We live in a spiritual world where evil unseen forces significantly impact our lives—whether we realize it or not (Ephesians 6:12). As members of Satan’s kingdom (Matthew 12:26), unclean spirits (often referred to as demons) have a clear agenda: to undermine faith, create conflict, and promote sinful behaviors (1 Peter 5:8). They aim to lead people away from God’s truth and righteousness, replacing them with falsehood, confusion, and immorality (2 Corinthians 11:3). By manipulating thoughts, emotions, and actions, unclean spirits often manifest as temptation, addiction, or deception, disturbing the spiritual well-being of individuals. Ultimately, their mission is to create chaos, foster separation from God, and contribute to moral downfall in both individuals and society as a whole. Despite their destructive mission, we are equipped to overcome them through knowledge, faith, and spiritual discernment (Ephesians 6:11; 1 John 4:4), as the Bible emphasizes our authority over these evil entities (Luke 10:19).

16 Demonic Spirits Mentioned in the Bible

1. Spirit of Divination

The Spirit of Divination is distinctly marked by its obsession with fortune-telling, horoscopes, or occult practices (Acts 16:16-18). It involves the pursuit of supernatural guidance apart from God’s wisdom and guidance, such as tarot card readings, horoscopes or astrology, which the Bible repeatedly warns against (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:10-12). It frequently leads people into fortune-telling and predicting the future, diverting them from relying on God’s sovereignty and plan (Isaiah 47:13-14). The Spirit of Divination is often intertwined with a deceptive or manipulative nature. Consequently, it undermines trust and reliance on God’s guidance and wisdom, ultimately pulling people away from His truth and into spiritual darkness (1 Timothy 4:1). To combat this spirit, we must reject and repent of any involvement practices involving divine sources other than God, and turn to His Word and prayer for guidance—seeking His wisdom alone. Developing a strong relationship with God and grounding yourself in His truth and sovereignty is the most effective way to resist the allure of the Spirit of Divination (1 Samuel 15:23).

2. Familiar Spirit

Familiar Spirits are associated with attempts to communicate with the dead or seek messages from spirits. This may involve practices such as séances, Ouija boards, or occult rituals—as seen when King Saul sought out a medium to contact the deceased prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 28:7-20). Allowing fear or fascination with the supernatural to lead to involvement in these questionable practices can open the door to the influence of a Familiar Spirit. Such actions are sternly prohibited in Leviticus 20:27, where mediums and necromancers are condemned, and in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, which warns against those practicing divination or telling fortunes. To combat the influence of a Familiar Spirit, it is essential to reject any involvement in attempts to communicate with the dead or seek guidance from spirits, and focus on developing a personal relationship with God through prayer and Scripture.

3. Spirit of Jealousy

The Spirit of Jealousy is characterized by the harmful practice of comparing oneself to others and coveting their possessions or achievements, often leading to destructive envy and resentment (James 3:14-16). Those influenced by this spirit may fail to trust in God’s provision and sovereignty over their lives, causing suspicion and distrust, as God’s commandment emphasizes His jealousy for His people’s worship and loyalty (Exodus 20:5). The Spirit of Jealousy is closely linked to possessiveness and insecurity, hindering healthy relationships and unity among others. To combat the Spirit of Jealousy, we must actively practice gratitude, prioritize trust and open communication in our relationships, and earnestly seek God’s help in transforming jealousy into love and contentment, guided by the biblical principle that love is patient and kind, not envious or boastful (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

4. Lying Spirit

The Lying Spirit is an evil influence characterized by the habit of speaking lies or exaggerating the truth—often justifying dishonesty or deception in various aspects of life (1 Kings 22:19-23). This deceptive spirit thrives on engaging in gossip or spreading false information about others, and sowing mistrust in communities (Proverbs 6:16-19). It serves to advance the purposes of evil and hinders the pursuit of truth and righteousness, directly contrasting with the delight God takes in those who act faithfully (Proverbs 12:22). Combatting the Lying Spirit requires a deep commitment to authenticity and honesty, and putting away falsehood to speak the truth (Ephesians 4:25). Discernment, fact-checking, and a commitment to prayer for wisdom and guidance from God are essential in resisting this spirit’s influence and upholding truth and integrity (James 1:5). We must actively guard our speech and thoughts against deception, relying on Philippians 4:8 as a guide for what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Developing a culture of transparency and accountability within communities can help counteract the Lying Spirit’s divisive tactics, creating an environment where truth and trust prevail (Proverbs 28:13).

5. Perverse Spirit

The Perverse Spirit is a dangerous influence that thrives on distorting truth and promoting wickedness. It takes root when we allow deception and moral corruption to invade our lives, leading to actions contrary to God’s righteous standards (Proverbs 4:24). Proverbs 6:12-14 warns against those who walk with a perverse mouth, devising evil, and creating conflict—a contrast to righteousness and truth. In Proverbs 8:13, we are reminded that the fear of the Lord includes the hatred of evil, pride, arrogance, and the perverse mouth. To combat the Perverse Spirit, we must seek wisdom and discernment through God’s Word, allowing it to guide our thoughts and actions (Proverbs 2:6). Cultivating a heart that rejects evil and clings to what is good is vital (Romans 12:9). Engaging in self-examination and repentance when we fall into moral distortion is essential for maintaining righteousness (2 Corinthians 13:5). Seeking accountability within a faith community or under the guidance of a mentor can provide support in the journey toward moral integrity and truthfulness.

6. Spirit of Haughtiness

The Spirit of Haughtiness is a evil force that takes root when we allow pride to hinder humility, often leading to looking down on others or considering yourself as superior—ultimately causing conflicts and division (Proverbs 16:18). Proverbs 21:4 warns against haughty eyes and a proud heart as sinful, and Proverbs 28:25 highlights the difference between the turmoil brought on by greed and the prosperity that comes from placing trust in the Lord. James 4:6 teaches that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. To combat this spirit, we must deliberately humble ourselves before God and others, recognizing our need for His grace. Cultivating a spirit of servanthood, as inspired by Philippians 2:3-4—essential in countering pride. Practicing self-reflection and repentance when prideful thoughts arise is instrumental in maintaining humility (1 Peter 5:5; Colossians 3:12). Seeking accountability through a trusted faith community or mentor can provide guidance and support in the journey towards humility and grace.  

7. Spirit of Heaviness

The Spirit of Heaviness can influence individuals who dwell on negative thoughts and emotions, leading to self-imposed isolation, neglect of self-care, and emotional struggles (Isaiah 61:3). This oppressive spirit brings emotional burden and despair, hindering joy and well-being, often linked to grief and hopelessness. Psalm 42:11 encourages finding hope in God even in turmoil, recognizing Him as the source of comfort. 1 Peter 5:7 emphasizes casting anxieties on God because He cares for us. To combat this spirit, we must turn to God in prayer, seek professional counseling or therapy when needed, and surround ourselves with a supportive network of encouraging friends and family (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

8. Spirit of Whoredom

The Spirit of Whoredom, often referred to as the Spirit of Promiscuity or the Spirit of Prostitution, exerts its influence when one engages in sexual immorality, undermining the holiness of marriage and sexual purity—hindering one’s return to God (Hosea 5:4). The metaphor of spiritual adultery is used in Ezekiel 16:28 to illustrate unfaithfulness to God’s covenant. James 4:4 warns against befriending the world, highlighting the spiritual unfaithfulness that can result. To combat this spirit, we must prioritize sexual purity within marriage, seek accountability from our faith community, and turn to God in repentance. As temples of the Holy Spirit, we should honor God with our bodies and relationships, remaining faithful to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

