Deuteronomy 18:11
Deuteronomy 18:11 in Multiple Translations
casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead.
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Or anyone using secret force on people, or putting questions to a spirit, or having secret knowledge, or going to the dead for directions.
practice witchcraft, visit a medium or spiritist, or communicate with the dead. Anyone who does such things offends the Lord.
Or a charmer, or that counselleth with spirits, or a soothsaier, or that asketh counsel at ye dead.
and a charmer, and one asking at a familiar spirit, and a wizard, and one seeking unto the dead.
or a charmer, or someone who consults with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Nor charmer, nor any one that consulteth pythonic spirits, or fortune tellers, or that seeketh the truth from the dead.
Do not try to talk with spirits of dead people. Do not do/practice magic.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 18:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 18:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/חֹבֵ֖ר
חָ֑בֶר
וְ/שֹׁאֵ֥ל
אוֹב֙
וְ/יִדְּעֹנִ֔י
וְ/דֹרֵ֖שׁ
אֶל
הַ/מֵּתִֽים
וְ/חֹבֵ֖ר
châbar
H2266
to unite
Conj | V-Qal
חָ֑בֶר
cheber
H2267
spell
N-ms
וְ/שֹׁאֵ֥ל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
Conj | V-Qal
אוֹב֙
ʼôwb
H178
medium
N-ms
וְ/יִדְּעֹנִ֔י
yiddᵉʻônîy
H3049
spiritist
Conj | N-ms
וְ/דֹרֵ֖שׁ
dârash
H1875
to seek
Conj | V-Qal
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/מֵּתִֽים
mûwth
H4191
to die
Art | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 18:11
וְ/חֹבֵ֖ר
châbar
H2266
"to unite"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to unite or join, and can also refer to charming or spellbinding someone. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. It can also mean to make an alliance or fellowship.
Definition: 1) to unite, join, bind together, be joined, be coupled, be in league, heap up, have fellowship with, be compact, be a charmer 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to unite, be joined 1a2) to tie magic charms, charm 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to unite with, make an ally of 1b2) to unite, join, ally 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be allied with, be united 1c2) to be joined together 1d) (Hiphil) to join together, pile up (words) 1e) (Hithpael) to join oneself to, make an alliance, league together
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: charm(-er), be compact, couple (together), have fellowship with, heap up, join (self, together), league. See also: Genesis 14:3; 2 Chronicles 20:35; Psalms 58:6.
חָ֑בֶר
cheber
H2267
"spell"
N-ms
This word refers to a society, association, or spell, and can also mean a magician or charmer. It appears in the Old Testament, including in the book of Deuteronomy, often in the context of forbidden practices. It can also refer to a group or company of people.
Definition: 1) association, company, band 2) shared, association, society 3) a magician, charmer, spell
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] charmer(-ing), company, enchantment, [idiom] wide. See also: Deuteronomy 18:11; Proverbs 25:24; Psalms 58:6.
וְ/שֹׁאֵ֥ל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
Conj | V-Qal
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
אוֹב֙
ʼôwb
H178
"medium"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a medium or a person who tries to contact the dead, often using a hollow object like a water skin to make it seem like a spirit is speaking. This practice is forbidden in the Bible.
Definition: 1) water skin bottle 2) necromancer 1b) necromancer, one who evokes the dead 1c) ghost, spirit of a dead one 1d) practice of necromancy 3) one that has a familiar spirit
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: bottle, familiar spirit. See also: Leviticus 19:31; 2 Kings 21:6; Isaiah 8:19.
וְ/יִדְּעֹנִ֔י
yiddᵉʻônîy
H3049
"spiritist"
Conj | N-ms
A spiritist, or wizard, is someone who claims to have a familiar spirit, like a necromancer or soothsayer, as seen in the Bible. This term is used to describe people who practice occult arts.
Definition: 1) a knower, one who has a familiar spirit 1a) a familiar spirit, soothsayer, necromancer (meton)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: wizard. See also: Leviticus 19:31; 1 Samuel 28:9; Isaiah 8:19.
וְ/דֹרֵ֖שׁ
dârash
H1875
"to seek"
Conj | V-Qal
To seek or ask is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe seeking God or worshiping him. It can also mean to investigate or enquire about something.
