King James Version

What Does Leviticus 20:6 Mean?

Leviticus 20:6 in the King James Version says “And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will eve... — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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 20:6 · KJV


Context

4

And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not:

5

Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people.

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.

7

Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God.

8

And ye shall keep my statutes, and do them: I am the LORD which sanctify you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

This verse falls within the section on Penalties for Disobedience. Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community.


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Punishments for violations of sexual and religious laws, emphasizing the seriousness of sin in God's holy community. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient texts like the Code of Hammurabi show that law codes were common in the ancient Near East, but biblical law uniquely grounded ethics in God's character rather than merely social convention.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  2. How does this verse point to Christ, and how does that deepen your faith and gratitude?
  3. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
בַּנֶּ֣פֶשׁ1 of 18

And the soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֲשֶׁ֨ר2 of 18
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תִּפְנֶ֤ה3 of 18

that turneth

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

וְאֶל4 of 18

after

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הָֽאֹבֹת֙5 of 18

such as have familiar spirits

H178

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

וְאֶל6 of 18

after

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַיִּדְּעֹנִ֔ים7 of 18

wizards

H3049

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

לִזְנֹ֖ת8 of 18

to go a whoring

H2181

to commit adultery (usually of the female, and less often of simple fornication, rarely of involuntary ravishment); figuratively, to commit idolatry (

אַֽחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם9 of 18

after

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

וְנָֽתַתִּ֤י10 of 18

them I will even set

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת11 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פָּנַי֙12 of 18

my face

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

בַּנֶּ֣פֶשׁ13 of 18

And the soul

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

הַהִ֔וא14 of 18
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י15 of 18

and will cut him off

H3772

to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt

אֹת֖וֹ16 of 18
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מִקֶּ֥רֶב17 of 18

from among

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

עַמּֽוֹ׃18 of 18

his people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Leviticus. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Leviticus 20:6 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 Leviticus 20:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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