Can demons possess objects? Can demons attach themselves to inanimate / non-living objects?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Bible does not specifically mention a case of a demon attaching itself to a non-living object, nor does it warn us about such events occurring. The Bible does clearly note the existence of demons on many occasions, as well as the power Jesus and His followers have over them. In ancient cultures, idols and sacred objects were often thought to be gods or controlled by spirits, as seen with the Philistines placing the Ark of the Covenant in their temple (1 Samuel 5) and other nations venerating objects of gold and silver. The New Testament reveals that while demons can influence people, they are not typically associated with inanimate objects, as Paul clarifies in 1 Corinthians 10:19–20, noting that idol worship is linked with demonic forces rather than the objects themselves. Jesus’s teachings and actions, such as sending demons into pigs (Mark 5), reveals that demons focus on people, rather than objects. Ultimately, the Bible advises abstaining from all forms of evil and focusing on worshiping God, rather than worrying about the spiritual status of objects.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The pagan cultures surrounding Israel often associated various gods with certain objects. The Philistines thought the Ark of the Covenant was a god, placing it in a temple with their own idols for a time (1 Samuel 5). Other nations celebrated the gods of gold, silver, and bronze, with varying degrees of belief regarding their role as gods or spirits. Still today, many believe inanimate objects are controlled by spirits or are gods.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In Acts 19, many former magicians, or those involved with witchcraft, who had become Christians burned their magic books. Though some have suggested this was due to evil spirits attached to the books, this is not stated. More likely, these new believers wanted to publicly show they had turned from witchcraft and magic.
• Jesus told a story about evil spirits that showed they seek out people to influence (Matthew 12:43). When Jesus sent the spirit out of the man in Mark 5, the demons asked to be sent into the nearby pigs. These were living objects, yet clearly different from demonic influence over humans.
• In 1 Corinthians 10:19–20 Paul writes, "What do I imply then? That food offered to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons." The idols themselves were not controlled by evil spirits, but worshiping them was associated with the worship of demons.
• Revelation 13:15 shares about the statue of the beast that people will be required to worship in the tribulation period: "And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain." This statue will be made to look "alive," though it is unclear if the power is demonic or some kind of human trick.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Today, many see an association of evil spirits with objects such as voodoo dolls, crystal balls, Ouija boards, or other products related to the occult. Though it is possible for demons to work through such objects, demons appear to focus on deceiving people, not attaching themselves to things. The Bible consistently notes connections between demons and certain sinful items, but their attachment is to people, whom they can control or influence for evil purposes. The items are simply objects used in the practice of evil or worship of false gods. While it is possible that a demonic spirit would attach itself to a non-living object, the Bible is unclear on this issue. Instead of focusing on whether objects are possessed, our focus should be to, "Abstain from every form of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22). We are to worship God and to avoid those practices or objects that lead us to sin.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible does not state that demons possess inanimate objects.
• Demons seek to influence and deceive humans, not control objects.
• Believers should focus on worshiping God and avoiding practices that lead to sin, rather than worrying about the spiritual status of objects.

REFLECT

• How does understanding that demons do not possess objects influence the way you approach or interact with items associated with occult practices?
• How can focusing on worshiping God, rather than fearing the spiritual status of objects, affect your response to the demonic?
• How might the Bible’s teaching that demons primarily seek to deceive people, rather than objects, impact your view on spiritual warfare in your life?

ENGAGE

• How does the historical context of ancient idol worship, as described in the Old Testament, compare to contemporary beliefs about objects and spirits?
• What does Jesus’s response to demons in the New Testament reveal about their nature and their interaction with the physical world?
• How can the principle of abstaining from every form of evil, as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:22, guide your choices regarding involvement with practices or objects associated with the occult?