King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 18:11 Mean?

Deuteronomy 18:11 in the King James Version says “Or a charmer , or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer .” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Or a charmer , or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer .”

Deuteronomy 18:11 · KJV

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

Read Deuteronomy 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The forbidden practices continue: a charmer (חֹבֵר חָבֶר, chover chaver—one who binds spells, casts charms, uses incantations); a consulter with familiar spirits (שֹׁאֵל אוֹב, sho'el ov—one who inquires of spirits of the dead, a medium who claims contact with departed souls); a wizard (יִדְּעֹנִי, yidde'oni—a knowing one, spiritist, one who claims secret knowledge from spirit guides); a necromancer (דֹרֵשׁ אֶל־הַמֵּתִים, doresh el-hametim—literally "one who seeks unto the dead").

The final category, necromancy, makes explicit what some earlier terms implied: attempted communication with the dead to gain knowledge or power. Isaiah 8:19 condemns this: "Should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?" The living God provides living prophets; seeking the dead shows covenant unfaithfulness.

These eight/nine categories (some overlap) comprehensively ban occult practices. The common thread: seeking spiritual knowledge, power, or guidance through sources other than God's authorized revelation. This prepares for verses 15-19, where God promises a prophet like Moses—the legitimate source of divine communication, making occult practices both unnecessary and rebellious.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Necromancy was practiced throughout the ancient Near East. Egyptian Book of the Dead, Mesopotamian descent myths, and Canaanite texts all describe attempts to contact the dead. King Saul's visit to the medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28:7-25) occurred after God stopped answering through legitimate means (dreams, Urim, prophets). The episode demonstrates both the reality of spiritual forces and God's condemnation of consulting them outside His authorized channels.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does God comprehensively forbid all occult practices rather than allowing 'harmless' ones?
  2. How does God's promise of legitimate prophetic revelation (verses 15-19) address the human desire for spiritual knowledge that drives people to forbidden practices?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְחֹבֵ֖ר1 of 8

“Or a charmer”

H2266

to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate

חָ֑בֶר2 of 8
H2267

a society; also a spell

וְשֹׁאֵ֥ל3 of 8

“or a consulter”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

אוֹב֙4 of 8

“with familiar spirits”

H178

properly, a mumble, i.e., a water-skin (from its hollow sound); hence a necromancer (ventriloquist, as from a jar)

וְיִדְּעֹנִ֔י5 of 8

“or a wizard”

H3049

properly, a knowing one; specifically, a conjurer; (by impl) a ghost

וְדֹרֵ֖שׁ6 of 8

“or a necromancer”

H1875

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

אֶל7 of 8
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֵּתִֽים׃8 of 8
H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

Study Guide

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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 19:311 Samuel 28:11-14

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