Old Testament
Leviticus 20:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"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."
Compare translations
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.
What Leviticus 20:27 means
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.
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
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Leviticus 20:27
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Leviticus 20:27
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Leviticus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
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.