did You Know?

1. φαρμακεία gives us the English word “pharmacy” but carried darker connotations in biblical times.
2. Ancient magical papyri often combined drug use with spell casting.
3. Early church writers used this term when warning against pagan healing practices.

Strong’s G5331: A noun meaning “sorcery, witchcraft, magical arts,” originally referring to use of drugs, potions, and spells. Used in lists of serious sins in Galatians and Revelation. Represents manipulation and deception through supernatural means, opposing God’s authority and truth.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: sorcery, witchcraft, magic, drugs, occult, deception, spiritual-warfare, sin, pagan-practices, supernatural, manipulation, spiritual-bondage, freedom-in-Christ, spiritual-deception, idolatry​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​