Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “’A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.’” New Living Translation “Men and women among you who act as mediums or who consult the spirits of the dead must be put to death by stoning. They are guilty of a capital offense.” English Standard Version “A man or a woman who is a medium or a necromancer shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones; their blood shall be upon them.” Berean Standard Bible 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.’” Berean Literal Bible And a man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist, they must surely be put to death. With stones they shall stone them. Their blood is on them.’” King James Bible 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. New King James Version ‘A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones. Their blood shall be upon them.’ ” New American Standard Bible ‘Now a man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist must be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones; they have brought their own deaths upon themselves.’” NASB 1995 ‘Now a man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.’” NASB 1977 ‘Now a man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.’” Legacy Standard Bible ‘Now a man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones. Their bloodguiltiness is upon them.’” Amplified Bible ‘A man or woman who is a medium [who pretends to consult the dead] or who is a spiritist shall most certainly be put to death, and be stoned with stones; their blood is on them.’” Berean Annotated Bible 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. Christian Standard Bible “A man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist must be put to death. They are to be stoned; their death is their own fault.” Holman Christian Standard Bible A man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist must be put to death. They are to be stoned; their blood is on their own hands.” American Standard Version 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. Contemporary English Version If you claim to receive messages from the dead, you will be put to death by stoning, just as you deserve. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation "Every man or woman who is a medium or a psychic must be put to death. They must be stoned to death because they deserve to die." Good News Translation "Any man or woman who consults the spirits of the dead shall be stoned to death; any of you that do this are responsible for your own death." International Standard Version "Moreover, a man or a woman who has a ritual spirit or a familiar spirit is certainly to die. They are to be stoned to death with boulders. They will continue to bear responsibility for their guilt." NET Bible "'A man or woman who has in them a spirit of the dead or a familiar spirit must be put to death. They must pelt them with stones; their blood guilt is on themselves.'" New Heart English Bible "'A man or a woman that is a medium, or is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones; their blood shall be upon them.'" Webster's Bible Translation 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleA 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.’” World English Bible “‘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.’” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd a man or woman, when there is a familiar spirit in them, or who [are] wizards, are certainly put to death; they stone them with stone; their blood [is] on them.” Berean Literal Bible And a man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist, they must surely be put to death. With stones they shall stone them. Their blood is on them.’” Young's Literal Translation 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.' Smith's Literal Translation When a man or a woman shall be among them a necromancer, or a wizard, dying, they shall die: with stone shall they stone them: their blood is upon them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleA 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. Catholic Public Domain Version A man or a woman, in whom there is an oracle-like or a divining spirit, shall be put to death. They shall stone them. So let their blood be upon them. New American Bible A man or a woman who acts as a medium or clairvoyant shall be put to death. They shall be stoned to death; their bloodguilt is upon them. New Revised Standard Version A man or a woman who is a medium or a wizard shall be put to death; they shall be stoned to death, their blood is upon them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleA man or a woman who is a diviner, or soothsayer shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones; their blood shall be upon them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And a man or a woman that has among them a necromancer or a soothsayer certainly shall be killed, and they shall stone them with stones and their blood shall be upon them.'" OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917A man also or a woman that divineth by a ghost or a familiar spirit, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones; their blood shall be upon them. Brenton Septuagint Translation And as for a man or woman whosoever of them shall have in them a divining spirit, or be an enchanter, let them both die the death: ye shall stone them with stones, they are guilty. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Keep All My Decrees…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 A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist 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. 