TRV
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Leviticus 19:30–37. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here is, I. A law for the preserving of the honour of the time and place appropriated to the service of God, Lev 19:30. This would be a means to secure them both from the idolatries and superstitions of the heathen and from all immoralities in conversation. 1. Sabbaths must be religiously observed, and not those times mentioned (Lev 19:26) to which the heathen had a superstitious regard. 2. The sanctuary must be reverenced: great care must be taken to approach the tabernacle with that purity and preparation which the law required, and to attend there with that humility, decency, and closeness of application which became them in the immediate presence of such an awful majesty. Though now there is no place holy by divine institution, as the tabernacle and temple then were, yet this law obliges us to respect the solemn assemblies of Christians for religious worship, as being held under a promise of Christ's special presence in them, and to carry ourselves with a due decorum while in those assemblies we attend the administration of holy ordinances, Ecc 5:1.
II.A caution against all communion with witches, and those that were in league with familiar spirits:
"Regard them not, seek not after them, be not in fear of any evil from them nor in hopes of any good from them. Regard not their threatenings, or promises, or predictions; seek not to them for discovery or advice, for, if you do, you are defiled by it, and rendered abominable both to God and your own consciences." This was the sin that completed Saul's wickedness, for which he was rejected of God, Ch1 10:13.
III.A charge to young people to show respect to the aged:
Thou shall rise up before the hoary head, Lev 19:32. Age is honourable, and he that is the Ancient of days requires that honour be paid to it. The hoary head is a crown of glory. Those whom God has honoured with the common blessing of long life we ought to honour with the distinguishing expressions of civility; and those who in age are wise and good are worthy of double honour: more respect is owing to such old men than merely to rise up before them; their credit and comfort must be carefully consulted, their experience and observations improved, and their counsels asked and hearkened to, Job 32:6, Job 32:7. Some, by the old man whose face or presence is to be honoured, understand the elder in office, as by the hoary head the elder in age; both ought to be respected as fathers, and in the fear of God, who has put some of his honour upon both. Note, Religion teaches good manners, and obliges us to give honour to those to whom honour is due. It is an instance of great degeneracy and disorder in a land when the child behaves himself proudly against the ancient, and the base against the honourable, Isa 3:5; Job 30:1, Job 30:12. It becomes the aged to receive this honour, and the younger to give it; for it is the ornament as well as duty of their youth to order themselves lowly and reverently to all their betters.
IV.A charge to the Israelites to be very tender of strangers, Lev 19:33, Lev 19:34.
Both the law of God and his providence had vastly dignified Israel above any other people, yet they must not therefore think themselves authorized to trample upon all mankind but those of their own nation, and to insult them at their pleasure; no, "Thou shall not vex a stranger, but love him as thyself, and as one of thy own people." It is supposed that this stranger was not an idolater, but a worshipper of the God of Israel, though not circumcised, a proselyte of the gate at least, though not a proselyte of righteousness: if such a one sojourned among them, they must not vex him, nor oppress, nor over-reach him in a bargain, taking advantage of his ignorance of their laws and customs; they must reckon it as great a sin to cheat a stranger as to cheat an Israelite; "nay" (say the Jewish doctors) "they must not so much as upbraid him with his being a stranger, and his having been formerly an idolater." Strangers are God's particular care, as the widow and the fatherless are, because it is his honour to help the helpless, Psa 146:9. It is therefore at our peril if we do them any wrong, or put any hardships upon them. Strangers shall be welcome to God's grace, and therefore we should do what we can to invite them to it, and to recommend religion to their good opinion. It argues a generous disposition, and a pious regard to God, as a common Father, to be kind to strangers; for those of different countries, customs, and languages, are all made of one blood. But here is a reason added peculiar to the Jews: "For you were strangers in the land of Egypt. God then favoured you, therefore do you now favour the strangers, and do to them as you then wished to be done to. You were strangers, and yet are now thus highly advanced; therefore you know not what these strangers may come to, whom you are apt to despise."
V.Justice in weights and measures is here commanded.
That there should be no cheat in them, Lev 19:35. That they should be very exact, Lev 19:36. In weighing and measuring, we pretend a design to give all those their own whom we deal with; but, if the weights and measures be false, it is like a corruption in judgment, it cheats under colour of justice; and thus to deceive a man to his damage is worse than picking his pocket or robbing him on the highway. He that sells is bound to give the full of the commodity, and he that buys the full of the price agreed upon, which cannot be done without just balances, weights, and measures. Let no man go beyond or defraud his brother, for, though it be hidden from man, it will be found that God is the avenger of all such.
VI.The chapter concludes with a general command (Lev 19:37): You shall observe all my statutes, and do them. Note,
1.We are not likely to do God's statutes, unless we observe them with great care and consideration.
2.Yet it is not enough barely to observe God's precepts, but we must make conscience of obeying them. What will it avail us to be critical in our notions, if we be not conscientious in our conversations?
3.An upright heart has respect to all God's commandments, Psa 119:6. Though in many instances the hand fails in doing what should be done, yet the eye observes all God's statutes. We are not allowed to pick and choose our duty, but must aim at standing complete in all the will of God.
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Summary
Leviticus 19:31 issues a stern and uncompromising prohibition against engaging with familiar spirits and wizards, practices deeply rooted in the occult and divination. This divine command underscores the absolute necessity for the Israelite community to maintain spiritual purity and to cultivate exclusive devotion to Yahweh, their covenant God. It highlights the inherently defiling nature of such forbidden spiritual pursuits, emphasizing that genuine holiness is inextricably linked to sole reliance upon the Lord for all wisdom, guidance, and power, thereby safeguarding the integrity of their covenant relationship.
Context
Literary Context
Leviticus 19:31 is strategically placed within the "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), a foundational section of the Pentateuch dedicated to outlining the comprehensive ethical, moral, and ceremonial requirements for Israel to live as a holy nation, distinct and set apart for God. This particular chapter, often referred to as the "Holiness Chapter," presents a diverse array of laws governing nearly every facet of daily life, from agricultural practices and social justice to sexual morality and religious rituals. The overarching theological imperative woven throughout is God's repeated call for His people to "be holy, for the LORD your God is holy," a theme explicitly stated in Leviticus 11:44 and reiterated in Leviticus 19:2. The prohibition against divination and necromancy in verse 31 is immediately followed by commands emphasizing respect for the elderly and just treatment of resident aliens (Leviticus 19:32-34), illustrating that the concept of holiness encompasses both spiritual purity and ethical conduct within the community.
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Israel existed in a Near Eastern landscape saturated with pagan cultures, most notably the Canaanites, who extensively practiced various forms of divination, necromancy, and magic. These activities were deeply interwoven into their religious and social fabric, serving as perceived means to gain knowledge of the future, influence events, or communicate with deities and the deceased. Such practices often involved cultic prostitution, child sacrifice, and other abominable acts that were diametrically opposed to the worship of Yahweh. The strict prohibition articulated in Leviticus 19:31 was therefore vital for Israel's distinct identity and survival as God's chosen people. It served as a critical barrier against syncretism—the insidious blending of Yahwistic worship with pagan beliefs—and was essential for safeguarding the purity and exclusivity of their covenant relationship with God. Other passages, such as Deuteronomy 18:9-14, further delineate the extensive array of forbidden practices, including child sacrifice, diviners, soothsayers, enchanters, sorcerers, charmers, mediums, necromancers, and those who inquire of the dead, all unequivocally declared "an abomination to the LORD."
Key Themes
The primary theological theme permeating Leviticus 19:31 is the Holiness of God and the corresponding call for the Holiness of His People. This verse directly contributes to the theme of Exclusive Devotion to Yahweh, asserting that God alone is the legitimate source of divine revelation and guidance. Seeking alternative spiritual sources is presented as a profound act of Spiritual Defilement and a betrayal of the covenant. The prohibition also underscores the theme of Separation from Pagan Practices, emphasizing Israel's unique identity as a people set apart. It reinforces the danger of Syncretism, ensuring that Israel's worship remains pure and unadulterated by the abominable practices of surrounding nations, thereby protecting the integrity of God's covenant with them, as highlighted throughout the Holiness Code (e.g., Leviticus 20:23).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, derived from a root suggesting a muffled sound or prattling, properly refers to a necromancer or a medium who claimed to be in communication with the deceased or with demonic entities. The word can denote a "water skin" or "ventriloquist," possibly alluding to the idea of a spirit being contained or speaking from within the medium, or the whispering, hollow sound associated with such communications, as if from the grave. It implies a forbidden channel through which the living sought to interact with the spiritual realm outside of God's prescribed means.
