Galatians 5:20 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Witchcraft,— Some would render the word φαρμακεια by poisoning; but surely this is comprehended under the word murders; nor is there any reason to believe the flesh so particularly inclined to this one kind of murder, as that it should be specified rather than any other. It is certain that, on account of the drugs made use of in some supposed magical compositions, this word is often used to express practices of that kind; to which the Gentiles, even in the most learned nations, were very much addicted. We render the word διχοστασιαι, seditions; but as the original word seems more general, some would express it more largely by divisions of a party-spirit, among those who ought to be united in one interest and affection. Perhaps, however, by this word the Apostle means to point out divisions in the state, as by the next he refers to divisions in religion—heresies in religious communities, bywhich professing Christians are induced to separate from each other, and to form parties, which, instead of maintaining true candour, benevolence, and love, renounce and condemn each other.