The topic of keeping evil spirits away is a matter of deep spiritual significance for many individuals around the world. In the realm of faith and belief, the presence of malevolent forces or entities is a concept that has been explored and addressed throughout religious texts, including the Bible.
The Scriptures offer guidance, principles, and verses that believers turn to for understanding and protection against the influence of evil spirits. These verses and teachings provide insights on how to maintain a strong and spiritually secure life, emphasizing faith, vigilance, discernment, and reliance on the power and love of God.
In this exploration of the topic, we delve into various Bible verses and their commentaries that shed light on the ways in which believers can guard themselves against the influence of evil spirits and maintain a firm foundation in their faith journey.
Bible Verses About Keeping Evil Spirit Away
Matthew 4:10
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.”‘”
In this passage from the book of Matthew, Jesus is being tempted by the devil in the wilderness. His response, “Be gone, Satan!” exemplifies a powerful way to confront evil spirits. By emphasizing the worship and service of God, Jesus shows that our primary focus should be on our relationship with God. When we worship and serve the Lord with a sincere heart, we create a spiritual barrier against evil influences.
This verse reminds us to turn to God in times of temptation and seek His guidance and protection.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James encourages believers to submit themselves to God and resist the devil, who will then flee. Submitting to God implies surrendering our will and desires to Him. By doing so, we become spiritually fortified, making it difficult for evil spirits to gain a foothold in our lives. When we actively resist the devil, he is forced to retreat.
This verse teaches us the importance of living in obedience to God and actively opposing the forces of darkness.
1 John 4:4
“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.”
John reminds us that as children of God, we have overcome evil spirits because the Holy Spirit within us is more powerful than the forces of darkness in the world.
This verse emphasizes the indwelling presence of God’s Spirit as our source of strength and protection. Believers can keep evil spirits at bay by nurturing their relationship with God and relying on His strength.
Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
The Apostle Paul instructs us to put on the armor of God as a defense against the devil’s schemes. This spiritual armor, detailed in Ephesians 6:13-17, includes elements such as the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, and the shield of faith. By wearing this armor, believers can guard themselves against the influence of evil spirits.
The verse emphasizes the importance of being spiritually prepared and equipped to resist the devil’s attacks.
Psalm 91:9-10
“Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent.”
Psalm 91 speaks of the protection and refuge that comes from dwelling in the presence of the Lord. When we make God our dwelling place, evil spirits are unable to harm us.
This verse conveys the idea that by seeking God’s shelter and establishing a deep and abiding relationship with Him, we create a spiritual barrier against harm and malevolent forces.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
This verse from 2 Corinthians highlights the spiritual warfare that Christians engage in. It emphasizes the importance of using divine weapons to dismantle strongholds, which can include evil influences and spirits. By casting down arguments and thoughts that oppose God’s truth and by surrendering every thought to Christ’s authority, believers can maintain their spiritual integrity.
This verse underscores the significance of a renewed mind and a commitment to godly thinking in repelling evil influences.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
In 1 Peter, believers are urged to be vigilant and sober-minded, recognizing that the devil is always on the prowl, seeking to devour those who are vulnerable.
This verse encourages us to stay alert and aware of the spiritual battle around us. By maintaining a sober and watchful attitude, we can deter evil spirits and avoid falling into their snares. It reminds us that complacency can make us susceptible to spiritual attacks.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord completely and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life. By acknowledging God in every decision and action, believers invite His divine guidance and protection. When we follow God’s wisdom, we are less likely to be led astray by evil spirits.
This verse underscores the role of faith and reliance on God in maintaining spiritual well-being.
1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Abstain from every form of evil.”
This concise verse from 1 Thessalonians advises believers to abstain from every form of evil. By living a life marked by purity and righteousness, Christians can minimize their exposure to evil influences.
It highlights the importance of making deliberate choices to avoid participating in or promoting any form of wrongdoing, which can attract evil spirits.
Luke 10:19
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”
In this verse, Jesus affirms the authority He has given to His disciples over the power of the enemy. Believers have the power to overcome evil spirits and demonic forces through the authority of Christ.
This verse serves as a reminder that when we walk in Christ’s authority, we can confidently confront and repel evil influences, knowing that nothing can ultimately harm us when we rely on the power of God.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that as believers, we have been given a spirit characterized by power, love, and self-control, not fear. This verse encourages us to rely on the Holy Spirit’s strength and the love of God to combat fear and anxiety, which can make us susceptible to evil influences.
By embracing this spirit of power, love, and self-control, we can confront and resist the work of evil spirits with courage and resolve.
1 Corinthians 10:21
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.”
1 Corinthians 10:21 underscores the importance of spiritual separation from anything associated with darkness. It highlights that a Christian cannot simultaneously partake in communion with the Lord and engage in practices connected to demons or evil spirits.
By choosing to remain devoted to the Lord’s table and avoiding any form of participation with darkness, believers create a clear boundary between themselves and evil influences.
1 John 3:8
“Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”
1 John 3:8 emphasizes the purpose of Jesus’ coming to Earth, which was to destroy the works of the devil. It warns against practicing sin, as this aligns one with the devil’s influence. By living a life of righteousness and seeking forgiveness through Christ, believers can actively participate in destroying the works of the devil and keeping evil spirits at bay.
This verse encourages us to be mindful of our actions and the spiritual forces at work.
Romans 12:21
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21 encourages believers to resist being overcome by evil but instead to overcome it with good. By responding to evil with love, kindness, and righteousness, we can effectively counteract the influence of evil spirits.
This verse reminds us that our conduct and choices can have a powerful impact in dispelling darkness and maintaining a spiritually secure life.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These virtues reflect a life led by the Holy Spirit. When believers cultivate these qualities in their lives, they become less susceptible to the influence of evil spirits.
The presence of these fruits in our lives creates a spiritual atmosphere that repels darkness and promotes spiritual well-being.
Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23 is a beloved passage that offers comfort and assurance. When we find ourselves in challenging or spiritually dark situations, this verse reminds us that God is with us as our shepherd. His presence and guidance provide comfort and protection, dispelling fear and evil.
Trusting in God’s presence and guidance can help us navigate through difficult times and keep evil spirits at bay.
Ephesians 4:27
“And give no opportunity to the devil.”
Ephesians 4:27 offers straightforward advice for believers: do not give any opportunity to the devil. By guarding our hearts and minds and avoiding behaviors or situations that could open the door to evil influences, we can maintain our spiritual integrity.
This verse underscores the importance of proactive and deliberate actions to prevent evil from gaining a foothold in our lives.
1 Timothy 4:1
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.”
In 1 Timothy 4:1, the apostle Paul warns about the danger of deceitful spirits and teachings of demons leading some away from the faith. This verse reminds us to be discerning and to hold fast to the genuine teachings of the faith.
By staying rooted in sound doctrine and being aware of false teachings, we can protect ourselves from the influence of deceitful spirits.
Isaiah 41:10
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 offers words of comfort and encouragement, assuring believers of God’s presence and support. When we face spiritual battles or challenges, this verse reminds us that God is our source of strength and protection.
Trusting in His promise to be with us and uphold us can help us overcome fear and deter evil spirits.
2 Peter 2:9
“Then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment.”
2 Peter 2:9 acknowledges God’s ability to rescue the godly from trials. This verse encourages believers to live in righteousness and godliness, as God is fully capable of delivering them from harm and protecting them from the judgment of the unrighteous.
By walking in godliness and seeking God’s guidance, we can remain under His protection and avoid the influence of evil spirits.
1 Peter 5:9
“Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”
Peter encourages believers to resist the devil, standing firm in their faith. This verse underscores the importance of faith and solidarity among believers in resisting the schemes of evil spirits.
By knowing that others share similar struggles, we can find strength in community and trust in God, which fortifies our defenses against spiritual attacks.
Colossians 2:15
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
Colossians 2:15 highlights the victory of Christ over rulers and authorities. Through His triumph on the cross, Jesus disarmed and put to open shame the forces of darkness. This verse reminds us that we can find protection and strength in Christ’s victory.
By relying on His triumph, we can overcome evil influences and remain spiritually secure.
