The “witching hour” is a term used to refer to the time of night associated with supernatural events, magic, and witchcraft. It typically refers to the hour between midnight and 1:00 AM. The origins of this term are uncertain, but it has become popular in modern culture through books, movies, and folklore.
The Bible does not specifically mention the “witching hour” by that name. However, the Bible has a lot to say about witchcraft, sorcery, magic, and consulting with spirits – practices often associated with the witching hour in popular culture. The Bible condemns these practices as sinful and instructs God’s people to avoid them.
Witchcraft and Sorcery in the Bible
Here are some key Bible passages that address witchcraft and related 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)
- “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. 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 18:9-12)
- “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21)
- “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
- “Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” (Revelation 22:15)
- “And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” (Revelation 9:21)
As these verses demonstrate, the Bible condemns all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, divination, necromancy, fortune telling, and magic as sinful practices. God’s people are instructed to completely avoid these things. Consulting with mediums and spirits is strictly forbidden.
Darkness and Evil in the Bible
In addition to witchcraft, the Bible also associates darkness and nighttime with evil:
- “The LORD said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt.” So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.” (Exodus 10:21-22)
- “Such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
- “The LORD tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.”
(Psalm 11:5) - “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
- “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)
While the Bible does not specifically associate midnight to 1 AM as being “witching hour,” it is clear that nighttime and darkness are often tied to evildoing and deception in Scripture. Christians are instructed not to participate in dark spiritual practices but to walk in the light of Christ.
Practical Applications
Based on biblical principles, here are some practical applications regarding the “witching hour”:
- Avoid occult practices like witchcraft, sorcery, divination, etc. The Bible clearly prohibits these.
- Be aware of increased temptation to sin at night. Take steps to guard yourself through prayer and spiritual discipline.
- Avoid entertainment glorifying the occult, like many movies and TV shows involving the witching hour.
- Don’t consult psychic hotlines, mediums, horoscopes, etc. Rely on God’s wisdom in Scripture instead.
- Focus on light over darkness. Stay active in Christian community and spiritual growth.
- Don’t fear nighttime or give superstitious significance to certain hours. Have faith in God’s sovereignty.
- Pray against demonic activity and spiritual warfare, which the Bible indicates can increase at night.
The bottom line is that Christians should not dabble in practices God defines as evil, regardless of the time of day or night. The Bible condemns witchcraft and occult activities as dangerous demonic deceptions. Jesus is the light of the world in whom there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). Christians’ identity is in Christ’s light.
Historical Origins
The exact origins of the term “witching hour” are unclear, but here are some of the historical theories and uses:
- In medieval European folklore, witches were thought to gather at night for their occult practices.
- Ancient pagan cultures like the Celts believed boundaries between the spirit realm and earth were weaker at night.
- In 18th century literature, midnight was sometimes called the “witching hour.” Examples include Goethe’s Faust and the Gothic novel The Monk.
- By the 19th century, the phrase “witching hour” was popular to refer specifically to midnight in folktales and fiction.
- Some connect the term to older beliefs about midnight hours being dominated by the “nocturnal side of Satan.”
- The use of “witching hour” rose in 20th century pop culture through horror films, TV, and books.
While the exact origin of the phrase is debatable, historically it has referred to the midnight hour associated with supernatural danger and evildoers like witches. The association of midnight with witchcraft developed from medieval folklore and superstition.
Common Modern Associations
Today the “witching hour” is used frequently in entertainment and culture to refer to midnight and the supernatural. Some common modern associations include:
- Midnight is a peak time for supernatural activity or manifestations.
- Ghosts, demons, and paranormal events occur at the witching hour.
- Witches practice black magic and cast spells at midnight.
- Evil creatures like vampires and werewolves come out during the witching hour.
- It’s easier to access the spirit realm and communicate with the dead at midnight.
- Major transitions happen around midnight, like life to death or childhood to adulthood.
- Magical arts are enhanced between midnight and 1 AM.
- Midnight has mystical, uncanny qualities.
These modern associations play upon traditional folklore about midnight to craft an aura of supernatural possibility and mystery around the witching hour. However, Christians do not need to fear – Christ has authority over any evil spirits or occult practices!
Is the Witching Hour Biblical?
The idea of a “witching hour” between midnight and 1 AM is not found in the Bible per se. However, these key truths help evaluate it biblically:
- The Bible condemns all occult practices like witchcraft and seeking to communicate with spirits. (Leviticus 19:31; Galatians 5:19-21).
- Darkness is sometimes associated with evildoing, while light represents Christ. (John 3:19-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8).
- Demons prowl about and Satan is active, but Christians have authority in Christ’s name. (Luke 10:19; 1 Peter 5:8-9).
- God is sovereign over all times and seasons, both day and night. (Psalm 31:14-15; Mark 13:32-33).
