Old Testament
Leviticus 20:6
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Leviticus 20:6, God warns against seeking out mediums and wizards, who claim to communicate with the dead or possess supernatural knowledge.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
And the soul that turns to those with familiar spirits, and to wizards, being unfaithful by seeking them out, I will set my face against that soul and cut him off from his people.
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.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Leviticus 20:6, God warns against seeking out mediums and wizards, who claim to communicate with the dead or possess supernatural knowledge. This act is seen as a betrayal of faith, as it turns people away from God and His guidance. The phrase 'turns to' indicates a deliberate choice to seek these practices, which are considered sinful. God expresses His strong disapproval by stating that He will 'set His face against' those who engage in such behavior, meaning He will oppose them and remove them from the community. This reflects the seriousness of turning to false sources of wisdom instead of relying on God. The verse emphasizes the importance of faithfulness to God and the dangers of seeking spiritual guidance outside of His will. Explore related idolatry.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Leviticus 20:6 to your life
This verse serves as a reminder to seek guidance and wisdom from God alone, avoiding practices that contradict His teachings. Believers should be cautious of influences that lead them away from their faith and ensure their spiritual practices align with biblical principles.
Curated for this public verse page. Leviticus Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Leviticus 20:6 mean?
Leviticus 20:6 warns against seeking guidance from mediums and wizards, which is seen as a betrayal of faith. God expresses His disapproval by stating that those who engage in such practices will be cut off from their community.
What is the meaning of 'familiar spirits' in Leviticus 20:6?
'Familiar spirits' refers to entities that mediums claim to communicate with, often believed to be the spirits of the dead. Seeking these spirits is considered sinful and a rejection of God's guidance.
What are the consequences mentioned in Leviticus 20:6?
The verse states that God will set His face against those who seek out familiar spirits and wizards, meaning He will oppose them and remove them from their people, highlighting the seriousness of such actions.
How can I apply Leviticus 20:6 to my life?
You can apply this verse by ensuring that your spiritual practices align with biblical teachings and avoiding influences that lead you away from God. It serves as a reminder to seek wisdom and guidance solely from God.
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