Leviticus 19:31 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 19:31 mean?

Leviticus 19:31 warns the Israelites not to turn to people who claim to have contact with spirits or to seek out wizards, because doing so would make them unclean. The verse ends with a reminder that the LORD is their God, highlighting that their loyalty and trust should be in Him alone.

In this verse, God is speaking to the people of Israel through Moses, giving instructions about how they should live as His chosen people. The command specifically addresses practices common in surrounding cultures, where people would consult mediums or those claiming supernatural knowledge. The focus is on keeping the community spiritually pure and distinct from other nations.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 19:31

• "Regard" (פָּנָה, panah): This word means to turn toward or pay attention to. Here, it emphasizes an active choice to seek out or give attention to forbidden practices.
• "Spirits" (אוֹב, 'ov): This term refers to people who claim to communicate with the dead or spirits, often translated as "mediums." The word highlights the specific type of forbidden spiritual activity.
• "Seek" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This word means to search out or inquire after. It points to a deliberate effort to pursue guidance from sources outside of God.
• "Wizards" (יִדְּעֹנִי, yidde‘oni): This term refers to people believed to possess secret knowledge or magical powers, often associated with divination.
• "Defiled" (טָמֵא, tame): This word means to become unclean or impure, especially in a ritual or spiritual sense. It shows that such practices were seen as contaminating the person’s relationship with God.
• "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, used here to remind the people of their unique covenant relationship.
• "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This word for God underlines His authority and power, contrasting Him with the powerless spirits and wizards.

Why Leviticus 19:31 matters

• Leviticus 19:31 clarifies that seeking supernatural guidance outside of God was not just discouraged but seen as spiritually contaminating, which helps explain the seriousness of the command.
• The verse shows that God wanted Israel to be different from other nations, who often relied on mediums and wizards for guidance, emphasizing Israel’s unique relationship with the LORD.
• This command fits into a larger section of Leviticus focused on holiness and distinct living, helping readers see how everyday choices were tied to faithfulness to God.