9. Spirit of Infirmity

The Spirit of Infirmity is an unclean spirit that afflicts the human body with sicknesses, diseases, and disabilities. In Luke 13:11-13, we witness Jesus healing a woman afflicted by a disabling spirit, showing His power over infirmities. Mark 9:25 reinforces this authority, as Jesus heals a mute and deaf boy. Although its presence can be daunting, Exodus 4:11 emphasizes that God ultimately controls physical conditions, and has the power to heal us when we confess our sins (James 5:16). To counteract the Spirit of Infirmity, James 5:14-15 encourages church elders to pray for the sick, recognizing God’s healing power. Psalm 103:2-3 highlights God as the ultimate healer of diseases, underscoring the importance of recognizing His role in the healing process. Proverbs 4:20-22 emphasizes the powerful impact of God’s Word, highlighting that studying, meditating, and seeking God’s Word diligently is key to defeating the Spirit of Infirmity and finding physical and spiritual healing.

10. Mute Spirit

The Mute Spirit, often referred to in the Bible as the “deaf and mute spirit,” obstructs communication with God through spiritual oppression. This spirit inflicts speech and hearing impairments and is typically associated with oppressive and mute behavior, leading to isolation and frustration. Instances of its influence can be found in biblical accounts like Mark 9:17-29 and Matthew 17:18, where Jesus rebukes and heals those possessed by this spirit. To counter the Mute Spirit, we are encouraged to exercise faith and spiritual authority, as emphasized in Mark 11:23 and Mark 16:17-18, and put complete trust and reliance in God as He is the one who gives us the ability to hear and speak (Isaiah 29:18). We must rely on promises such as Isaiah 35:5-6, which foreshadows the coming Messiah’s ability to open the eyes of the blind and the ears of the deaf. In doing so, we become confident and equipped to use the Word of God to cast out the Mute Spirit and find deliverance. 

11. Spirit of Bondage

The Spirit of Bondage traps us in addictive behaviors, using fear, guilt, or shame. It makes those affected feel like they are slaves, preventing them from fully experiencing the freedom that comes from being children of God (Romans 8:15). The Bible teaches that Jesus has set us free, and we should hold onto that freedom and not let ourselves be trapped again (Galatians 5:1). Jesus has also delivered us from the fear of death, which can be a form of bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15). To overcome this spirit, we must first lean on the reminder that Jesus defeated death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57) and freed us from bondage (John 8:36). We have been delivered from the Satan’s kingdom to the Kingdom of God through Jesus (Colossians 1:13-14). He has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Instead, we must exercise our power over the enemy to cast this spirit out through Him (Luke 10:19).

12. Spirit of Fear

The Spirit of Fear is one of the most common spirits that unfortunately oppresses humanity through various forms. The Spirit of Fear often robs us of our courage and confidence, causing us to feel powerless and overwhelmed, leading to anxiety, fear of failure, or rejection. Fear can lead to a lack of trust in God, making us timid and lacking in courage. 

2 Timothy 1:7 continues to remind us that God has not given us this spirit of fear; instead, He has blessed us with power, love, and self-control. We can counteract this spirit by embracing God’s love, which fosters a sense of security, safety and belonging (1 John 4:18). Fear often clouds judgment and leads to irrational thought patterns and behaviors. Having clarity of thought, self-discipline, and the ability to make rational decisions emphasizes our mental authority as we have been given the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) to navigate challenging situations and overcome fear-driven thought patterns. Psalm 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10  provide comfort and guidance, reminding us not to fear, as God is our strength and support. To overcome the Spirit of Fear, replace fearful thoughts with verses from the Bible that emphasize God’s protection and peace—including Psalm 27:1 and John 14:27. Remember that God’s power is greater than that of the enemy (1 John 4:4), and we have nothing to be afraid of because He fights our battles on our behalf and always delivers us from evil when we call on him (Joel 2:32).