Definition: 1) to resort to, seek, seek with care, enquire, require 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to resort to, frequent (a place), (tread a place) 1a2) to consult, enquire of, seek 1a2a) of God 1a2b) of heathen gods, necromancers 1a3) to seek deity in prayer and worship 1a3a) God 1a3b) heathen deities 1a4) to seek (with a demand), demand, require 1a5) to investigate, enquire 1a6) to ask for, require, demand 1a7) to practice, study, follow, seek with application 1a8) to seek with care, care for 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to allow oneself to be enquired of, consulted (only of God) 1b2) to be sought, be sought out 1b3) to be required (of blood)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: ask, [idiom] at all, care for, [idiom] diligently, inquire, make inquisition, (necro-) mancer, question, require, search, seek (for, out), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 9:5; Ezra 10:16; Psalms 9:11.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מֵּתִֽים
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 18:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 18:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 18:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 18:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:11
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 18:11
- Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 18:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:11
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 18:11
Context — Sorcery Forbidden
9When you enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable ways of the nations there.
10Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery,
11casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead.
12For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD. And because of these detestable things, the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you. 13You must be blameless before the LORD your God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 19:31 | You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 28:11–14 | “Whom shall I bring up for you?” the woman asked. “Bring up Samuel,” he replied. But when the woman saw Samuel, she cried out in a loud voice and said to Saul, “Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!” “Do not be afraid,” the king replied. “What do you see?” “I see a god coming up out of the earth,” the woman answered. “What does he look like?” asked Saul. “An old man is coming up,” she replied. “And he is wearing a robe.” So Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed facedown in reverence. |
Deuteronomy 18:11 Summary
This verse warns us against trying to control or influence events through supernatural means, like casting spells or consulting mediums, because these practices are not from God and can lead us away from Him. Instead, we are called to trust in God's guidance and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 33:3. By seeking God's guidance and avoiding these forbidden practices, we can live a life that is pleasing to Him and experience His love and care. As we read in Psalm 119:105, God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us on the right way to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to cast spells in Deuteronomy 18:11?
Casting spells refers to the practice of attempting to control or influence events through supernatural means, which is forbidden by God as seen in Deuteronomy 18:11 and also warned against in Leviticus 19:26 and Isaiah 47:12-13.
Is consulting a medium or spiritist the same as seeking guidance from God?
No, consulting a medium or spiritist is seeking guidance from spirits other than God, which is condemned in Deuteronomy 18:11 and also in Isaiah 8:19, whereas seeking guidance from God is encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 33:3.
Why is inquiring of the dead forbidden in the Bible?
Inquiring of the dead is forbidden because it involves seeking knowledge or guidance from spirits other than God, which can lead to false and misleading information, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:11 and also in Isaiah 8:19-20.
How does this verse relate to modern-day practices like fortune-telling or astrology?
Modern-day practices like fortune-telling or astrology are similar to the practices condemned in Deuteronomy 18:11, as they involve seeking knowledge or guidance from sources other than God, and are therefore also forbidden for believers, as seen in Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 10:5.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be unknowingly seeking guidance from sources other than God, and how can I change this?
- How can I discern whether a particular practice or activity is pleasing to God or not?
- What are some biblical alternatives to seeking guidance from mediums or spiritists, and how can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's guidance?
