Leviticus 20:27
Leviticus 20:27 in Multiple Translations
A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist must surely be put to death. They shall be stoned; their blood is upon them.’”
¶ A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.
A man also or a woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones; their blood shall be upon them.
Any man or woman who makes use of spirits, or who is a wonder-worker, is to be put to death: they are to be stoned with stones: their blood will be on them.
Anyone, man or woman, who is a medium or a spiritist must be executed. They are to be stoned to death; they bear the responsibility for their punishment.”
And if a man or woman haue a spirite of diuination, or soothsaying in them, they shall die the death: they shall stone them to death, their blood shalbe vpon them.
'And a man or woman — when there is in them a familiar spirit, or who [are] wizards — are certainly put to death; with stones they stone them; their blood [is] on them.'
“‘A man or a woman that is a medium or is a wizard shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones. Their blood shall be upon themselves.’”
A man also or a woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.
A man, or woman, in whom there is a pythonical or divining spirit, dying let them die: they shall stone them: their blood be upon them.
‘You must execute any man or woman among you who ◄consults/talks with► the spirits of dead people or who is a fortune-teller. Kill them by throwing stones at them; but they will be responsible for their own deaths.’”
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 20:27
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.
Leviticus 20:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִ֣ישׁ
אֽוֹ
אִשָּׁ֗ה
כִּֽי
יִהְיֶ֨ה
בָ/הֶ֥ם
א֛וֹב
א֥וֹ
יִדְּעֹנִ֖י
מ֣וֹת
יוּמָ֑תוּ
בָּ/אֶ֛בֶן
יִרְגְּמ֥וּ
אֹתָ֖/ם
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
בָּֽ/ם
וְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
Conj | N-ms
אֽוֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
אִשָּׁ֗ה
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִהְיֶ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בָ/הֶ֥ם
Prep | Suff
א֛וֹב
ʼôwb
H178
medium
N-ms
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
יִדְּעֹנִ֖י
yiddᵉʻônîy
H3049
spiritist
N-ms
מ֣וֹת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Ptc
יוּמָ֑תוּ
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Hophal-Imperf-3mp
בָּ/אֶ֛בֶן
ʼeben
H68
stone
Prep | N-fs
יִרְגְּמ֥וּ
râgam
H7275
to stone
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
dâm
H1818
blood
N-mp | Suff
בָּֽ/ם
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 20:27
וְ/אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אֽוֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
אִשָּׁ֗ה
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִהְיֶ֨ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בָ/הֶ֥ם
""
Prep | Suff
א֛וֹב
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.
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
יִדְּעֹנִ֖י
yiddᵉʻônîy
H3049
"spiritist"
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.
מ֣וֹת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Ptc
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.
יוּמָ֑תוּ
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Hophal-Imperf-3mp
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.
בָּ/אֶ֛בֶן
ʼeben
H68
"stone"
Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a stone, which could be a rock, a weight, or even a precious gem. It is used to describe a variety of objects, from building materials to hailstones. The KJV translates it as stone or weight.
Definition: : weight 1) stone (large or small) 1a) common stone (in natural state) 1b) stone, as material 1b1) of tablets 1b2) marble, hewn stones 1c) precious stones, stones of fire 1d) stones containing metal (ore), tool for work or weapon 1e) weight 1f) plummet (stones of destruction) also made of metal 1g) stonelike objects, eg hailstones, stony heart, ice 1h) sacred object, as memorial Samuel set up to mark where God helped Israel to defeat the Philistines 1i) (simile) 1i1) sinking in water, motionlessness 1i2) strength, firmness, solidity 1i3) commonness 1j) (metaph) 1j1) petrified with terror 1j2) perverse, hard heart
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carbuncle, [phrase] mason, [phrase] plummet, (chalk-, hail-, head-, sling-) stone(-ny), (divers) weight(-s). See also: Genesis 2:12; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 91:12.
יִרְגְּמ֥וּ
râgam
H7275
"to stone"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word 'râgam' means to stone someone, or kill them by throwing stones. It is used in the Bible to describe a form of punishment.
Definition: 1) to stone, slay or kill by stoning 1a) (Qal) to stone
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] certainly, stone. See also: Leviticus 20:2; Numbers 15:36; Ezekiel 23:47.
אֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
דְּמֵי/הֶ֥ם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-mp | Suff
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
בָּֽ/ם
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Leviticus 20:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 20:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 20:27
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:27
- Sermons on Leviticus 20:27
Context — Distinguish between Clean and Unclean
25You are therefore to distinguish between clean and unclean animals and birds. Do not become contaminated by any animal or bird, or by anything that crawls on the ground; I have set these apart as unclean for you.
26You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own.
27A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist must surely be put to death. They shall be stoned; their blood is upon them.’”
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 | Leviticus 20:6 | Whoever turns to mediums or spiritists to prostitute himself with them, I will also set My face against that person and cut him off from his people. |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 28:7–9 | Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I can go and consult her.” “There is a medium at Endor,” his servants replied. So Saul disguised himself by putting on different clothes, and he set out with two of his men. They came to the woman at night, and Saul said, “Consult a spirit for me. Bring up for me the one I name.” But the woman replied, “Surely you know what Saul has done, how he has killed the mediums and spiritists in the land. Why have you set a trap to get me killed?” |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 18:10–12 | Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For 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. |
| 5 | Exodus 22:18 | You must not allow a sorceress to live. |
Leviticus 20:27 Summary
This verse, Leviticus 20:27, teaches that God takes very seriously the practices of mediumship and spiritism, which involve seeking guidance or power from spirits other than God. Because these practices are so opposed to God's will, He commands that those who engage in them be put to death. This shows how important it is for God's people to separate themselves from sinful practices and be set apart for Him, as also seen in 2 Corinthians 6:17-18. By following God's commands and avoiding sinful practices, we can be holy as He is holy, and live in a way that is pleasing to Him, as taught in 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God command the death of mediums and spiritists in Leviticus 20:27?
