Leviticus 19:31

KJV

Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I [am] the LORD your God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Regard {H6437} not them that have familiar spirits {H178}, neither seek {H1245} after wizards {H3049}, to be defiled {H2930} by them: I am the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'Do not turn to spirit-mediums or sorcerers; don't seek them out, to be defiled by them; I am ADONAI your God.

Berean Standard Bible

You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.

American Standard Version

Turn ye not unto them that have familiar spirits, nor unto the wizards; seek them not out, to be defiled by them: I am Jehovah your God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:31 delivers a profound and unyielding prohibition against engaging with familiar spirits and wizards, practices associated with the occult and divination. This commandment underscores the imperative for the Israelite community to maintain spiritual purity and to cultivate exclusive devotion to Yahweh, their covenant God. It highlights the defiling nature of such forbidden spiritual pursuits, emphasizing that true holiness is inextricably linked to sole reliance upon the Lord for all wisdom, guidance, and power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19:31 is situated within the broader "Holiness Code" (Leviticus 17-26), a pivotal section of the Pentateuch that outlines the ethical, moral, and ceremonial requirements for Israel to live as a holy nation, set apart for God. This chapter, in particular, presents a diverse collection of laws that touch upon nearly every aspect of daily life—from agricultural practices and social justice to sexual morality and religious rituals. The overarching theme is God's repeated call for His people to "be holy, for the LORD your God is holy" (as seen in [Leviticus 11:44](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - God's Call to Holiness") and [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")). The prohibition against divination and necromancy in verse 31 is immediately followed by a command to show respect for the aged and to treat foreigners justly ([Leviticus 19:32-34](/leviticus/19-32 "Leviticus 19:32-34 - Respect for Elders and Foreigners")), demonstrating that holiness encompasses both spiritual purity and ethical conduct within the community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel existed amidst a plethora of pagan cultures in the Near East, particularly the Canaanites, who extensively practiced various forms of divination, necromancy, and magic. These practices were deeply embedded in their religious systems, serving as means to gain knowledge of the future, influence events, or communicate with deities and the deceased. Such activities often involved cultic prostitution, child sacrifice, and other abominable acts, all of which were antithetical to the worship of Yahweh. The strict prohibition in [Leviticus 19:31](/leviticus/19-31 "Leviticus 19:31 - Prohibition Against Occult Practices") was therefore crucial for Israel's distinct identity and survival as God's chosen people. It served to prevent syncretism—the blending of Yahwistic worship with pagan beliefs—and to safeguard the purity of their covenant relationship with God. Other passages, such as [Deuteronomy 18:9-14](/deuteronomy/18-9 "Deuteronomy 18:9-14 - Abominable Practices of the Nations"), further elaborate on the array of forbidden practices, including child sacrifice, diviners, soothsayers, enchanters, sorcerers, charmers, mediums, necromancers, and those who inquire of the dead, all of which are deemed "an abomination to the LORD."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Familiar Spirits (Hebrew, _ʾōḇ_):** This term refers to a necromancer or a medium who claimed to be in communication with the dead or with demonic entities. The word itself can denote a "skin-bottle" or "ventriloquist," possibly alluding to the idea of a spirit being contained or speaking from within the medium, or the muffled, whispering sound associated with such communications, as if from the grave. It implies a channel through which the living sought to interact with the spiritual realm outside of God's prescribed means.
* **Wizards (Hebrew, _yiddĕʿōnî_):** Derived from the root _yādaʿ_ (to know), this term describes those who claimed to possess secret or esoteric knowledge, often obtained through divination, spells, or other magical arts. Unlike _ʾōḇ_, which emphasizes communication with the dead, _yiddĕʿōnî_ points to a broader category of practitioners who sought forbidden insight or power through non-divine sources, often for personal gain or manipulation.
* **Defiled (Hebrew, _ṭāmēʾ_):** This word signifies both ritual and moral impurity. 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Regard not them that have familiar spirits":** This is a direct, negative command, prohibiting any attention, consultation, or seeking out of those who claim to communicate with spirits or the dead. The verb "regard" (פָּנוּ, _pānû_) implies turning towards, paying attention to, or giving heed, emphasizing that even curiosity or passive observation of such practices is forbidden.
* **"neither seek after wizards":** This second prohibition reinforces the first, specifically targeting those who pursue forbidden knowledge or insight through magical means. The phrase "seek after" (בִּקְשׁוּ, _biqšû_) denotes an active pursuit or inquiry, highlighting the intentionality of engaging with these practitioners.
* **"to be defiled by them":** This clause provides the crucial rationale and consequence of engaging in such practices. The result of turning to mediums and wizards is spiritual defilement (_ṭāmēʾ_). This defilement is not merely external or ritualistic but deeply 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.
* **"I [am] the LORD your God":** This powerful divine formula concludes the verse, grounding the 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 and reliance belong exclusively to the One who redeemed them and established a covenant with them. It implies that seeking guidance elsewhere is a direct affront to His sovereignty and a betrayal of their covenant vows.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Prohibition** through direct negative commands ("Regard not," "neither seek after"), clearly delineating 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 deterrent and highlights the inherent danger and spiritual impurity associated with these practices. The verse culminates in a powerful **Divine Formula**, "I [am] the LORD your God," which functions as an **Assertion of Authority** and a **Covenantal Reminder**. This formula grounds the entire command in the character and identity of Yahweh, emphasizing His exclusive claim over His people and His absolute sovereignty. The contrast between the defiling nature of occult practices and the holiness of God is a central theme, reinforcing the necessity of purity for maintaining the covenant relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:31 is a foundational text concerning the nature of true worship and the sanctity of God's relationship with His people. It unequivocally condemns any spiritual pursuit that bypasses God, establishing a clear boundary against syncretism and idolatry. The core theological principle is that God alone is the 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 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 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.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")
* [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods Before Me")
* [Isaiah 8:19](/isaiah/8-19 "Isaiah 8:19 - Seek God, Not Mediums")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific terms "familiar spirits" and "wizards" might seem antiquated, the underlying principle of Leviticus 19:31 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. In a world increasingly open to diverse spiritual experiences, this verse serves as a timeless warning against any form of spiritual seeking that bypasses or attempts to manipulate God. This includes modern manifestations of occultism, spiritualism, fortune-telling, astrology, séances, certain New Age practices, and even an unhealthy fascination with paranormal phenomena. The call to be undefiled by such practices compels us to examine where we seek guidance, wisdom, and power. Do we rely solely on God's Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit, or do we subtly or overtly turn to other sources, whether they be human philosophies, self-help gurus, or even entertainment that normalizes forbidden spiritual activities? Our spiritual purity and the integrity of our relationship with God depend on our exclusive devotion to Him, acknowledging that He alone is "the LORD your God" and the ultimate source of all truth and direction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might modern society or culture subtly encourage us to "regard" or "seek after" sources of guidance or power outside of God?**
* **How does trusting in God alone for truth and direction ensure spiritual purity in our lives today?**
* **What practical steps can we take to ensure our spiritual seeking is always aligned with God's Word and His Spirit?**
* **How does the concluding phrase, "I am the LORD your God," strengthen our resolve to avoid forbidden spiritual practices?**

