Original Word: כֶּשֶׁף
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: kesheph
Pronunciation: keh'-shef
Phonetic Spelling: (keh'-shef)
Definition: Sorcery, witchcraft
Meaning: magic

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb כָּשַׁף (kashaph), meaning "to practice sorcery" or "to enchant."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - G5331 (φαρμακεία, pharmakeia): Often translated as "sorcery" or "witchcraft," referring to the use of drugs or potions in magical practices.

- G5332 (φαρμακεύς, pharmakeus): A sorcerer or magician.

Usage: The term "kesheph" refers to the practice of sorcery or witchcraft, which involves the use of supernatural powers or magic, often in opposition to the will of God. In the biblical context, it is associated with practices that are condemned and considered abominations, as they often involve invoking powers other than God.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sorcery and witchcraft were common practices used to manipulate spiritual forces for personal gain or harm to others. These practices were often linked to pagan religions and involved rituals, incantations, and the use of various objects believed to hold magical properties. The Israelites were explicitly warned against engaging in such practices, as they were contrary to the worship of Yahweh and His commandments.

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
sorcery
NASB Translation
sorceries (5), witchcrafts (1).

[כֶּ֫שֶׁף] noun masculine^{2Kings 9:22} sorcery, only

plural (Assyrian kišpu, id.); — כְּשָׁפִים Micah 5:11; Nahum 3:4; suffix כְּשָׁפַיִךְ Isaiah 47:9,12; כְּשָׁפֶיהָ Nahum 3:4; 2 Kings 9:22; — sorceries:

1 literal מִיָּדֶיךָ ׳וְהִכְרַתִּי כ Micah 5:11, said of Israel; ׳רֹב כ Isaiah 47:9,12 "" חֲבָרַיִךְ, said of Babylon.

2 figurative of seductive and corrupting influences: of Jezebel 2 Kings 9:22 "" זְנוּנִים; of Nineveh personified as harlot Nahum 3:4 ("" id.), called ׳בַּעֲלַת כ Nahum 3:4 (following זוֺנָהמֵרֹב זְנוּנֵי).

sorcery, witchcraft

From kashaph; magic -- sorcery, witchcraft.

see HEBREW kashaph

בִּכְשָׁפֶֽיהָ׃ בכשפיה׃ וּכְשָׁפֶ֖יהָ וכשפיה כְּשָׁפִ֑ים כְּשָׁפַ֔יִךְ כְשָׁפִ֖ים כשפיך כשפים bichshaFeiha biḵ·šā·p̄e·hā biḵšāp̄ehā cheshaFim kə·šā·p̄a·yiḵ kə·šā·p̄îm ḵə·šā·p̄îm kəšāp̄ayiḵ kəšāp̄îm ḵəšāp̄îm keshaFayich keshaFim ū·ḵə·šā·p̄e·hā ucheshaFeiha ūḵəšāp̄ehāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts