Is spiritual mapping biblical? What is spiritual mapping?

TL;DR:

Spiritual mapping is not biblical. While demons and spiritual warfare are real, we defeat their power by trusting in Christ, walking by the Spirit, and putting on the full armor of God.

Spiritual mapping is based on the belief that demons have the ability or assignment to work and rule over specific territory. Spiritual mapping, or the technique to determine a demon's geographical area of power in order to do battle with it, is not biblical. People who engage in spiritual mapping name three levels of spiritual warfare. First, ground-level warfare involves casting demons out of individuals. Second, occult-level warfare engages more organized spiritual wickedness. The highest level, that of strategic-level warfare, directly battles territorial spirits who are said to rule over a larger geographic area. This is also not biblical. While the Bible tells us that we are in a spiritual battle, God battles for us, and demons and Satan are already defeated. Believers battling involves walking by the Spirit and putting on the full armor of God—which includes truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—to stand firm against the enemy's schemes

from the old testament

There is a spiritual battle, but the victory, as Proverbs 21:31 says, belongs to the Lord.

from the new testament

Many of those who speak of spiritual mapping are also involved in "apostolic ministry," meaning they believe apostolic gifts are being restored to the church today. Scripture says the apostles were to lay the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:19–20). Anyone with a passing understanding of construction knows a foundation only needs to be laid one time. There are no apostles today. There is no need for these apostles to spiritually map or fight demons.
The belief that there are territorial demons who manage a specific area and answer directly to Satan comes from a misapplication of Mark 3:27: "But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house." Jesus is the one who does the binding in this instance, not His followers.
The Bible tells Christians to resist the Devil (James 4:7).
The Bible also instructs us to stand firm against the schemes of the Devil using the armor of God and to use the Word of God and prayer as weapons (Ephesians 6:10–18). We must remember that Satan has been defeated (John 12:31; Colossians 2:15). We do not have to fear demons, name them, or map them (1 John 4:4). Our focus should be on Christ and His goodness to us and those we encounter.

implications for today

As Christians, we are called to face the spiritual battles of life not through our own strength or by worldly means but by relying on the power of God and the guidance of His Word. Ephesians 6:10–18 reminds us to put on the full armor of God—which includes truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—to stand firm against the enemy's schemes. Our battles are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil, so we must be vigilant in prayer, grounded in our faith, and committed to living out God's truth daily. As we embrace humility, seek God’s wisdom, and lean on His strength, we resist the temptation to fight with pride or human strategies and instead focus on cultivating a life that reflects Christ’s love, perseverance, and unwavering trust in God's sovereignty. There is no need for spiritual mapping or even fearing where demons may be. By facing spiritual battles the way God’s Word calls us to, we not only endure the spiritual battles we face but also grow closer to God, drawing others toward His light in the process.

understand

Spiritual mapping, the practice of identifying and battling territorial demons, isn't found in Scripture and misunderstands spiritual warfare.
The Bible teaches believers to stand firm using the armor of God—truth, righteousness, faith, and His Word—not by engaging in direct battles with demons.
Passages like Mark 3:27 are often misapplied; it's Jesus who has authority over demons, not believers through spiritual mapping.

reflect

How do you typically approach spiritual battles in your life? Do you tend to rely more on your own strength or on God’s power?
How can you focus on putting on the full armor of God rather than trying to battle spiritual forces on your own terms?
How can you trust in Christ’s victory and His guidance rather than fear demonic forces?

engage

Those who espouse spiritual mapping usually also contend they can identify a specific demon, such as a spirit of greed around a casino, then engage it in spiritual battle. None of this is mentioned in the Bible.
Belief in spiritual mapping is also often associated with dominion theology and Christian reconstructionism, both of which seek to bring about the fullness of God's kingdom on earth today. While we are called to live for the kingdom of God, we must recognize that God is the one who is building and will bring that kingdom. We are not called to bring about the kingdom of God by force and by following Old Testament laws.
How can we help others understand the biblical approach to spiritual warfare without resorting to unbiblical practices like spiritual mapping?