13. Seducing Spirits

Seducing Spirits mislead their victims through false teachings and inaccurate doctrines that lead people away from the truth (1 Timothy 4:1), and can deceive individuals by appealing to their desires, hindering discernment and sound doctrine. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 warns of a time when people will not endure sound teaching but will seek their own passions. In Matthew 24:24, it’s predicted that false prophets will perform miracles to deceive, and lead people astray by performing great signs and wonders. To combat these spirits, we are encouraged to follow the guidance provided in 1 John 4:1, which advises not to believe every spirit, but instead, test them to see whether they are from God or of the world. Additionally, 2 Corinthians 10:5 urges us to remove any thoughts and ideas that go against our knowledge of God and to make every thought obey Christ. We must diligently study and apply Scripture, testing teachings and doctrines against the Bible’s truth to develop strong discernment and protection against these deceptive influences. 

14. Spirit of Antichrist

The Spirit of Antichrist is identified by its denial or rejection of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Lord, often leading to the embrace of ideologies, teachings, and movements that oppose biblical teachings centered around Jesus as the Messiah. This spirit specifically denies Jesus as the Son of God and fosters false beliefs about His identity. 1 John 4:3 warns that any spirit rejecting Jesus is not from God. 1 John 2:22 identifies those denying Jesus as liars and antichrists, rejecting both the Father and the Son, while 2 John 1:7 speaks of deceivers who deny Christ’s coming in the flesh. To combat this spirit, we must affirm our faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the sole path to salvation (John 3:16). We should actively reject false teachings that deny Jesus, and share the gospel message to counteract antichrist beliefs.

15. Spirit of Error

The Spirit of Error, often referred to as the “Spirit of Deception” is characterized by accepting false beliefs and misconceptions without carefully examining them. Victims of this spirit fail to seek and follow sound biblical teachings and ignore the importance of accurate interpretation of Scripture. This spirit leads those affected by it into doctrinal disputes and divisions amongst believers. 1 John 4:6 highlights the importance of distinguishing between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error, emphasizing the importance of discerning the source of our beliefs. 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 warns that God may allow us to believe what is false if we reject the truth, leading to condemnation. Additionally, 2 Corinthians 11:4 cautions us against accepting a different version of Jesus, a different spirit, or a different gospel than what was originally taught. To combat the Spirit of Error, we must focus on seeking truth and wisdom by studying the Bible and sound doctrine, being cautious about false information, correcting misconceptions with the truth, and seeking guidance from experienced mentors to build a strong foundation in their faith (John 14:6). 

16. Spirit of Death

The Spirit of Death manifests when we dwell on thoughts of dying and develop a fear of death, rejecting the hope and promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus. The Bible communicates that the devil holds the power of death and enslaves anyone who fears death (Hebrews 2:14-15) This spirit can take hold when we are consumed by grief and sadness instead of finding comfort in God’s promises. The Spirit of Death is often associated with destruction and judgment, and represents both physical and spiritual consequences as a result of sin (Revelation 6:8). This spirit separates us from God and prevents us from experiencing a full, abundant, and meaningful life in Christ. Romans 6:23 compares the result of sin, which is death, to the free gift of eternal life through Jesus, and 1 Corinthians 15:26 speaks of death as the last enemy that will be defeated. To overcome the Spirit of Death, we must hold on to the hope and eternal life we have in Jesus, as mentioned in Romans 8:38-39, which says that nothing can separate us from God’s love. 1 Corinthians 15:55 reminds us that death has lost its victory and sting in the light of Jesus’ resurrection, so we are to share the message of salvation and resurrection with others, showing that peace, hope, and comfort are found in those who put their trust in Jesus.

The Bible assures us that through faith in Jesus, we possess the authority to cast out these unclean spirits (Mark 16:17). Through repentance, seeking God’s forgiveness, and resisting evil, we can rid ourselves of these harmful influences (James 4:7). Utilizing prayer, spiritual discernment, and unwavering reliance on God’s Word, we can safeguard our spiritual well-being and stand against the forces of darkness (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).