Leviticus 20:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the soul {H5315} that turneth {H6437} after {H413} such as have familiar spirits {H178}, and after {H310} wizards {H3049}, to go a whoring {H2181} after {H310} them, I will even set {H5414} my face {H6440} against that soul {H5315}, and will cut him off {H3772} from among {H7130} his people {H5971}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"'The person who turns to spirit-mediums and sorcerers to go fornicating after them -I will set myself against him and cut him off from his people.

Berean Standard Bible

Whoever turns to mediums or spiritists to prostitute himself with them, I will also set My face against that person and cut him off from his people.

American Standard Version

And the soul that turneth unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto the wizards, to play the harlot after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 20:6 delivers a severe divine injunction against engaging with familiar spirits and wizards, practices associated with necromancy and divination, which were prevalent among the pagan nations surrounding Israel. This verse underscores the absolute necessity of exclusive devotion to Yahweh, portraying any deviation to forbidden spiritual sources as spiritual adultery. God's response to such infidelity is a resolute judgment, promising to "set His face against" the offending individual and to "cut him off from among his people," signifying excommunication, divine opposition, and potentially premature death, thereby preserving the holiness and integrity of the covenant community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 20 functions as a critical component of the Holiness Code (Leviticus 17-26), which elaborates on the practical implications of Israel's call to be holy, as Yahweh is holy. Following the general principles of holiness established in [Leviticus 19](/leviticus/19 "Leviticus 19 - Laws of Holiness"), Chapter 20 specifies a series of capital offenses and their corresponding punishments, emphasizing the purity required within the covenant community. The chapter begins with the severe prohibition against child sacrifice to Molech ([Leviticus 20:1-5](/leviticus/20-1 "Leviticus 20:1-5 - Child Sacrifice to Molech")), moves through various forms of sexual immorality and incest ([Leviticus 20:10-21](/leviticus/20-10 "Leviticus 20:10-21 - Prohibited Sexual Relations")), and culminates with a renewed call to holiness and separation from the nations ([Leviticus 20:22-27](/leviticus/20-22 "Leviticus 20:22-27 - Call to Holiness and Separation")). Verse 6, specifically, addresses the grave sin of consulting mediums and sorcerers, positioning it alongside other egregious offenses that defile the land and the people, demanding a swift and decisive divine response to maintain the sanctity of the nation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern societies were deeply immersed in various forms of divination, magic, and spiritism. Practices such as necromancy (consulting the dead), astrology, augury (interpreting omens), and sorcery were common means by which people sought to gain knowledge, influence events, or understand the future. The Canaanites, in particular, engaged in these practices, often in conjunction with their polytheistic worship. For Israel, Yahweh's command to be a "holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - Israel, a Holy Nation")) necessitated a radical distinction from these pagan customs. Engaging with "familiar spirits" (mediums) or "wizards" was not merely a superstitious act but a direct betrayal of the covenant with Yahweh, who alone is the source of all true knowledge, power, and guidance. Such practices implicitly denied God's sovereignty and sufficiency, seeking wisdom and power from demonic or humanly manipulated sources, thus constituting a severe spiritual breach. This prohibition served to protect Israel's unique relationship with God and prevent the syncretism that plagued surrounding nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Familiar Spirits (Hebrew, _ʾôḇ_):** This term refers to a medium or necromancer, a person who claims to be able to communicate with the dead or with spirits. The word itself can also denote the spirit itself or the pit/bottle from which the spirit is believed to emerge. In ancient Israel, such individuals were seen as channeling forbidden knowledge, often associated with the realm of the dead, which was strictly off-limits as it encroached upon God's exclusive domain.
* **Wizards (Hebrew, _yiddeʿōnî_):** Derived from the root meaning "to know," this term refers to a sorcerer, diviner, or one who claims secret knowledge, often through occult means. Unlike the medium who channels spirits, the wizard might use spells, incantations, or other magical arts to gain insight or exert influence. Both "familiar spirits" and "wizards" represent those who seek to manipulate spiritual forces or gain forbidden knowledge outside of God's revealed will.
* **To go a whoring (Hebrew, _zānâ_):** This verb literally means "to commit fornication" or "to prostitute oneself." When used in a theological context, as it frequently is in the Old Testament, it serves as a powerful **metaphor** for spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, or apostasy. It describes a betrayal of the covenant relationship with God, likening the pursuit of other gods or forbidden spiritual practices to sexual infidelity. This imagery underscores the intimacy and exclusivity God demands from His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards":** This clause identifies the specific transgression: actively seeking out or consulting those who practice necromancy or divination. The phrase "turneth after" implies a deliberate orientation, a conscious choice to pursue these forbidden spiritual avenues rather than relying solely on God. It highlights the agency of the individual in choosing to deviate from God's commands.
* **"to go a whoring after them":** This powerful metaphorical phrase clarifies the nature of the sin. It's not merely a casual inquiry but a deep spiritual betrayal. By seeking guidance or power from these forbidden sources, the individual is effectively committing spiritual adultery, abandoning their covenant fidelity to Yahweh and giving their devotion to spiritual entities or practices that are anathema to Him.
* **"I will even set my face against that soul":** This declaration signifies God's direct and personal opposition to the transgressor. "Setting one's face against" is an **anthropomorphism** expressing intense disapproval, resolute judgment, and active hostility. It means God Himself will be an adversary to that individual, withdrawing His favor and protection, and actively working against them. This is a terrifying prospect, as it implies a direct confrontation with the Almighty.
* **"and will cut him off from among his people":** This is the severe consequence of the transgression. "Cutting off" (Hebrew, _kārat_) is a recurring phrase in the Holiness Code, denoting a removal from the covenant community. This could imply excommunication, social ostracization, premature death at God's hand, or a combination of these. The ultimate result is a loss of the blessings and protection associated with being part of God's chosen people, ensuring that the sin does not spread and defile the entire community.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 20:6 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with force and clarity. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the use of "to go a whoring after them." This vivid imagery of spiritual prostitution powerfully communicates the depth of betrayal involved in seeking forbidden spiritual guidance. It likens the covenant relationship between God and Israel to a marriage, where fidelity is paramount, and any deviation is an act of adultery. This metaphor elevates the sin from mere superstition to a profound act of unfaithfulness. **Anthropomorphism** is also evident in the phrase "I will even set my face against that soul." Attributing a human characteristic (a face, and the act of setting it) to God emphasizes His personal, direct, and unwavering opposition to the transgressor. It conveys a sense of divine resolve and active judgment, making the consequence feel immediate and inescapable. Furthermore, the stark contrast between God's holiness and the defilement of occult practices, coupled with the absolute severity of the punishment ("cut him off"), functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or extreme language to underscore the absolute seriousness of the offense and the non-negotiable nature of God's demand for exclusive devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 20:6 profoundly underscores the theological principle of God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for exclusive worship and devotion. To turn to familiar spirits or wizards is to deny God's sufficiency as the sole source of wisdom, power, and guidance. It represents a fundamental breach of the covenant, substituting divine revelation with human or demonic manipulation, and thus constitutes spiritual idolatry. This verse highlights that true holiness requires not only abstaining from overt pagan practices but also maintaining an undivided heart toward Yahweh, trusting Him alone for all needs and knowledge. The severity of the punishment emphasizes that such spiritual infidelity threatens the very fabric of the covenant community, necessitating decisive divine intervention to preserve its purity and relationship with a holy God.