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. Isaiah 8:19 When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn’t a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? must surely be put to death. Exodus 22:18 You must not allow a sorceress to live. Deuteronomy 18:20 But if any prophet dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or to speak in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.” Deuteronomy 13:5 Such a prophet or dreamer must be put to death, because he has advocated rebellion against the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery; he has tried to turn you from the way in which the LORD your God has commanded you to walk. So you must purge the evil from among you. They shall be stoned; Deuteronomy 17:5 you must bring out to your gates the man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you must stone that person to death. Numbers 15:35-36 And the LORD said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death. The whole congregation is to stone him outside the camp.” / So the whole congregation took the man outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the LORD had commanded Moses. Deuteronomy 13:10 Stone him to death for trying to turn you away from the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. their blood is upon them.’” Ezekiel 33:4-5 Then if anyone hears the sound of the horn but fails to heed the warning, and the sword comes and takes him away, his blood will be on his own head. / Since he heard the sound of the horn but failed to heed the warning, his blood will be on his own head. If he had heeded the warning, he would have saved his life. Ezekiel 33:8-9 If I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will surely die,’ but you do not speak out to dissuade him from his way, then that wicked man will die in his iniquity, yet I will hold you accountable for his blood. / But if you warn the wicked man to turn from his way, and he does not turn from it, he will die in his iniquity, but you will have saved your life. 2 Samuel 1:16 For David had said to the Amalekite, “Your blood be on your own head because your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I killed the LORD’s anointed.’” 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?” 2 Kings 21:6 He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. 2 Chronicles 33:6 He sacrificed his sons in the fire in the Valley of Ben-hinnom. He practiced sorcery, divination, and witchcraft, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did great evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking Him to anger. Isaiah 19:3 Then the spirit of the Egyptians will be emptied out from among them, and I will frustrate their plans, so that they will resort to idols and spirits of the dead, to mediums and spiritists. Treasury of Scripture A man also or woman that has a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be on them. a familiar Leviticus 20:6 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. Leviticus 19:31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God. Exodus 22:18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. their blood Leviticus 20:9 For every one that curseth his father or his mother shall be surely put to death: he hath cursed his father or his mother; his blood shall be upon him. Jump to Previous Blood Bloodguiltiness Death Divination Divineth Familiar Ghost Heads Makes Medium Spirit Spiritist Spirits Stone Stoned Stones Surely Use Wizard Wizards Wonder-WorkerJump to Next Blood Bloodguiltiness Death Divination Divineth Familiar Ghost Heads Makes Medium Spirit Spiritist Spirits Stone Stoned Stones Surely Use Wizard Wizards Wonder-WorkerLeviticus 20 1. Of him who gives his seed to Moloch4. Of him who favors such an one 6. Of going to wizards 7. Of sanctification 9. Of him who curses his parents 11. Of incest 13. Of sodomy 15. Of bestiality 18. Of uncleanness 22. Obedience is required with holiness 27. Wizards must be put to death A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist In ancient Israel, mediums and spiritists were individuals who claimed to communicate with the dead or with spirits. This practice was strictly forbidden as it was seen as an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The cultural context of the time included widespread pagan practices among neighboring nations, which often involved necromancy and divination. The Israelites were called to be set apart and not to engage in such practices, which were considered to lead people away from reliance on God. must surely be put to death. They shall be stoned; their blood is upon them.’” Persons / Places / Events 1. Mediums and SpiritistsIndividuals who claim to communicate with the dead or spirits. In ancient Israel, these practices were strictly forbidden as they were seen as attempts to bypass God's authority and guidance. 2. Ancient Israel The context of this command is within the covenant community of Israel, where God established laws to maintain holiness and purity among His people. 3. Stoning A form of capital punishment used in ancient Israel, symbolizing the community's role in upholding God's laws and purging evil from among them. Teaching Points Holiness and SeparationGod calls His people to be holy and separate from practices that are contrary to His will. Engaging in or tolerating occult practices undermines our relationship with God. Authority of God Seeking guidance from mediums or spiritists is a rejection of God's authority and provision. Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and direction from God alone. Community Responsibility The command to stone those who practice divination highlights the community's role in maintaining purity and obedience to God's laws. Today, this translates to holding one another accountable in love and truth. Spiritual Discernment Christians are called to discern the spirits and teachings they encounter, ensuring they align with biblical truth and the Holy Spirit's guidance. Repentance and Restoration While the Old Testament law prescribed death, the New Testament offers hope through repentance and restoration in Christ. Believers should seek forgiveness and turn away from sinful practices. