Demons And Drug Abuse

It is written:

“And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” (Revelation 9:20)

The word translated as “sorceries” is the Greek word pharmakeia. The NKJV has a footnote that says “drugs” with this word, and it is the basis of our English word “pharmacy.”

The Jewish people believed that the abuse of drugs could open a person to demonic influence. As one researcher has noted:

“Witchcraft (pharmakeia). At the root of this word is pharmakon, literally “drug,” from which we derive our English word “pharmacy.” In classical Greek pharmakeia referred to the use of drugs whether for medicinal or more sinister purposes, e.g., poisoning. In the New Testament, however, it is invariably associated with the occult, both here in Galatians and in Revelation, where it occurs twice (Rev 9: 21; 18: 23). English translations usually render pharmakeia as “witchcraft” (KJV, NIV) or “sorcery” (RSV, NEB). These words correctly convey the idea of black magic and demonic control, but they miss the more basic meaning of drug use. In New Testament times pharmakeia in fact denoted the use of drugs with occult properties for a variety of purposes including, especially, abortion.” (Timothy George, The New American Commentary: Volume Thirty-Galatians, 9724-9733 (Kindle Edition); Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group)

There are many dangers-physical, social, mental, emotional, and spiritual-to the recreational abuse of drugs.

Those who are chemically addicted to drugs can receive salvation through Jesus (Acts 2:37-47), even while receiving needed legitimate medical help as well (Isaiah 38).