Leviticus 20:27 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 20:27 mean?

Leviticus 20:27 commands that any man or woman in ancient Israel who acts as a medium (someone with a "familiar spirit") or a "wizard" (one who claims to practice magic) must be put to death by stoning, and that they are responsible for their own fate. This law is presented as a serious warning against seeking supernatural guidance outside of God.

In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, giving instructions for how the community should deal with people who practice forbidden spiritual activities. The verse uses strong language to show that these practices were considered a direct violation of Israel’s covenant with God. The command to stone such individuals shows the seriousness with which these actions were viewed in the context of ancient Israelite law.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:27

• "man" (אִישׁ, ʾish) and "woman" (אִשָּׁה, ishah): The verse specifically includes both men and women, showing that the law applied equally regardless of gender.
• "spirit" (אוֹב, ʾov): This word refers to a medium or someone who claims to communicate with the dead or spirits, highlighting the specific type of forbidden practice.
• "wizard" (יִדְּעֹנִי, yidde‘oni): This term points to someone who claims special knowledge or magical powers, further clarifying the kinds of activities being condemned.
• "stone" (רָגַם, ragam) and "stones" (אֶבֶן, ʾeven): The method of execution is specified as stoning, which was a communal act, emphasizing the community’s role in upholding the law.
• "blood" (דָּם, dam): The phrase "their blood shall be upon them" means they bear the responsibility for their own death, underlining personal accountability.

Why Leviticus 20:27 matters

• Leviticus 20:27 makes clear that seeking supernatural help outside of God was not just discouraged but treated as a capital offense, showing the seriousness of Israel’s commitment to exclusive worship of God.
• The verse clarifies that both men and women could be guilty of these practices, which counters any idea that such laws only applied to one gender.
• This law fits into a larger section of Leviticus that sets boundaries for the community’s spiritual life, aiming to keep Israel distinct from neighboring cultures that practiced divination and magic.