2 Thessalonians 3:3
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.”
In 2 Thessalonians 3:3, we are assured of the Lord’s faithfulness in establishing and guarding us against the evil one. This verse emphasizes God’s reliability in protecting believers from the influence of the evil one.
By placing our trust in God’s faithfulness, we can confidently live without fear of evil spirits.
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:38-39 affirms the inseparable love of God. This passage teaches that nothing in the spiritual realm, whether angels, rulers, or powers, can separate us from the love of God in Christ.
By embracing this truth, believers can find confidence in God’s love as a protective shield against the influence of evil spirits.
Psalm 121:7-8
“The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”
Psalm 121:7-8 speaks of the Lord’s protective care, assuring believers of His continual watch over their lives. This passage emphasizes God’s guardianship over every aspect of our lives, safeguarding us from evil.
By trusting in God’s watchful eye, we can find comfort and assurance against the influence of evil spirits.
1 John 4:1
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
1 John 4:1 urges believers to exercise discernment in evaluating spiritual influences. Not every spirit is from God, and there are false prophets and deceptive influences at work. By discerning and testing the spirits, we can protect ourselves from the harmful effects of false teachings and deceitful spirits.
This verse highlights the importance of critical thinking and a solid understanding of God’s truth.
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”
In this verse, Paul advises believers to be watchful and stand firm in their faith. By staying vigilant and resolute in their beliefs, Christians can guard themselves against the influences of evil spirits.
This verse encourages believers to take an active and steadfast stance in their spiritual journey, effectively repelling malevolent forces.
Acts 19:19
“And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.”
Acts 19:19 illustrates the transformative power of faith in Christ. When individuals encountered the truth of the Gospel, they willingly renounced their involvement in the occult and magical practices by destroying their books of magic.
This passage emphasizes the need for believers to rid themselves of any objects or practices that may attract evil spirits, as these can hinder one’s spiritual growth and well-being.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.”
Paul describes the spiritual battle that believers engage in, emphasizing that their weapons are divinely powerful. These weapons are not physical but spiritual and are effective in tearing down strongholds, including the influence of evil spirits.
This verse encourages believers to recognize the nature of their spiritual warfare and to rely on the divine power of God for protection and victory.
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 reminds believers that God is a refuge and source of strength, always available in times of trouble. By seeking refuge in God and drawing strength from His presence, believers can withstand the assaults of evil spirits and external challenges.
This verse encourages trust in God as a reliable fortress against spiritual and worldly threats.
What Does the Bible Say About Keeping Evil Spirit Away
Faith in God: Trusting in God and making Him the center of one’s life is a fundamental principle for protection against evil spirits. Having a strong faith can serve as a shield against negative spiritual influences.
Resist the Devil: James 4:7 instructs believers to “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This verse emphasizes the importance of actively resisting and opposing the devil’s influence in one’s life.
Spiritual Discernment: 1 John 4:1 advises believers not to believe every spirit but to test them to determine whether they are from God. Spiritual discernment, rooted in God’s Word, helps in recognizing and avoiding deceitful spirits.
Renounce Sinful Practices: Acts 19:19 recounts how those who had practiced magic arts repented by burning their books, demonstrating the importance of renouncing any involvement in occult or sinful practices that may attract evil spirits.
A Prayer to Keep Evil Spirit Away
Heavenly Father,
We come before You in humble reverence, seeking Your divine guidance and protection from the influence of evil spirits that may seek to harm or hinder us in our spiritual journey. We acknowledge that Your power and love are greater than any force of darkness, and we place our trust in You.
Lord, grant us discernment to recognize when we encounter deceitful spirits or false teachings, and the wisdom to turn away from them. Help us to be vigilant and watchful, standing firm in our faith and resolute in our beliefs.
We pray for the strength to resist the devil and to overcome evil with goodness and righteousness. May Your Word be a lamp unto our feet, illuminating our path and dispelling the shadows of darkness.
In the name of Jesus, we pray for the spiritual fortitude to keep evil spirits at bay, remaining steadfast in our faith and finding comfort in Your promises.
Amen.