From the root yādaʿ (to know), this term describes one who is "a knowing one," specifically a conjurer or a person claiming to possess secret or esoteric knowledge. This knowledge was often obtained through divination, spells, or other magical arts, distinct from the direct communication with the dead implied by "familiar spirits." The yiddᵉʻônîy sought forbidden insight or power through non-divine sources, often for personal gain or manipulation, and could even be associated with a "ghost" by implication.
This primitive root signifies "to be foul," particularly in a ceremonial or moral sense, denoting contamination. Engaging in practices involving familiar spirits or wizards would render an individual ceremonially unclean, making them unfit to participate in the worship of a holy God. More profoundly, it denoted a spiritual pollution that corrupted one's inner being and relationship with Yahweh, separating them from His presence and the community of faith. This defilement was not merely external but utterly corrupted one's spiritual state.
Verse Breakdown
"Regard not them that have familiar spirits"
This is a direct, emphatic negative command, prohibiting any attention, consultation, or seeking out of those who claim to communicate with spirits or the dead. The verb "regard" (from H6437, pânâh) implies turning towards, paying attention to, or giving heed, emphasizing that even curiosity or passive observation of such practices is strictly forbidden for God's people.
"neither seek after wizards"
This second prohibition reinforces the first, specifically targeting those who actively pursue forbidden knowledge or insight through magical means. The phrase "seek after" (from H1245, bâqash) denotes an active, intentional pursuit or inquiry, highlighting the culpability of engaging with these practitioners in any capacity, whether for personal gain, divination, or manipulation.
"to be defiled by them"
This crucial clause provides the immediate rationale and severe consequence of engaging in such practices. The direct result of turning to mediums and wizards is spiritual defilement (from H2930, ṭâmêʼ). This defilement is not merely external or ritualistic but profoundly internal, polluting the individual's spiritual state and their relationship with a holy God. It signifies a corruption of one's identity as a member of God's covenant people, making them unclean and separated from divine favor.
"I [am] the LORD your God"
This powerful divine formula concludes the verse, grounding the entire prohibition in God's supreme authority, unique identity, and covenant relationship with Israel. It serves as the ultimate justification for the command, reminding the people that their loyalty, trust, and reliance belong exclusively to Yahweh (H3068, Yᵉhôvâh), the self-existent God (H430, ʼĕlôhîym), who redeemed them and established a covenant with them. It implies that seeking guidance or power elsewhere is a direct affront to His sovereignty and a grave betrayal of their covenant vows.
Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:31 primarily employs Prohibition through direct negative commands ("Regard not," "neither seek after"), clearly delineating absolute boundaries for the community's spiritual conduct. This is immediately followed by a statement of Consequence, "to be defiled by them," which serves as a powerful deterrent and highlights the inherent spiritual danger and impurity associated with these forbidden practices. The verse culminates in a powerful Divine Formula, "I [am] the LORD your God," which functions as an Assertion of Authority and a profound Covenantal Reminder. This formula grounds the entire command in the holy character and exclusive identity of Yahweh, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and His exclusive claim over His people. The sharp Contrast between the defiling nature of occult practices and the inherent holiness of God is a central underlying theme, reinforcing the necessity of spiritual purity for maintaining the integrity of the covenant relationship.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Leviticus 19:31 stands as a foundational text concerning the nature of true worship and the sanctity of God's exclusive relationship with His people. It unequivocally condemns any spiritual pursuit that bypasses or attempts to manipulate God, establishing an impenetrable boundary against syncretism, idolatry, and demonic influence. The core theological principle is that God alone is the sovereign source of all truth, wisdom, and power, and seeking guidance from any other source—especially those associated with familiar spirits or wizards—is an act of profound spiritual rebellion and a direct violation of His exclusive claim over His people. Such practices are not merely ritualistic errors but profound spiritual defilements that corrupt one's inner being and relationship with a holy God, undermining the very essence of the covenant. The verse thus champions exclusive devotion to Yahweh, emphasizing that genuine holiness demands absolute trust and reliance on Him alone for all aspects of life and guidance.
