כֶּשֶׁף
Magic
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What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does כֶּשֶׁף (keshef) mean in the Bible?
כֶּשֶׁף (keshef) is a Hebrew word meaning "magic". magic BDB: sorcery Usage: sorcery, witchcraft. It underscores the incompatibility of occult reliance with covenant loyalty. This term runs through the canonical themes of Covenant.
Full entry for כֶּשֶׁף (H3785) · Browse the biblical lexicon
Meaning
Sorcery as forbidden craft involving hidden knowledge; consistently condemned as covenant violation in Israel's law.
magic BDB: sorcery Usage: sorcery, witchcraft.
Why This Word Matters
It underscores the incompatibility of occult reliance with covenant loyalty. Isaiah 47:12-15
Highlights forbidden reliance instead of trusting the Lord. Isaiah 47:8-11
Represents reliance on forbidden power instead of God. Micah 5:10-15
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.