Magicians
Peopleâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Magicians, derived from the Hebrew term hartumim, were practitioners of occult arts and astrology who frequently served as royal advisors in ancient Near Eastern courts.
What is the meaning of Magicians in the Bible?
Magicians, derived from the Hebrew term hartumim, were practitioners of occult arts and astrology who frequently served as royal advisors in ancient Near Eastern courts.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the role of magicians helps readers distinguish between ritual magic and state-sanctioned divination in biblical texts, offering deeper insight into the socio-political dynamics of the Babylonian and Persian periods.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Magicians in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Magicians clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.