God commands the death of mediums and spiritists because they are involved in practices that are detestable to Him and lead people away from worshiping the one true God, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 and Isaiah 8:19-20.
What is the significance of stoning as a form of punishment in Leviticus 20:27?
Stoning was a form of capital punishment in ancient Israel, and in this context, it signifies the seriousness of the offense and the need for the community to separate themselves from those who engage in evil practices, as noted in Leviticus 24:16 and Numbers 15:35-36.
How does this verse relate to the call to holiness in Leviticus 20:26?
The call to holiness in Leviticus 20:26 is directly connected to the command to put to death those who practice mediumship and spiritism in Leviticus 20:27, as both emphasize the importance of separating oneself from sinful practices and being set apart for God, as also seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Is this command still applicable today?
While the specific command to stone mediums and spiritists is part of the Old Testament law, the principle of separating oneself from sinful practices and being set apart for God remains relevant today, as taught in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and Ephesians 5:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some modern-day practices or behaviors that could be considered similar to mediumship or spiritism, and how can I avoid them?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be 'set apart' from the world and dedicated to following God's commands?
- How can I balance the need to love and care for those involved in sinful practices with the need to separate myself from those practices, as taught in Matthew 22:37-40 and 1 Corinthians 5:9-13?
- What does it mean to 'be holy' as God is holy, and how can I apply this principle in my daily life, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 4:7 and Hebrews 12:14?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 20:27
A man also or a woman that hath a familiar spirit,.... Or the spirit of Python or divination, see Leviticus 19:31; such as the damsel had in Acts 16:16; a woman is here particularly mentioned, though
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 20:27
A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them. Their blood shall be upon them.
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 20:27
Leviticus 20:27 A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood [shall be] upon them.Ver. 27. That both a familiar spirit.] As Paracelsus had one confined to the pummel of his sword, or else Erastus belies him.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 20:27
(27) A man also or woman.—Better, And a man or a woman. The departure from the literal translation of the conjunction in the Authorised version is both unnecessary and obscures the meaning of the sentence. It ought rather to be translated “but;” that is, but because the Israelites are God’s holy ones, therefore every man or woman who pretends to disclose future events by means of necromancy, thus usurping the functions of God, is to be stoned to death. The case of these necromancers is here repeated, because in Leviticus 19:31 the consulting them only is forbidden, and in the sixth verse of this chapter the penalty for consulting them is set forth, whilst in the passage before us the penalty is enacted which the persons themselves who are convicted of practising these secret arts are to suffer. The woman is here expressly added, both because this art seems to have been principally followed by women (Exodus 22:28; 1 Samuel 28:7; Acts 16:16), and because men would naturally be inclined to treat women more mercifully. Their blood shall be upon them.—That is, they have brought it upon themselves to be killed. (See Leviticus 20:9.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 20:27
Verse 27. A familiar spirit] A spirit or demon, which, by magical rites, is supposed to be bound to appear at the call of his employer. See Clarke on Genesis 41:8; "Exodus 7:11"; "Exodus 7:22"; And see Clarke's notes "Exodus 7:25"; and "Leviticus 19:31". FROM the accounts we have of the abominations both of Egypt and Canaan, we may blush for human nature; for wherever it is without cultivation, and without the revelation of God, it is every thing that is vile in principle and detestable in practice. Nor would any part of the habitable globe materially differ from Egypt and Canaan, had they not that rule of righteousness, the revealed LAW of God, and had not life and immortality been brought to light by the GOSPEL among them. From these accounts, for which we could easily find parallels in ancient Greece and Italy, we may see the absolute need of a Divine revelation, without which man, even in his best estate, differs little from the brute.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 20:27
27. See on Leviticus 19:31. This supplementary precept is not identical with the earlier one. Here the subject is the person within whom the discarnate spirit is supposed to be working (lit. ‘when there is in them an’ ôb or a familiar spirit’), while in Leviticus 20:6 it is the person who makes application to such for assistance.
Sermons on Leviticus 20:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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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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Jesus Versus the Occult by John Piper | John Piper preaches about the dangers of involvement in the occult, emphasizing that God forbids His people from engaging in any practices related to the spirit world or supernatur |
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I Samuel 26:21 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the life of Saul, emphasizing how despite his physical advantages and opportunities to lead God's people, he ultimately played the fool by failing to submit fu |
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Recognizing and Dealing With Occult Involvement by Bill McLeod | Bill McLeod emphasizes the critical need for believers to recognize and renounce occult involvement, explaining that many individuals struggle with spiritual affliction due to thei |
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By Signs and Wonders Where Christ Has Not Been Named by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the power of God's Word and the role of signs and wonders in the church. It delves into the method and instruments through wh |
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Witchcraft, Wizards & Witches - Aa Allen by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | A.A. Allen addresses the alarming rise of witchcraft and its influence in society, emphasizing that it is a work of the devil and is condemned by the Bible. He shares a chilling st |
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Contract on Children - Part 2 by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the dark reality of the worship of Moloch, highlighting the extreme sacrifices and atrocities committed in the name of power and supernatural influence. It |