The “evil eye” is a concept that dates back thousands of years to ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures. It refers to the idea that certain people can cast curses or bad luck on others simply by looking at them. Evil eye jewelry, such as pendants and amulets, are worn to ward off the curse of the evil eye.
But what does the Bible say about this practice? As Christians, we must examine such customs in light of God’s Word to discern if they are compatible with our faith. In this post, we’ll explore the biblical view on evil eye jewelry and superstitious practices.
Key Takeaways:
- The Bible condemns divination, sorcery, omens, and witchcraft as detestable practices. Evil eye superstitions originate from these occult practices.
- God forbids idolatry and the use of amulets and charms. Evil eye jewelry functions as a talisman.
- Jesus has overcome the powers of darkness through his death and resurrection. Christians have no need for charms against curses.
- Rather than trust in amulets, Christians are to trust fully in the sovereignty and protection of God.
The Origins of the Evil Eye
Belief in the evil eye dates back to ancient Babylon, Sumer, and Assyria. From there it spread throughout the Middle East and into Europe and North Africa. The evil eye was feared as a curse passed on unintentionally by envy or praise. People used amulets, spells, and rituals to ward off the curse.
In the ancient world, the evil eye was associated with witchcraft and the occult. The Book of Deuteronomy explicitly condemns these practices:
“There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
The Evil Eye and Idolatry
Not only are evil eye superstitions rooted in the occult, but the protective amulets used to combat curses are often associated with idolatry.
For example, the Hamsa or Hand of Fatima amulet popular in the Middle East represents the hand of the goddess Fatima. The eye image on the Hamsa is believed to ward off the evil eye. But the Bible clearly teaches there is only one true God and forbids idolatry and worship of false gods and goddesses (Exodus 20:3-6).
God commanded His people not to adopt the customs and superstitions of the pagan nations around them:
“When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations.” (Deuteronomy 18:9)
Wearing charms and amulets was also strictly forbidden, as it implies the object itself has spiritual powers:
“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:31)
“They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and embrace pagan customs.” (Isaiah 2:6 NIV)
Even for the ancient Israelites, God desired their full trust and confidence in Him alone for protection:
“You shall be blameless before the Lord your God. For these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do this.” (Deuteronomy 18:13-14)
The biblical view is clear: occultic practices like the evil eye have no place in the life of a follower of God. Neither should we adopt pagan customs and amulets practiced by those who do not know God.
Jesus Triumphs Over Darkness
As Christians, we can have confidence that evil forces have no power over us. Jesus Christ died on the cross to break the curse of sin and rose again to conquer death and defeat the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:13-15).
Through His blood, those who put their faith in Christ are delivered from the domain of Satan and transferred into the Kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13-14). We have nothing to fear from curses, spells, and spiritual forces of evil.
The Apostle John assures us:
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
And again:
“We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” (1 John 5:18)
As believers, we have the Spirit of God dwelling within us and the sovereign protection of the Almighty. Through Jesus, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).
Trusting God, Not Charms
Rather than looking to amulets and charms for spiritual protection, Christians are called to place our trust fully in the Lord:
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7)
We rely on God’s grace and God’s grace alone for our defense against every evil:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)
Placing our faith in charms and amulets indicates a lack of trust in the sovereignty of God. It implies that He is not powerful enough on His own to protect His people. Wearing evil eye jewelry also identifies us with pagan, non-Christian beliefs.
Paul warns:
“Do not be idolaters. …Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” (1 Corinthians 10:7,14)
As followers of Jesus, we must flee from any hint of idolatry and the occult, including evil eye jewelry and trinkets.
Walking in Wisdom
Instead of relying on evil eye amulets, the Bible encourages us to walk in wisdom, truth, and the abundant life given to us in Christ.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
“A wise man attacks the city of the mighty and pulls down the stronghold in which they trust.” (Proverbs 21:22)
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
Our victory is in the light of Jesus Christ which no amount of darkness can overcome (John 1:5). We do not need charms of protection when we are already protected by the armor and the blood of Almighty God.
Walking in God’s wisdom also means loving even those who scorn and curse us:
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.” (Romans 12:14)
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9)
Rather than respond to curses with more curses, we have the power to overcome evil with good, through Christ’s love working within us.
Conclusion
In summary, the clear teaching of Scripture forbids occult practices like the evil eye and idolatrous use of amulets and charms. As Christians, we have no need for such pagan customs – Jesus has delivered us from every dark power. We are called to place our trust fully in the sovereign Lord and walk in His wisdom, truth and freedom.
Rather than view others as a source of curses, we are commissioned to love others and bless them – even our enemies. God desires us to be conduits of His grace and to leave behind the fear and superstitions of this world.
May we renounce any attachment we have to occult charms and surrender wholeheartedly to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Let us walk in the confidence that we are valued, protected and loved by Almighty God.