Reflection and Application
While the specific terms "familiar spirits" and "wizards" might seem antiquated to a modern ear, the underlying principle of Leviticus 19:31 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. In an increasingly pluralistic and spiritually curious world, this verse serves as a timeless and urgent warning against any form of spiritual seeking that bypasses, attempts to manipulate, or contradicts the revealed will of God. This includes contemporary manifestations of occultism, spiritualism, fortune-telling, astrology, séances, certain New Age practices, and even an unhealthy fascination with paranormal phenomena or media that normalizes forbidden spiritual activities. The call to be undefiled by such practices compels us to critically examine where we seek guidance, wisdom, and power. Do we rely solely on God's Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit as our ultimate authorities, or do we subtly or overtly turn to other sources, whether they be human philosophies, self-help gurus, cultural trends, or even entertainment that subtly promotes ideas contrary to God's truth? Our spiritual purity, the integrity of our relationship with God, and our effectiveness as His witnesses depend on our exclusive devotion to Him, acknowledging that He alone is "the LORD your God" and the ultimate, trustworthy source of all truth and direction.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What exactly were "familiar spirits" and "wizards" in ancient Israel, and how do these prohibitions apply today?
In ancient Israel, "familiar spirits" (Hebrew: ʼôwb) referred to mediums or necromancers who claimed to communicate with the dead or demonic entities, often through a trance or by a voice seemingly from the ground. These individuals were believed to channel messages from the deceased. "Wizards" (Hebrew: yiddᵉʻônîy) were those who claimed secret knowledge or insight through divination, spells, or magical arts, often seeking to predict the future or manipulate events. These practices were strictly forbidden because they were considered a direct affront to God's sovereignty, an act of idolatry, and a source of spiritual defilement. Today, these prohibitions apply to any form of spiritual seeking that bypasses God or attempts to gain knowledge or power from non-divine sources. This includes modern occultism, spiritualism, fortune-telling (e.g., tarot cards, palmistry, psychic readings), astrology, séances, certain New Age practices, and any deep engagement with paranormal phenomena that seeks to interact with spirits outside of God's revealed will. The core principle is that believers are to seek guidance and truth exclusively from God, through His Word (Psalm 119:105), prayer, and the Holy Spirit.
Why was engaging with familiar spirits or wizards considered "defiling" by God?
Engaging with familiar spirits or wizards was considered "defiling" (Hebrew: ṭâmêʼ) because it represented a profound spiritual impurity that violated the very essence of Israel's covenant relationship with a holy God. Firstly, it was an act of idolatry, seeking knowledge or power from sources other than Yahweh, thereby breaking the first commandment (Exodus 20:3). God alone is the source of all true wisdom and revelation. Secondly, it opened individuals to demonic influence and deception, as these practices were often associated with evil spirits and their deceptive schemes (1 Samuel 28:7-19). Thirdly, it demonstrated a profound lack of trust in God's ability and willingness to guide His people through legitimate means (prophets, priests, the Law). Such defilement was not merely ritualistic but deeply spiritual, corrupting one's inner being, separating them from the presence and blessings of God, and making them unfit to participate in the holy community.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Leviticus 19:31, with its stern warning against seeking familiar spirits and wizards, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the perfect and final revelation of God, rendering all other sources of spiritual guidance obsolete and unnecessary. The Old Testament prohibition underscored Israel's profound need for a pure, undefiled relationship with God, free from demonic influence and deceptive spiritual practices. In Christ, this fundamental need is profoundly and completely met. He is the ultimate Prophet, through whom God has spoken definitively to humanity, providing all necessary truth and wisdom for life and godliness (Hebrews 1:1-2). Unlike the deceptive and defiling practices of the occult, Jesus came to purify His people, offering radical cleansing from all sin and spiritual pollution through His atoning sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 9:13-14). Furthermore, Christ's decisive victory on the cross disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities that operate through such dark practices, triumphing over them (Colossians 2:15). Believers, indwelt and empowered by the Holy Spirit, no longer need to seek external, forbidden sources of knowledge or power, for the Spirit of Truth guides them into all truth and reveals the things of God (John 16:13). The New Testament consistently warns against spiritual deception, urging believers to "test the spirits" (1 John 4:1) and to stand firm against the schemes of the devil, not through occult means, but through the armor of God and the authority of Christ (Ephesians 6:11-12). Thus, Christ not only fulfills the need for divine guidance but also provides the power to overcome the very spiritual forces that the Old Testament prohibitions sought to guard against, establishing a new covenant of purity and direct access to God.