Catholic Public Domain Version
Leviticus 20:27
“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.”
Verse Explanation
A saved explanation for Leviticus 20:27.
Plain-language explanation
Leviticus 20:27 addresses people who claim or are suspected of having a “divining spirit” or an “oracle-like” power. The verse warns that such persons must be punished—specifically, death by stoning—so that they “bear” responsibility for what they did. In short, it condemns occult divination and treats it as a serious violation of God’s covenant.
Catholic context
Many Catholics understand this passage within the Old Testament’s covenant life of Israel, where God strongly rejects divination and occult practices. The Catholic moral tradition generally holds that seeking supernatural knowledge or power outside God’s way—such as through fortune-telling, spells, or spiritism—is gravely wrong because it can treat created powers as sources of guidance that belong to God alone. At the same time, Catholics also recognize that God judges hearts, and today civil punishment is not applied in the same form; the Church instead calls believers to reject these practices and trust God.
Historical background
In ancient Israel, the community was meant to be distinct from surrounding cultures that used divination and spirit-related practices to make decisions. The Law in Leviticus sets boundaries to protect worship and faithfulness to the Lord, especially in matters connected to guidance, destiny, and the supernatural. The severity of the penalty reflects how seriously Israel was commanded to safeguard the covenant.
Reflection
This verse challenges us to ask: Where do we seek answers when we are anxious, tempted, or curious about the future? It warns against the desire to “control” or “know” God’s plans through forbidden spiritual shortcuts. Even when fear or uncertainty pushes us toward superstition, the faithful response is to turn to the Lord in prayer and obedience rather than to occult practices.
Practical takeaway
Avoid divination and occult practices (fortune-telling, contacting spirits, using spells, or seeking “oracles” for guidance). When you need direction, choose faithful means: prayer, Scripture, seeking wise counsel from trustworthy people, and bringing your concerns to God.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to trust You instead of chasing secret knowledge. Free me from curiosity that leads to sin and from fear that drives me toward forbidden help. Give me wisdom, peace, and a faithful heart as I seek Your will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.