### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yiddᵉʻônîy**, represented by `{{H3049}}`, is defined as a **wizard** or conjurer. Derived from a root meaning "to know," it properly refers to a "knowing one." It appears **11 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently denoting individuals who practice forbidden forms of divination.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law and narrative, `{{H3049}}` is always used in a negative context. The term is listed among practices that are strictly forbidden to the people of Israel. Scripture commands, "Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after **wizards**" [[Leviticus 19:31]]. This prohibition is a recurring theme, where seeking a **wizard** is presented as an alternative to seeking God, as when Isaiah asks, "should not a people seek unto their God?" [[Isaiah 8:19]]. The presence of wizards was seen as a sign of spiritual corruption; wicked kings like Manasseh "dealt with familiar spirits and **wizards**" [[2 Kings 21:6]], while righteous kings like Josiah "put away" the wizards to restore obedience to the law [[2 Kings 23:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of forbidden spiritual practices:
* `{{H178}}` **ʼôwb** (familiar spirit): This word is almost always paired with **wizard**. It refers to a necromancer or the spirit they claim to consult. The people are warned that turning to them is a defiling act [[Leviticus 19:31]].
* `{{H1875}}` **dârash** (to seek or ask): This root verb highlights the spiritual choice at stake. It is used when people are tempted to **seek** wizards [[Isaiah 8:19]] and also when they are commanded to **seek** the LORD [[Isaiah 55:6]].
* `{{H7592}}` **shâʼal** (to inquire, consult): This term describes the action of seeking guidance. In the list of abominable practices, it is used for a "consulter with familiar spirits" [[Deuteronomy 18:11]], specifying the prohibited act of inquiry.
* `{{H4191}}` **mûwth** (to die, kill, necromancer): This word reveals the severity of the offense. The law states that a wizard must be put to **death** [[Leviticus 20:27]]. The term is also part of the description of a necromancer, one who seeks the **dead** [[Deuteronomy 18:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3049}}` is significant, establishing a clear line between divine revelation and forbidden occultism.
* **Absolute Prohibition:** The Law of Moses does not merely discourage but absolutely forbids consulting wizards. The consequence for being a wizard or consulting one was severe, including being "cut off" from the community or capital punishment ([[Leviticus 20:6]], [[Leviticus 20:27]]).
* **Spiritual Apostasy:** Turning to a wizard is treated as a profound spiritual betrayal. It is described as "whoring after them," an act of unfaithfulness that provokes God's judgment [[Leviticus 20:6]].
* **A Test of Righteous Rule:** The Bible uses a leader's stance on wizards as a measure of their faithfulness. Manasseh's decision to deal with wizards is cited as an example of the "much wickedness" he wrought [[2 Kings 21:6]], whereas Saul and Josiah's efforts to purge them from the land were marks of their attempts to follow the law ([[1 Samuel 28:3]], [[2 Kings 23:24]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3049}}` is more than a simple term for a magical practitioner. It represents a source of knowledge and power that stands in direct opposition to God. The consistent biblical condemnation of **wizards** underscores a foundational principle: that wisdom, guidance, and truth are to be sought from God alone, and turning to other spiritual sources is a defiling and rebellious act with dire consequences.
TRV