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.

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}.

"'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.

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.

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

Commentary on Leviticus 20:6 (KJV)

Leviticus 20:6 is a stern warning within the Holiness Code (chapters 17-26) given by God to the Israelites, outlining behaviors that are strictly forbidden and the consequences for disobedience. This particular verse addresses the grave sin of engaging with the occult.

Context

Chapter 20 of Leviticus details specific laws and punishments for various moral and religious transgressions, following the general principles of holiness established in chapter 19. It covers severe offenses such as child sacrifice to Molech, various forms of sexual immorality, and in verse 6, turning to those who practice divination and spiritism. The chapter emphasizes the need for Israel to be holy, set apart from the practices of the surrounding pagan nations.

Key Themes

  • Prohibition of Spiritism and Divination: The verse directly forbids consulting those with "familiar spirits" (mediums) and "wizards" (sorcerers or diviners), practices common in Canaanite religion but strictly prohibited in Israel.
  • Spiritual Adultery: The phrase "to go a whoring after them" uses the metaphor of sexual unfaithfulness to describe the spiritual infidelity involved in seeking guidance, power, or knowledge from sources other than God. It signifies a betrayal of the covenant relationship with God.
  • Divine Judgment: God declares, "I will even set my face against that soul," indicating His strong opposition and judgment. The consequence is being "cut him off from among his people," which could mean excommunication, premature death, or both, signifying removal from the covenant community and its blessings.

Linguistic Insights

The term "familiar spirits" translates the Hebrew word 'ob, which refers to a medium or necromancer believed to be able to communicate with the dead. "Wizards" comes from the Hebrew yidde'oni, related to knowledge, implying someone who claims to know hidden things or the future through forbidden means. "To go a whoring after them" (Hebrew: zanah) powerfully conveys the idea of spiritual prostitution or idolatry, likening devotion to forbidden practices to covenant breaking.

Reflection and Application

This verse highlights God's demand for exclusive devotion and trust. Seeking knowledge or power through mediums, psychics, astrology, or other occult practices is seen as turning away from God, who is the ultimate source of truth and power. It is a form of spiritual rebellion and opens one up to potential deception and harmful influences. The principle remains relevant today: believers are called to seek guidance from God through His Word (Psalm 119:105) and prayer, relying on the Holy Spirit, rather than forbidden sources. God's "face" is set against those who persist in such practices, reinforcing the seriousness of spiritual fidelity.

The consequence of being "cut off" underscores the importance of remaining within the community of faith and adhering to God's standards, emphasizing that deliberate pursuit of forbidden spiritual practices alienates one from God and His people.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Leviticus 19:31 (10 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 18:10 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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].