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

There is no biblical support for the idea that demons can attach themselves to physical objects. Demon-possessed dolls, cursed necklaces, evil talismans, and satanic houses—or even cars—are the stuff of movies, books, and urban legends. The belief that a demon can possess or attach itself to an inanimate object has its roots in superstition and the occult practices of animistic cultures.

Some cite an event in the early church in Ephesus as proof that demons can fasten on to physical objects. After people in Ephesus started getting saved, “a number of them who had been practicing sorcery brought their incantation books and burned them at a public bonfire. The value of the books was several million dollars” (Acts 19:19, NLT). But the text never says that the former magicians burned their books to rid them of demons. It is more likely that these new believers destroyed their magic books to prevent the spread of lies and to show their friends and neighbors that they were now believers in Jesus.

The Bible contains accounts of demons afflicting or possessing people and animals. But there are no biblical accounts of demons being in or attached to objects. Neither does the Bible warn us about the possibility of demons attaching themselves to objects. Occult practices may attract evil spirits, and, since certain objects are used in those practices, it might seem that the demons are attracted to the objects; however, this does not mean the demons possess the objects. It is the occult activity itself—and the sinful heart of the practitioner—that attracts them. When former witches and sorcerers come to Christ, they are often advised to get rid of their occult books and objects, not because the objects have demons in them but because that paraphernalia would be a source of future temptation.

Believers in Christ are not to fear demons, although we are to be vigilant and alert for their temptations (1 Peter 5:8). The key to spiritual victory is submission to God and walking in the truth of Christ each day: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Those who have put their faith in Christ have nothing to fear, as the apostle John explained: “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome [Satan and his false prophets], because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).