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 20:6 (KJV)

Context

Leviticus 20:6 belongs to the Holiness Code, the section of laws God gave to Israel through Moses. The chapter addresses sexual immorality, idolatry, and other serious offenses, reflecting the high standard of holiness required of God’s people.

Meaning

God here confronts those who turn to familiar spirits and wizards. Familiar spirits were spirits or demons that people believed they could consult for guidance. Wizards, or mediums, claimed to communicate with the spirit realm, tell fortunes, or locate lost items. Both practices are treated as forbidden forms of seeking supernatural help.

The phrase “to go a whoring after them” uses the metaphor of prostitution to describe spiritual unfaithfulness. Turning to such spirits is not a neutral act; it is spiritual adultery and rebellion against God, who alone deserves the trust and worship of His people.

God’s response is severe. He says He will set His face against that person, meaning He will actively oppose and judge them. The expression “will cut him off from among his people” indicates exclusion from the community and may include the death penalty, though the exact punishment is not specified here.

Biblical connections

The broader context of Leviticus 20 includes laws on sexual immorality and idolatry, all treated with the utmost seriousness. The image of prostitution as spiritual unfaithfulness also appears in the prophetic writings, where idolatry is often depicted as adultery against God.

Application

This verse calls believers to exclusive faithfulness to God. Seeking guidance from occult sources, divination, or any spiritual entity apart from God is forbidden and carries serious spiritual consequences. God desires His people to trust Him alone and to seek His direction through prayer, His Word, and a living relationship with Him.

While the civil laws of ancient Israel are not directly binding on Christians today, the underlying principle remains: God will not share His glory with another. Turning away from any form of idolatry or spiritual adultery is essential to walking faithfully with Him.

Reflection

Leviticus 20:6 warns against seeking supernatural guidance from any source other than God. It reminds us that faithfulness to God means rejecting every substitute and trusting Him alone for direction and security.