### FAQ
**What exactly were "familiar spirits" and "wizards" in ancient Israel, and how do these prohibitions apply today?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, "familiar spirits" (Hebrew: _ʾōḇ_) 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. "Wizards" (Hebrew: _yiddĕʿōnî_) were those who claimed secret knowledge or insight through divination, spells, or magical arts. These practices were strictly forbidden because they were seen as a direct affront to God's sovereignty 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), 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](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp")), prayer, and the Holy Spirit.

**Why was engaging with familiar spirits or wizards considered "defiling" by God?**

Answer: Engaging with familiar spirits or wizards was considered "defiling" (_ṭāmēʾ_) 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](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")). Secondly, it opened individuals to demonic influence and deception, as these practices were often associated with evil spirits ([1 Samuel 28:7-19](/1_samuel/28-7 "1 Samuel 28:7-19 - Saul and the Medium of Endor")). Thirdly, it demonstrated a 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 and separating them from the presence and blessings of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:31, with its stern warning against seeking familiar spirits and wizards, finds its ultimate 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 need for a pure, undefiled relationship with God, free from demonic influence and deceptive spiritual practices. In Christ, this need is profoundly met. He is the ultimate Prophet, through whom God has spoken definitively to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")), providing all necessary truth and wisdom. Unlike the deceptive and defiling practices of the occult, Jesus came to purify His people, offering cleansing from all sin and spiritual pollution through His atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:13-14](/hebrews/9-13 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's Blood Purifies")). Furthermore, Christ's victory on the cross disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities that operate through such dark practices ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, no longer need to seek external, forbidden sources of knowledge or power, for the Spirit guides them into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Guides")). The New Testament consistently warns against spiritual deception, urging believers to "test the spirits" ([1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits")) 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](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11-12 - The Armor of God")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 8:19

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

Leviticus 20:27

A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood [shall be] upon them.

Leviticus 20:6

And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

Leviticus 20:7

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I [am] the LORD your God.

2 Chronicles 33:6

And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

1 Chronicles 10:13

So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, [even] against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking [counsel] of [one that had] a familiar spirit, to enquire [of it];

2 Kings 21:6

And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards: he wrought much wickedness in the sight of the LORD, to provoke [him] to anger.