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Leviticus 20:27?2. How does Leviticus 20:27 emphasize the seriousness of consulting mediums or spiritists? 3. What does Leviticus 20:27 reveal about God's view on spiritual purity? 4. How can Christians today avoid practices condemned in Leviticus 20:27? 5. What New Testament teachings align with Leviticus 20:27's stance on spiritual practices? 6. How should Leviticus 20:27 influence our understanding of holiness and obedience? 7. How does Leviticus 20:27 align with the concept of a loving and forgiving God? 8. Why does Leviticus 20:27 prescribe death for mediums and spiritists? 9. What historical context influenced the harsh penalties in Leviticus 20:27? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Leviticus 20? 11. In Leviticus 20:27, how does the death sentence for mediums and spiritists reconcile with the Bible’s own instances of sanctioned supernatural encounters (e.g., 1 Samuel 28)? 12. What does the Bible say about child sacrifice? 13. Does the prescribed stoning for blasphemy (Leviticus 24:14) contradict the Sixth Commandment against killing (Exodus 20:13)? 14. What is the Bible's stance on necromancy? What Does Leviticus 20:27 Mean A man or a woman who is a medium or spiritist• God singles out “a man or a woman,” showing that no one is exempt from accountability (cf. Numbers 15:30). • A “medium” or “spiritist” seeks information through the dead or demonic spirits in direct defiance of God’s revelation (Leviticus 19:31: “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them”). • The Lord labels these practices “detestable” in Deuteronomy 18:10-12 and forbids Israel to imitate the surrounding nations. • 1 Samuel 28 illustrates the danger when Saul consults the medium of Endor and is condemned. • In the New Testament, sorcery remains condemned (Acts 19:19; Galatians 5:20; Revelation 21:8). God alone is to be sought for guidance (Isaiah 8:19). must surely be put to death • The double emphasis (“must surely”) underscores the offense’s gravity under Israel’s theocratic covenant (Exodus 22:18). • The penalty matches the principle that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). • Like idolatry or false prophecy (Deuteronomy 13:5), occult involvement threatened the entire community’s holiness (Leviticus 20:26). • While civil penalties differ today (Romans 13:1-4), the moral seriousness remains: spiritual rebellion earns spiritual death unless forgiven through Christ (Colossians 2:13-15). They shall be stoned • Stoning involved the community, making each person uphold God’s standard (Deuteronomy 17:2-7). • Public execution deterred others (Deuteronomy 13:11) and removed evil from among them (Joshua 7:25). • The method also signaled that the people—not a lone executioner—affirmed God’s verdict (John 8:5 cites this legal tradition). • Under the new covenant, the church practices spiritual discipline, not physical stoning, yet still guards purity (1 Corinthians 5:1-13). their blood is upon them • The guilty party, not the executioners, bears responsibility (Ezekiel 18:20: “The soul who sins is the one who will die”). • By choosing occult practices, they invoke covenant curses upon themselves (Deuteronomy 29:18-20). • This phrase echoes Genesis 9:6, affirming just retribution. • James 1:14-15 reminds believers that sin’s consequences arise from one’s own desire; Christ alone removes guilt (1 John 1:7). summary Leviticus 20:27 teaches that dabbling in the occult is open rebellion against God. In Israel’s theocracy that rebellion earned capital punishment, underscoring the holiness God demands and the danger such practices posed to the community. Though Christ has fulfilled the Law and we no longer enforce these civil penalties, the moral principle endures: God forbids all forms of mediumship and sorcery. Believers avoid every occult influence, seek guidance only from the Lord, and rejoice that Jesus’ blood—not ours—covers sin and grants life. (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; 1Samuel 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.) . . . Verse 27. - Those that deal in witchcraft are to be stoned.
Hebrew A manוְאִ֣ישׁ (wə·’îš) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person or אֽוֹ־ (’ōw-) Conjunction Strong's 176: Desire, if a woman אִשָּׁ֗ה (’iš·šāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female who is יִהְיֶ֨ה (yih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be a medium א֛וֹב (’ō·wḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 178: A bottle (made from animal skin), a necromancer or א֥וֹ (’ōw) Conjunction Strong's 176: Desire, if a spiritist יִדְּעֹנִ֖י (yid·də·‘ō·nî) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3049: A knowing one, a conjurer, a ghost must surely מ֣וֹת (mō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute Strong's 4191: To die, to kill be put to death. יוּמָ֑תוּ (yū·mā·ṯū) Verb - Hofal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 4191: To die, to kill They shall be stoned; יִרְגְּמ֥וּ (yir·gə·mū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 7275: To cast together, to lapidate their blood דְּמֵיהֶ֥ם (də·mê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1818: Blood, of man, an animal, the juice of the grape, bloodshed [is] upon them.’” בָּֽם׃ (bām) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's Hebrew Links Leviticus 20:27 NIVLeviticus 20:27 NLT Leviticus 20:27 ESV Leviticus 20:27 NASB Leviticus 20:27 KJV Leviticus 20:27 BibleApps.com Leviticus 20:27 Biblia Paralela Leviticus 20:27 Chinese Bible Leviticus 20:27 French Bible Leviticus 20:27 Catholic Bible OT Law: Leviticus 20:27 A man or a woman that (Le Lv Lev.) |
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