φαρμακεία
pharmakeia <5331>
farmakeia, pharmakeia
Pronunciation: far-mak-i'-ah
Origin: from 5332
PrtSpch: n f
In Greek: farmakeia 1
Count: 3
Definition: 1) the use or the administering of drugs
2) poisoning
3) sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and
fostered by it
4) metaph. the deceptions and seductions of idolatry from 5332; medication ("pharmacy"), i.e. (by extension) magic
(literally or figuratively):-sorcery, witchcraft.
see GREEK for 5332
pharmakeus <5332>
farmakeuv pharmakeus
Pronunciation: far-mak-yoos'
Origin: from pharmakon (a drug, i.e. spell-giving potion)
PrtSpch: n m
Count: 1
Definition: 1) one who prepares or uses magical remedies
2) sorcerer from pharmakon (a drug, i.e. spell-giving potion); a druggist
("pharmacist") or poisoner, i.e. (by extension) a magician:-sorcerer.
sorcery
POS: Noun
HYPHEN: sor=cer=y
COUNT: 5 in 4 verses (in OT : 4 in 3 verses) (in NT : 1 in 1 verses)
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun sorcery has 1 sense
* sorcery(n = noun.cognition) black art, black magic, necromancy - the belief in magical spells that harness occult forces or evil spirits to produce unnatural effects in the world; is a kind of magic, thaumaturgy
has particulars: witchcraft, witchery, bewitchment, enchantment, demonism, diabolism, satanism, obiism
Derived forms verb sorcerise1, verb sorcerize1, adjective sorcerous1
Noun pharma has 1 sense
* pharma(n = noun.group) drug company, pharmaceutical company - a company that makes and sells pharmaceuticals; is a kind of company.
Explanation-
The Biblical usage of the word φαρμακεία in the New Testament MUST carry with it the appeal to false gods, which is why it is always translated as "sorcery", and not "medicine" or "drugs".
Paul's prohibiton of φαρμακεία as described in Galatians 5:20, in the description of the lusts of the flesh, is a clear charge against "sorcery"- resting his charge in the First Commandment- "you shall have no other god's before Me".
Often many modern Christian theologians presuppose drug law reform efforts- legal pot specifically, under the umbrella of "φαρμακεία". But the accusation does not carry with it the True meaning of φαρμακεία as the Apostle used it,nor can that application of φαρμακεία stand against the refutations of Gnostic heresies of the early Church.
Completing Vine's definition of pharmakeia: 'in "sorcery", the use of drugs, whether simple or potent, was generally accompanied by incantations and appeals to occult powers, with the provision of various charms, amulets, etc...'
Many "diviners" and "wise men" and "magi" used psychoactive substances to appeal to false gods, in an effort to invoke communication. This is what the Bible speaks against. Christians are the servants of the One True God. We are to have no other gods before Him. The Bible uses the word pharmakeia as "sorcery" or "witchcraft", "the fruit of the deceptions and seductions of idolatry."
Suggesting that consuming medicine is sorcery is irrational, and is contrary to the principles set forward in the Word of God. If the Bible meant that medicine is sorcery, no doctor would be able to prescribe medication without the Wrath of God coming upon him, pharmacists would be condemned as "sorcerers", and no Christian would be able to take medication without staining their new life in Christ.
Origen said it well, "no one would act rationally in avoiding medicine because of it's heresies". The Bible does not tell us to refuse medicine, it tells us to refuse sorcery. We are free to use medicines in the purposes that God designed them to be used, and are to acknowledge Him concerning them.
