Old Testament
Leviticus 20:27
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
Leviticus 20:27 addresses the serious issue of witchcraft and necromancy in ancient Israel.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
"Any man or woman who is a medium or a wizard must be put to death. They must be stoned. They are responsible for their own deaths."
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
Leviticus 20:27 addresses the serious issue of witchcraft and necromancy in ancient Israel. The verse states that anyone, whether man or woman, who practices as a medium or wizard is to be executed by stoning. This reflects the strong stance that the Israelites were to take against practices that were seen as leading them away from God. The phrase 'their blood shall be upon them' indicates that the responsibility for their death lies with the individuals who engaged in these forbidden practices. This law underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and the severe consequences of turning to occult practices, which were believed to invite divine judgment and disrupt the community's relationship with God. The harsh punishment serves as a deterrent against such behaviors, emphasizing the need for adherence to God's commandments and the protection of the community from influences that could lead them astray.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 20:27 to your life
While the cultural context of this verse is specific to ancient Israel, it serves as a reminder to avoid practices that lead us away from faith and reliance on God. Today, we can focus on seeking guidance through prayer and scripture rather than through questionable spiritual practices.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 20:27 say about mediums and wizards?
Leviticus 20:27 states that any man or woman who practices as a medium or wizard must be put to death by stoning. This reflects the ancient Israelite laws against witchcraft and necromancy, emphasizing the seriousness of these practices as leading people away from God.
Why is the punishment for witchcraft so severe in Leviticus 20:27?
The severe punishment in Leviticus 20:27 underscores the importance of spiritual purity in ancient Israel. Engaging in witchcraft or necromancy was seen as a direct violation of God's commandments, which could lead to divine judgment and disrupt the community's relationship with God.
How can we apply Leviticus 20:27 to modern life?
While the cultural context of Leviticus 20:27 is specific to ancient Israel, it serves as a reminder to avoid practices that lead us away from faith. Today, we can focus on seeking guidance through prayer and scripture rather than through questionable spiritual practices that may compromise our beliefs.
What does 'their blood shall be upon them' mean in this verse?
The phrase 'their blood shall be upon them' indicates that the responsibility for the death of those practicing witchcraft lies with the individuals themselves. It emphasizes personal accountability for engaging in forbidden practices and the consequences that follow.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.