41. Intro to Pharmakeia: Biblical Context, Etymology, & Modern-Day Sorcery

The Radiant Mission Podcast | Episode 41
Host: Rebecca Twomey @theradiantmission
Co-Host: Rachel Smith @rachelsmithsmith

Thank you for listening to The Radiant Mission podcast! We are on a mission to encourage and inspire you on your walk with Christ and as you journey through life. 

In Episode 41 we dive into the use of the word Pharmakeia as referenced in the Bible, and its modern-day correlation to what we refer to today as pharmacy, pharmaceuticals, or pharmacist.

DISCLAIMER: The information in this episode is NOT medical advice.

In This Episode:

• The Greek word pharmakeia appears in Galatians 5:20 and Revelation 18:23. Terms from the same root word appear in Revelation 9:21, Revelation 21:8, and Revelation 22:15.
• Pharmakeia is defined as “sorcery,” “witchcraft,” or “sorcerer.”
• Online Etymology Dictionary explains the word “pharmacy” as follows: “This is from pharmakeus (fem. pharmakis) "a preparer of drugs, a poisoner, a sorcerer" from pharmakon "a drug, a poison, philter, charm, spell, enchantment." 
• What about pharmakeia from a scriptural perspective?
  • The book of Enoch is not in scripture, it’s an apocryphal book. However, it adds an interesting layer to what we’re told about the Watchers in Genesis 6. 
  • In Genesis 6 we’re told how the sons of God fell from heaven and they took human as their wives and procreated. Their offspring are what is referred to as the Nephilim or giants.
  • In the book of Enoch, the “sons of God,” also known as fallen angels, are called Watchers. For more context and explanation, be sure to listen to Episode 4 – Spiritual Warfare: The Nephilim & The Spiritual Realm. You might also want to check out Episode 5 – The Nephilim Part 2: How Demons Influence Us.
  • The Watchers are mentioned as essentially sorcerers of sorts. 
• Scholars have deduced that the knowledge from the Watchers, or fallen angels, is where magic, sorcery, and medicine stems from. This is the genesis of that in human history. It was taught to humans when they intermingled with the fallen angels.
• How then does the use of pharmakeia relate to modern-day pharmacy?
  • There is a cause and effect that we can’t ignore when it comes to modern-day pharmaceuticals. While a drug might solve a particular health problem, it can also create other problems. It is not unlike the sorcery or spells referred to Biblically as pharmakeia.
  • We are sold lies that a drug can “free” us, when they can actually do quite the opposite. 
• Arguments have been made that Revelation 18:23 is a prediction of the times we’re in. “For by your sorcery [pharmakeia] all the nations were deceived.”
• Does this mean that drugs can’t be used for good? No. But what if the lesson here is bigger than an etymology debate? What if what the Lord wants us to conclude from all this is to be extr