- In what ways can I be more mindful of the influences and practices that I allow into my life, and how can I ensure that they align with God's will?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 18:11
Or a charmer,.... That pretends to cure diseases by charms, or a charmer of serpents; according to Jarchi, one that gathers together serpents and scorpions, and other animals, into one place; with
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 18:11
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. Or a charmer , [ wªchober (H2266) chaaber (H2267)] - a binder with magic knots or spells (cf. Psalms 58:5).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:11
A charmer; one that charmeth serpents or other cattle, ; or, a fortune-teller, that foretelleth the events of men’ s lives by the conjunctions of the stars, &c. See Poole ""; See Poole "". A consulter with familiar spirits, whom they call upon by certain words or rites to engage them in evil designs. A wizard, Heb. a knowing or cunning man, who by any superstitious or forbidden ways undertakes the revelation of secret things: A necromancer; one that calleth up and inquireth of the dead, .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:11
Deuteronomy 18:11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.Ver. 11. Or a necromancer.] Bellarmine and other Papists play the necromancers, when they would prove a Purgatory from the apparitions of spirits, that tell of themselves or others there tormented.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:11
(11) Charmer.—Literally one who ties knots, used here for the first time in Old Testament. Consulter with familiar spirits.—Literally, one who consulteth ôb (see Leviticus 19:31). A Wizard.—One who knows or pretends to know the secrets of the unseen world. (See Leviticus 19:31.) Necromancer.—One who inquires of the dead. Four of the above practices are ascribed to king Manasseh in 2 Chronicles 33:6. It is hardly possible that all of them were mere imposture and deceit.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:11
Verse 11. A charmer] חבר חבר chober chaber, one who uses spells; a peculiar conjunction, as the term implies, of words, or things, tying knots, c., for the purposes of divination. This was a custom among the heathen, as we learn from the following verses: - Necte TRIBUS NODIS ternos, Amarylli, colores: Necte, Amarylli, modo et Veneris, dic, vincula necto. Virg. Ecl. viii., ver. 77. "Knit with three KNOTS the fillets, knit them straight; Then say, these KNOTS to love I consecrate." DRYDEN. A consulter with familiar spirits] שאל אוב shoel ob, a Pythoness, one who inquires by the means of one spirit to get oracular answers from another of a superior order. See Clarke on Leviticus 19:31. A wizard] ידעני yiddeoni, a wise one, a knowing one. Wizard was formerly considered as the masculine of witch, both practising divination by similar means.
See Clarke on Exodus 22:13, and See Clarke on Leviticus 19:31. Or a necromancer.] דרש אל המתים doresh el hammethim, one who seeks from or inquires of the dead. Such as the witch at Endor, who professed to evoke the dead, in order to get them to disclose the secrets of the spiritual world.
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 18:11
11. a charmer] With Sam. LXX omit or: the name is in apposition to the preceding. Heb. ḥ ?ober heber, weaving spells, spell-binder; either of the tying of knots as malignant charms, common among Semites and other races (Campbell Thompson, Sem. Magic 162–173, Frazer, Golden Bough i. 394 ff.; mentioned in the Korβn, Sur. cxiii, ‘the mischief of women blowing on knots’; also practised in Europe, cp. the French ‘nouer l’ιguillette’), or of the weaving of incantations and spells (W. R. Smith), so LXX ἐπαείδωνἐπαοιδήν. In Psalms 58:5 (6) of charming serpents. For spell-makers in Arabia, see Doughty i. 258, 333, 464 f. a consulter with a ghost or familiar spirit] Heb. sho’el’τb weyiddeonξ; ’τb was the spirit of a dead person, also applied to the medium, whose body it inhabited, speaking out from this in a chirping, twittering voice (probably imitated from the sound of bats haunting sepulchres), LXX ἐνγαστρίμυθος; see Leviticus 20:27, 1 Samuel 28:3; 1 Samuel 28:7; 1 Samuel 28:9, Isaiah 8:19; Isaiah 29:4, 2 Kings 22:6; 2 Kings 23:24. Yiddeonξ means either instructor (the form may be causative) or knower (cp. Scot. wise = with powers of magic, wise-wife = witch, wise-folk = fairies) or acquaintance, familiar (W.
R. Smith). LXX, τερατοσκόπος. a necromancer] Heb. enquirer of, or resorter to (doresh, see on seek, Deuteronomy 12:5), the dead: a general description of the consulter of ghosts and familiar spirits. With Sam. LXX omit or.
Barnes' Notes on Deuteronomy 18:11
A charmer - i. e., one who fascinates and subdues noxious animals or men, such as the famous serpent-charmers of the East Psalms 58:4-5. A consulter with familiar spirits ... a wizard - Compare Leviticus 19:31 note.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 18:11
11. A charmer — Hebrew, spell-binder, one who binds by incantations, pretends to subdue some dreadful enemy. In Psalms 58:5, the word is applied to the serpent charmer.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 18:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Fighting for the Faith Against an Undercover Enemy by Timothy Tow | Timothy Tow emphasizes the importance of defending the Gospel against false agents of the Truth, highlighting the duty of Church leaders to combat false teachings and uphold the Wo |
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Hindrances to Holiness by Shane Idleman | This sermon emphasizes the importance of holiness and separation from worldly influences. It challenges Christians to hunger and thirst for righteousness, remove pollutants from th |
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Attaining Immortality by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the unusual and tragic events happening in the year 2000, emphasizing that God is pruning his orchard and working in mysterious ways. The sp |