Quote:
Originally Posted by Ferd
O-Man, I dont think you can say that. the greek word Pharmika is where we get our word pharmacy from but that doesnt imply that the modern understanding of a drug like Amnioterone (sp) which corrects vintricular tachacardia is = to witchcraft.
we are talking about the ancient understanding of mind altering drugs, that were then used to put people into a state where they could "commune" with the spirits.
LSD yes. bad mojo
Asprin no. Good mojo.
|
Maybe this will help clear it up for you.
Witchcraft is the translation of the Greek word pharmakeia from which the term “pharmacy” comes. In ancient times the worship of evil powers was accompanied by the use of drugs to create trances. This vice will also be prominent in the Tribulation period (cf.
Rev. 9:21; 18:23).—Bible Knowledge Commentary
from pharmakon (a drug, i.e. spell-giving potion); a druggist (“pharmacist”) or poisoner, i.e. (by extension) a magician :- sorcerer—Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
Witchcraft. Pretending to witchcraft. The apostle does not vouch for the actual existence of witchcraft; but he says that what was known as such was a proof of the corrupt nature of man, and was one of the fruits of it. No one can doubt it. It was a system of imposture and falsehood throughout; and nothing is a better demonstration of the depravity of the human heart than an extended and systematized attempt to impose on mankind. The word which is here used, (φαρμακεια, whence our word pharmacy, from φαρμακον a medicine, poison, magic potion,) means, properly, the preparing and giving of medicine. Then it means also poisoning, and also magic art, or enchantment; because in savage nations, pharmacy or medicine consisted much in magical incantations. Thence it means sorcery or enchantment, and it is so used uniformly in the New Testament. It is used only in
Galatians 5:20,
Revelation 9:21;
Revelation 18:23, 21:8. Some have supposed that it means here poisoning, a crime often practised; but the more correct interpretation is, to refer it to the black art, or to pretensions to witchcraft, and the numerous delusions which have grown out of it, as a striking illustration of the corrupt and depraved nature of man. —Barnes' Notes on the New Testament
Witchcraft—Φαρμακεια, from φαρμακον a drug or poison; because in all spells and enchantments, whether true or false, drugs were employed. As a drug, φαρμακον, might either be the means of removing an evil, or inflicting one, etymologists have derived it from φερον ακος, bringing ease, or φερον αχος, bringing pain. So spells and incantations were used sometimes for the restoration of the health; at others, for the destruction of an enemy. Sometimes, these φαρμακα were used to procure love; at other times, to produce hatred.
—Adam Clarke's Commentary