The idea of “peak” times for the demonic such as midnight has some basis in biblical principles. But the authority of Christ and the gospel overcomes any heightened occult activity. Christians must stay alert but not fear the night!
Should Christians Fear the Witching Hour?
Given what the Bible teaches, Christians do not need to view the witching hour as uniquely dangerous or terrifying. A biblical perspective brings assurance:
- God is in control at all hours, overruling powers of darkness. (Colossians 1:13-14)
- We have constant protection in Christ from any evil spirits. (1 John 4:4)
- Jesus has definitively defeated sin and Satan through the cross. (Colossians 2:15)
- Christ’s blood covers believers, so occult practices have no power over them. (Revelation 12:11)
- We have been rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred into light. (Colossians 1:13)
- God’s peace and presence are available constantly through the Spirit. (Psalm 23:4; Philippians 4:6-7)
While discernment about potential demonic activity is wise, Christians have complete security in their identity and position in Christ. The light and love of Jesus dispel any darkness! We can rest calmly in God’s hands without anxiety about occultic superstitions.
A Christian Response
How then should Christians view and respond to the idea of a witching hour?
- Have discernment about occult practices but don’t be preoccupied with darkness.
- Focus on Jesus’ light and lordship rather than demonic activity.
- Avoid entertainment that glorifies the demonic or witching hour.
- Don’t consult mediums, astrology or attempt magic rituals – even in jest.
- Guard time alone at night with prayer and God’s word.
- If experiencing spiritual oppression, claim Christ’s authority in prayer.
- Put on spiritual armor each day as described in Ephesians 6.
- Walk in wisdom towards outsiders who fear the witching hour.
The wise Christian will have biblical discernment about spiritual realities but more importantly will focus on pursuing Christ wholeheartedly in all times and seasons. Our victory is secure in Him.
Relevance for Ministry
These principles about the witching hour have important applications in ministry:
- Teach Christians the protection they have in Christ from any evil spirits.
- Don’t condemn unbelievers for fearing nightfall but point them to Jesus’ light.
- Encourage new believers leaving the occult to claim freedom in Christ.
- Explain biblically why Christians must not dabble in magic, astrology or other occult practices.
- Remind people of Jesus’ power and victory over Satan through His death and resurrection.
- Set an example for others of walking in godly wisdom and discernment.
- Provide biblical counsel and support for any experiencing spiritual oppression.
- Direct people to find security in God rather than in charms, rituals or folklore.
The superstitious pull surrounding the witching hour highlights the need for solid biblical teaching and discipleship. Christians have the opportunity to gently help others find hope and peace in Christ alone, at all times of the day or night.
Historical Church Views
Throughout history, the church has warned against occult practices associated with ideas like the witching hour, while affirming Christ’s complete authority and protection. A few examples:
- Augustine in the 5th century taught that demons have limited powers subject to God’s supreme control.
- Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century said recourse to demons was forbidden as it signifies a pact with the devil.
- The Catholic Church cautioned against astrology, divination, and trusting in the occult rather than God.
- The Protestant Reformers affirmed magic and witchcraft as forms of idolatry and deception to be avoided.
- The 1689 London Baptist Confession condemned magic, necromancy, and contact with spirits.
- Puritans like Richard Baxter warned extensively against involvement in occult practices.
While some details varied, mainstream church history emphasized the dangers of the occult and importance of finding one’s security in Christ alone. This same focus must continue to ground the modern church’s response.
Modern Misuses
Despite biblical warnings, some modern occult practices try to appropriate the idea of a witching hour. Christians must avoid and warn against these distortions:
- Wiccan rituals. Modern witchcraft practices cast spells and conduct rituals at midnight to harness supposed supernatural power.
- Paranormal pursuits. Many people use the midnight hour to seek ghosts, spirits, and psychic phenomena.
- Vampire lifestyles. Some involved in vampirism associate midnight with heightened energy and blood thirst.
- Satanic worship. Self-identified satanists may choose midnight to gather for ceremonies and sacrifices.
- Ritual magic. Occultists perform rituals at night aimed at conjuring spirits, demons and mystical secrets.
Dabbling in such activities can open demonic doors. Instead, Christians must access the true spiritual power of Christ’s redeeming blood which protects from all evil.
Healthy perspective
A healthy Christian perspective on the witching hour can be summarized as:
- Have biblical discernment about darkness, but don’t obsess over it.
- Remember Christ’s definitive victory over Satan and evil through the cross.
- Trust God’s complete sovereignty over all times and seasons.
- Avoid any entertainment or practices glorifying the demonic.
- Walk in God’s abundant love and light available in Christ (1 John 1:5-7).
The light of Jesus overcomes any darkness. Christians can rest securely night and day in His hands without fear of evil spirits or superstition. God promises to be an ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). We have full access to that help through faith in Christ.