* [Deuteronomy 18:10-12](/deuteronomy/18-10 "Deuteronomy 18:10-12 - Abominable Practices")
* [1 Samuel 15:23](/1_samuel/15-23 "1 Samuel 15:23 - Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft")
* [Isaiah 8:19-20](/isaiah/8-19 "Isaiah 8:19-20 - Consult God, not mediums")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 20:6 serves as a timeless warning against seeking guidance, power, or knowledge from sources other than God. While the specific practices of "familiar spirits" and "wizards" might seem archaic, the underlying principle remains profoundly relevant. In contemporary society, this can manifest in various forms, such as consulting psychics, astrologers, or mediums, engaging with New Age spiritualities that promise hidden knowledge or personal empowerment outside of Christ, or even placing ultimate trust in human wisdom, scientific advancement, or political ideologies above divine revelation. The call to "not go a whoring" after these things is a call to radical spiritual fidelity to God alone. It challenges believers to examine where they truly place their trust and seek their ultimate answers. Our reliance should be solely on God's Word ([Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - Your Word is a lamp to my feet")) and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, recognizing that any deviation is a form of spiritual rebellion that invites divine opposition. This verse reminds us that genuine faith requires exclusive devotion and that God's "face" is set against anything that competes for the worship and trust due to Him alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might I be "turning after" sources of guidance or power that are not from God in my life today?**
* **How does the metaphor of "going a whoring" deepen my understanding of spiritual unfaithfulness and God's demand for exclusive devotion?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my reliance is solely on God's Word and the Holy Spirit for wisdom and direction?**

### FAQ

**What does "familiar spirits" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Leviticus 20:6, "familiar spirits" translates the Hebrew word _ʾôḇ_, which refers to a medium or necromancer. These individuals claimed to have the ability to communicate with the dead or with other spirits, often to gain hidden knowledge, predict the future, or influence events. Such practices were strictly forbidden by God for Israel, as they represented a turning away from Him as the sole source of truth and guidance, and often involved demonic influence.

**Why was engaging with familiar spirits and wizards considered such a severe sin?**

Answer: Engaging with familiar spirits and wizards was considered a grave sin for several reasons. Firstly, it was a direct act of spiritual infidelity, described as "going a whoring" after them, which signified a betrayal of Israel's exclusive covenant relationship with Yahweh. Secondly, it denied God's sovereignty and sufficiency, seeking knowledge and power from forbidden sources rather than trusting in God alone. Thirdly, these practices were deeply embedded in the idolatrous and often abhorrent rituals of pagan nations, from which Israel was commanded to be distinct and holy ([Leviticus 20:23](/leviticus/20-23 "Leviticus 20:23 - Do not follow the customs of the nations")). Finally, it opened the door to demonic deception and defilement, threatening the spiritual purity and integrity of the entire covenant community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 20:6, with its stern prohibition against spiritual infidelity and its severe consequences, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament's relentless call for exclusive devotion to Yahweh, free from the defilement of false gods and occult practices, points forward to the singular and perfect mediation of Christ. Humanity's inherent tendency to "go a whoring" after anything but God—whether through overt idolatry, occult practices, or simply self-reliance—is a testament to our fallen nature and need for redemption. Jesus, as the true and faithful Bridegroom ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")), perfectly embodies the exclusive devotion God demands. He is the ultimate revelation of God ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God has spoken through His Son")), rendering all other sources of spiritual knowledge or power obsolete and illegitimate. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only cleanses us from the spiritual "whoredom" of sin but also reconciles us to God, establishing a new covenant relationship characterized by grace and truth. The judgment of being "cut off" for spiritual unfaithfulness in the Old Covenant foreshadows the eternal separation from God that awaits those who reject Christ, who alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). In Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in fidelity, seeking all wisdom and guidance directly from Him, no longer needing to turn to forbidden sources, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")).

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

Leviticus 19:31

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

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.

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?

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];

1 Chronicles 10:14

And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

Deuteronomy 18:10

There shall not be found among you [any one] that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, [or] that useth divination, [or] an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Deuteronomy 18:14

For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so [to do].