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 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](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44 - God's Call to Holiness") and reiterated in [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 commands emphasizing respect for the elderly and just treatment of resident aliens ([Leviticus 19:32-34](/leviticus/19-32-34 "Leviticus 19:32-34 - Respect for Elders and Foreigners")), 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](/leviticus/19-31 "Leviticus 19:31 - Prohibition Against Occult Practices") 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](/deuteronomy/18-9-14 "Deuteronomy 18:9-14 - Abominable Practices of the Nations"), 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](/leviticus/20-23 "Leviticus 20:23 - Do Not Follow Their Customs")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Familiar Spirits (Hebrew, _ʼôwb'_):** 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.
* **Wizards (Hebrew, _yiddᵉʻônîy'_):** 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.
* **Defiled (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** 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.

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

### 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
* **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 and protect us from spiritual deception 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, and not with forbidden practices?**
* **How does the concluding phrase, "I am the LORD your God," strengthen our resolve to avoid forbidden spiritual practices and deepen our exclusive devotion to Him?**

### 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: _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](/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" (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](/exodus/20-3 "Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods")). 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](/1_samuel/28-7-19 "1 Samuel 28:7-19 - Saul and the Medium of Endor")). 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](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). 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](/hebrews/9-13-14 "Hebrews 9:13-14 - Christ's Blood Purifies")). 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](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). 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](/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/6-11-12 "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, establishing a new covenant of purity and direct access to God.

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.