In Revelation 9 the word (pharmakeus) appears in the original which can mean drugs, or potion inducing drugs used by sorcerers. Vines explains this as:
A-1 Noun Strong's Number: 5331 Greek: pharmakia[-eia]
Sorcery:
(Eng., "pharmacy," etc.) primarily signified "the use of medicine, drugs, spells;" then, "poisoning;" then, "sorcery," Gal 5:20, RV, "sorcery" (AV, "witchcraft"), mentioned as one of "the works of the flesh." See also Rev 9:21; 18:23. In the Sept., Exd 7:11,22; 8:7,18; Isa 47:9,12. In "sorcery," the use of drugs, whether simple or potent, was generally accompanied by incantations and appeals to occult powers, with the provision of various charms, amulets, etc., professedly designed to keep the applicant or patient from the attention and power of demons, but actually to impress the applicant with the mysterious resources and powers of the sorcerer.
Last edited by Joe k; Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:03 AM.
