Question 1

What does Leviticus 20:6 mean?

Accepted Answer

Leviticus 20:6 warns that anyone who seeks out people with "familiar spirits" or "wizards"—those who claim to communicate with the dead or practice occult magic—will be rejected by God and separated from the community. The verse makes clear that turning to these practices is a serious offense with severe consequences. In this verse, God is speaking to the Israelites through Moses, setting boundaries for their spiritual life as they form a distinct community. The language emphasizes that seeking supernatural guidance outside of God is considered spiritual unfaithfulness, using strong terms to show that such actions break trust with God and the people. The consequence is not just personal but communal, as the offender is to be "cut off" from among the people.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 20:6

Accepted Answer

"soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): This word refers to the whole person, not just an immaterial soul. The warning applies to anyone, regardless of status. "turneth" (פָּנָה, panah): This verb means to turn or direct oneself toward something, showing an intentional seeking out of forbidden practices. "whoring" (זָנָה, zanah): This word is often used for unfaithfulness in relationships, especially in a spiritual sense. Here, it paints seeking occult practices as betraying God, similar to marital unfaithfulness. "cut him off" (כָּרַת, karath): This phrase means to remove or separate someone from the community, showing the seriousness of the offense and its impact on group identity.

Question 3

Why Leviticus 20:6 matters

Accepted Answer

Leviticus 20:6 clarifies that seeking supernatural help outside of God was not just discouraged but treated as a betrayal, using language of unfaithfulness to make the point vivid. The verse highlights that the consequences are both spiritual (God "sets his face against" the person) and social (being "cut off" from the people), showing the deep connection between faith and community in ancient Israel. This warning fits into a larger section where God is setting Israel apart from surrounding nations, stressing that their spiritual practices must be different and loyal to Him alone.

Leviticus 20:6 (KJV)