King James Version
What Does Deuteronomy 18:11 Mean?
“Or a charmer , or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer .”
Context
9
When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
10
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
11
Or a charmer , or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer .
12
For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
13
Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. perfect: or, upright, or, sincere
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(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 k*now *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 2Chronicles 33:6. It is hardly possible that all of them were mere imposture and deceit.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Deuteronomy 18:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Deuteronomy 18:11
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge