Bible Strands
Deuteronomy 18:11
casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Moses addresses the Israelites on the plains of Moab, concluding his covenant discourse just before they cross the Jordan. He issues a direct prohibition against adopting the occult practices of the surrounding nations.
The words — חֹבֵ֖ר (cho.Ver) denotes one who casts spells, while אוֹב ('Ov) refers to a necromancer who channels the dead. These terms specify the exact methods of forbidden divination.
The thread — This prohibition recurs in Leviticus 19:31, which commands Israel not to seek out mediums or spiritists, and appears narratively in 1 Samuel 28:11 when Saul requests a woman summon the dead prophet Samuel.
Why it lands — The text places these practices in direct opposition to God’s exclusive authority, declaring them detestable and a cause for the displacement of other nations. It requires readers to reject occult inquiry and submit solely to divine revelation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Cross-references
- Leviticus 19:31 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.
- 1 Samuel 28:11 “Whom shall I bring up for you?” the woman asked. “Bring up Samuel,” he replied.