from the same as אָב (apparently through the idea of prattling a father's name); properly, a mumble, i.e. a water skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar); bottle, familiar spirit.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼôwb**, represented by `{{H178}}`, refers to a **necromancer** or **familiar spirit**, but its root meaning is connected to a "mumble" or the hollow sound of a water skin. It appears **17 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible. This term encompasses both the practitioner of necromancy and the spirit they supposedly contact, as well as its more literal meaning of a **bottle** or water skin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H178}}` is overwhelmingly used to describe forbidden spiritual practices. The law explicitly commands against turning to or seeking out those with **familiar spirits** [[Leviticus 19:31]], a transgression punishable by death [[Leviticus 20:27]]. The term is frequently paired with **wizards** `{{H3049}}` to denote a class of practitioners who are to be put away from the land [[2 Kings 23:24]]. Seeking them is portrayed as a rejection of God, as when Saul died for asking counsel of a **familiar spirit** instead of the LORD [[1 Chronicles 10:13]]. The prophet Isaiah contrasts seeking them with seeking God, questioning why the living would seek answers from the dead [[Isaiah 8:19]]. In a unique literal usage, Job describes his belly as being like new **bottles** `{{H178}}` ready to burst, highlighting the word's connection to a hollow, pressurized container [[Job 32:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context and prohibitions surrounding `{{H178}}`:
* `{{H3049}}` **yiddᵉʻônîy** (wizard): Frequently appearing alongside **ʼôwb**, this term refers to a conjurer or "knowing one," another practitioner of forbidden arts condemned by the law ([[Leviticus 19:31]], [[Deuteronomy 18:11]]).
* `{{H1875}}` **dârash** (to seek, enquire): This verb highlights the central conflict of worship. The people are condemned for using it to **enquire** of a familiar spirit [[1 Chronicles 10:13]] when they should use it to **seek** their God [[Isaiah 8:19]].
* `{{H2181}}` **zânâh** (to go a whoring): This verb describes turning to familiar spirits as an act of spiritual adultery. God promises to set his face against the soul who turns to them to **go a whoring** after them [[Leviticus 20:6]].
* `{{H3772}}` **kârath** (to cut off): This word denotes the severe penalty for consulting with or being a familiar spirit. The law commands that such a person be **cut off** from the people [[Leviticus 20:6]], and righteous kings like Saul (initially) and Josiah **cut off** these practitioners from the land ([[1 Samuel 28:9]], [[2 Kings 23:24]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H178}}` is found in its consistent portrayal as a form of rebellion against God.
* **Rejection of Divine Counsel:** To consult a **familiar spirit** is to seek wisdom from a forbidden source rather than from the LORD `{{H3068}}`. This is exemplified by Saul, who died for his transgression of asking counsel of one with a **familiar spirit** instead of inquiring of God [[1 Chronicles 10:13]].
* **Spiritual Adultery and Idolatry:** The act is described as "going a whoring" after other spiritual powers [[Leviticus 20:6]]. It is consistently listed among other detestable practices like witchcraft `{{H3784}}`, observing times `{{H6049}}`, and dealing with idols `{{H457}}`, all of which provoke the LORD to anger ([[2 Kings 21:6]], [[2 Chronicles 33:6]]).
* **A Source of Defilement and Judgment:** Interacting with a **familiar spirit** results in being defiled [[Leviticus 19:31]]. The consequence prescribed by the law `{{H8451}}` is absolute: the practitioner is to be put to death [[Leviticus 20:27]], and the soul who seeks them is to be cut off `{{H3772}}` from among the people.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H178}}` **ʼôwb** is a term that signifies more than just a **familiar spirit** or **necromancer**. Derived from the idea of a mumbled sound or a hollow vessel, it points to the forbidden practice of attempting to communicate with the dead. While it has a literal use as a **bottle** [[Job 32:19]], its primary role in scripture is to define a practice that is a direct violation of God's law, an act of spiritual infidelity that invites defilement and judgment. It serves as a stark warning against seeking counsel from any source other than the LORD `{{H3068}}` Himself.
TRV