Bible Verses About Halloween

Compiled by The BibleStudyTools Staff on 10/29/2024
Bible Verses About Halloween

What Does the Bible Say About Halloween?

The Bible doesn’t mention Halloween specifically because the holiday developed centuries after the biblical texts were written. However, many of the themes associated with Halloween—like death, darkness, and spiritual forces—are addressed throughout Scripture. For some Christians, the holiday offers a moment to reflect on these themes, while others prefer to avoid participation altogether due to the holiday's historical and cultural origins.

Pagan Origins of Halloween and Conflict with Christianity

Halloween has roots in Samhain, a pagan Celtic festival held around November 1, marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. During Samhain, it was believed that the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest, and people made offerings or engaged in rituals to appease wandering spirits. As Christianity spread, All Saints’ Day (celebrated on November 1) was introduced to honor Christian martyrs and saints, giving rise to "All Hallows' Eve," which later evolved into Halloween.

For many Christians, the superstitions and rituals from Samhain are incompatible with biblical teachings. The Bible warns against practices tied to sorcery, witchcraft, and occult activities. For example, Deuteronomy 18:10-12 explicitly instructs believers not to engage in divination, spiritism, or consulting the dead, as these were practices of the nations surrounding Israel.

Click to read more about Is Halloween Evil?

Should Christians Participate in Halloween?

So what are Christians to do? Yes, the Bible encourages Christians to avoid engaging in practices that align with pagan traditions or suggest the worship of false gods. Ephesians 5:11 says, "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." This teaching influences many Christians who feel that Halloween’s connection to darkness, spirits, and magic contradicts their faith. However, others point out that while Halloween’s origins were pagan, the way it is celebrated today can be reframed. Activities like costume parties, pumpkin carving, or trick-or-treating may not carry any spiritual significance and can be seen as harmless fun, especially if the intent is to celebrate community or engage with neighbors.

Personal Convictions and Christian Freedom

Different Christians have different convictions regarding Halloween. Romans 14:5-6 reminds believers that not all matters are black-and-white: "One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." Some choose to opt-out of Halloween activities entirely to avoid any association with its pagan origins. Others participate in ways that align with their values, such as attending church-hosted "trunk-or-treat" events or using the opportunity to share their faith with their neighbors.

Ultimately, Christian liberty allows for differing approaches, as long as believers honor God in their decisions. Whether by avoiding or reimagining Halloween celebrations, the focus remains on living in a way that reflects God’s truth and love.

Click to read more about Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

Whether you are looking for Scripture about how Christians should handle darkness and evil, an encouraging verse before you go out trick-or-treating, or an inspiring passage to celebrate the harvest season with church families, this list of Bible verses below has got you covered!

1 John 1:5 - God is Light
5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
Cast Your Anxiety on Him - 1 Peter
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
19 When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?
20 Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Your Daily Verse - 3 John 1:11
11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
Your Daily Verse - Isaiah 35:4
4 say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
Strong and Courageous - Joshua 1:9
9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
The Lord is my Shepherd
4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 27:1
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
The God of the UNIVERSE is on your side, who can stand against you? - Psalm 118:6
6 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Your Daily Verse - Romans 12:2
2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;
20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions
21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Romans 8:39 - Nothing Can Separate Us
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Titus 1:15
15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.
God always keeps the promises He makes! - Micah 5:2
12 I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.
Ephesians 6:12
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
14 The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so.
43 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.
44 Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order.
45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”
15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.