Section 3: What a Wizard Really Is
In the first section, we untangled the confusion and fears surrounding the word “wizard.” In the second section, we grounded the pursuit of wisdom firmly in Scripture and Christian tradition. Now, in this third section, we need to clearly define what a wizard actually is—not according to rumor, fear, or pop culture, but according to its original meaning and true role.
The Etymology of the Word “Wizard”
The starting point is language itself. Words carry histories, and the word wizard has a history worth recovering. It comes from the Middle English wysard, which means “wise one” or “wise man.” The root is wys, meaning “wise.” In its earliest use, it was simply a word of respect for someone with great knowledge or discernment.
It is worth noting that many words have shifted in meaning over time. For example, the word “awful” used to mean “full of awe” or “worthy of reverence.” The word “gay” once simply meant “joyful” or “bright.” Similarly, the word “wizard” shifted from a neutral or even positive term into one burdened with associations of sorcery.
To recover the true meaning, we must peel back those later layers of superstition and fear. At its core, a wizard is simply a wise person, devoted to the pursuit of understanding, reflection, and service.
Wizardry as the Pursuit of Wisdom
If we accept this root meaning, then wizardry is not about waving wands or chanting spells. It is about wisdom—studying creation, understanding human nature, and applying discernment in service of others.
This kind of wisdom is celebrated throughout Scripture. Proverbs repeatedly contrasts the wise with the fool, always urging us to choose wisdom: “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver” (Proverbs 16:16).
A wizard, then, is not an enemy of faith but an ally in the pursuit of godly wisdom. Their task is to study, reflect, counsel, and serve. In this sense, the role of the wizard overlaps strongly with that of the philosopher, the theologian, and even the pastor.
Distinguishing Wizardry from Sorcery
One of the most important clarifications we must make is that wizardry is not the same as sorcery. The Bible warns repeatedly against practices like divination, necromancy, and sorcery (Deuteronomy 18:10–12; Galatians 5:20). These are condemned because they represent attempts to manipulate spiritual forces in rebellion against God.
A wizard, however, does not seek control or manipulation. The true wizard does not attempt to summon spirits or bend nature to his will. Instead, the wizard seeks to understand, to discern, and to counsel wisely. The goal is not power, but truth.
In this way, the wizard is closer to the wise counselors of Scripture—men like Daniel, who served in the court of Babylon, interpreting dreams with God’s help (Daniel 2). Daniel was not condemned as a sorcerer; he was honored as a man of wisdom whose insight came from God.
The Wizard as Philosopher
Another helpful comparison is the philosopher. In Greek, philosophia means “the love of wisdom.” Philosophers devote their lives to reflection, questioning, and the pursuit of truth.
The wizard plays a similar role. He is the one who loves wisdom, who studies deeply, who seeks understanding not for selfish gain but for the good of others. Just as Paul in Athens engaged with philosophers (Acts 17:16–34), so the wizard engages with questions of life, truth, and meaning.
Importantly, the philosopher and the wizard are not rivals of faith. When guided by humility, they can become servants of it, helping people see truth more clearly.
The Wizard as Teacher and Counselor
In practice, the wizard is a teacher, a guide, and a counselor. He or she does not hoard wisdom but shares it. This role is reflected in Ephesians 4:11–12, where Paul says that Christ gave some as teachers “for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ.”
The wizardly role is similar: equipping others with wisdom, offering counsel, guiding those who are lost in confusion, and speaking truth when deception abounds. This is not about lording power over others but about humbly serving them, much as Christ Himself said: “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Mark 10:43).
The Wizard as Watchman
There is also a prophetic dimension to the wizard’s role. In Ezekiel 33, the prophet is called a watchman, responsible for warning the people when danger approaches. In a similar way, the wizard uses wisdom to discern threats—whether intellectual, spiritual, or social—and offers warnings to protect the community.
This is not fortune-telling. It is discernment. It is recognizing patterns, reading the signs of the times, and applying wisdom to guide others. Jesus Himself told His disciples to be watchful and discerning: “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13).
The wizard, as a wise one, takes this role seriously, not predicting the future but discerning the present in order to prepare for what may come.
The Character of a True Wizard
If the wizard is defined by wisdom, then character is central. The Bible makes clear that wisdom without humility is dangerous. James 3:13 asks: “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.”
A true wizard is therefore not arrogant or domineering. He or she embodies gentleness, humility, and integrity. The wizard is patient in study, careful in speech, and slow to anger. These are not qualities of sorcery; they are fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).
Examples from Christian Tradition
Throughout Christian history, figures who might be considered “wizardly” have appeared—not as magicians, but as wise ones.
- Thomas Aquinas studied philosophy and theology with deep devotion, producing works of wisdom that still guide the church today.
- C.S. Lewis, through his writings, blended imagination, philosophy, and faith to counsel generations of Christians.
- J.R.R. Tolkien gave us Gandalf, not as an occult figure, but as a literary embodiment of wisdom, guidance, and sacrificial service.
These men were not called wizards in their time, but their roles embody what wizardry, rightly defined, is meant to be: wisdom in service of truth and love.
Reclaiming the Word
One challenge is that the word “wizard” has been so distorted by popular culture that many Christians instinctively recoil from it. Yet words can be reclaimed. Paul himself used the language of his culture—quoting pagan poets, using Greek philosophical terms like logos, and even calling Jesus the “unknown God” made known (Acts 17:23–28).
If Paul could use cultural words and redeem them for the Gospel, then there is no reason Christians cannot reclaim “wizard” in its original sense. To call someone a wizard in this sense is simply to say: “Here is a wise one, devoted to understanding and service.”
Conclusion of Section 3
So what is a wizard, really?
- A wizard is a wise one, rooted in the pursuit of wisdom.
- A wizard is not a sorcerer or necromancer but a student of truth.
- A wizard is a philosopher, a teacher, a counselor, and a watchman.
- A wizard embodies humility, gentleness, and service.
- A wizard stands in a long tradition of wisdom-seekers, from Solomon to the church fathers to modern thinkers.
When defined this way, the wizard is not a threat to Christianity or any religion. On the contrary, the wizard represents what Christians themselves are called to be: lovers of wisdom, seekers of truth, and servants of others.