Across cultures and throughout history, humans have sought to connect with the unseen, yearning to glimpse beyond the veil that separates our physical world from the realm of the spirit.
Enter mediums – individuals believed to bridge this gap, facilitating communication with deceased loved ones or accessing knowledge from beyond. But what does the Bible, a cornerstone of faith and morality for countless believers, say about this practice?
This exploration delves into a selection of Bible verses that shed light on the complex and often controversial topic of mediums.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Evil (with Explanations)
Bible Verses About Mediums
Micah 5:12 (NIV)
“I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.”
Micah 5:12 prophesies the destruction of witchcraft, signaling God’s ultimate authority over supernatural forces. The verse assures believers that God will intervene to put an end to deceptive practices that lead people away from Him.
The promise of the cessation of spell-casting underscores God’s commitment to thwarting the influence of occultism and redirecting His people towards genuine faith and reliance on Him alone.
Leviticus 19:31 (NIV)
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”
In Leviticus 19:31, the Lord commands His people to refrain from seeking guidance or engaging with mediums and spiritists. This prohibition serves to protect the Israelites from being defiled by practices that undermine their faith in God’s sovereignty and provision.
By seeking alternative sources of wisdom or supernatural insight, individuals risk straying from the path of righteousness and relying on deceptive forces rather than on the Lord.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV)
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.”
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 provides a comprehensive list of practices that are detestable to the Lord, including consulting mediums and spiritists. The passage emphasizes the Lord’s abhorrence towards any form of divination or witchcraft, urging His people to uphold moral and spiritual purity.
As His chosen people, the Israelites are called to remain steadfast in their faith and reliance on the Lord, rejecting the allure of occult practices that lead to spiritual darkness and moral decay.
1 Samuel 28:7-20 (NIV)
“Saul then said to his attendants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.’ ‘There is one in Endor,’ they said.”
In 1 Samuel 28:7-20, King Saul’s desperate attempt to consult a medium reflects his spiritual decline and disobedience to God’s commands. Despite being explicitly prohibited from seeking guidance from mediums, Saul’s fear and insecurity drive him to pursue forbidden practices in his quest for answers.
However, his encounter with the medium at Endor only serves to highlight the futility of turning away from God’s counsel. Through this narrative, the Bible illustrates the consequences of straying from God’s will and the dangers of seeking supernatural knowledge through illicit means.
Isaiah 8:19 (NIV)
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
Isaiah 8:19 challenges the practice of consulting mediums and spiritists by questioning its validity and necessity in light of God’s presence and guidance. The verse emphasizes the futility of seeking counsel from the dead rather than seeking wisdom and direction from the living God.
Rather than turning to deceptive sources of knowledge, God’s people are called to seek Him earnestly and rely on His wisdom and provision in all aspects of their lives.
2 Kings 21:6 (NIV)
“He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.”
In 2 Kings 21:6, the wickedness of King Manasseh is epitomized by his involvement in occult practices, including consulting mediums and spiritists. Despite being entrusted with the responsibility of leading God’s people, Manasseh’s disregard for divine commandments leads him down a path of moral depravity and spiritual corruption.
His participation in forbidden rituals and divination provokes the righteous anger of the Lord, highlighting the severity of his transgressions. Through Manasseh’s example, the Bible warns against the dangers of succumbing to the temptations of occultism and idolatry, which ultimately lead to divine judgment and punishment.
Acts 16:16-18 (NIV)
“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.’ She kept this up for many days. Finally, Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her.”
In Acts 16:16-18, the encounter between Paul and the slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination exposes the deceptive nature of mediums and fortune-tellers. Despite her apparent ability to predict the future, the slave girl’s spiritual condition enslaves her to forces beyond her control, leading her to exploit her gift for personal gain. Paul’s exorcism of the spirit highlights the authority of Jesus Christ over all spiritual powers and reinforces the supremacy of God’s kingdom.
Through this miraculous intervention, the passage demonstrates the transformative power of faith in Christ, which liberates individuals from bondage to darkness and opens the door to spiritual renewal and salvation. The incident serves as a powerful testimony to the sovereignty of God and the victory of His truth over the forces of evil, affirming the futility of seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists who are ultimately subject to divine judgment.
Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
In Galatians 5:19-21, the apostle Paul condemns the practice of witchcraft and includes it among the works of the flesh that are contrary to God’s righteousness. Witchcraft, which encompasses the manipulation of spiritual forces for personal gain or control, stands in direct opposition to the principles of love, purity, and selflessness espoused by the Gospel.
By warning believers against the perils of indulging in such sinful behaviors, Paul underscores the seriousness of spiritual compromise and its implications for one’s eternal destiny. Those who persist in the pursuit of worldly desires and engage in occult practices risk forfeiting their inheritance in the kingdom of God.
Exodus 22:18 (NIV)
“Do not allow a sorceress to live.”
In Exodus 22:18, God establishes a severe consequence for sorcery, emphasizing the gravity of engaging in occult practices. This prohibition serves as a safeguard for the community, preserving its spiritual purity and reinforcing the principle that reliance on God’s guidance should supersede any attempt to seek knowledge through forbidden means.
The severity of the punishment underscores the inherent danger and destructive nature of sorcery, highlighting the need for individuals to place their trust solely in the Lord.
Ezekiel 13:20 (NIV)
“‘Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I am against your magic charms with which you ensnare people like birds and I will tear them from your arms; I will set free the people that you ensnare like birds.'”
In Ezekiel 13:20, God condemns the use of magic charms that manipulate and ensnare people. The imagery of freeing individuals from the snares of such deceptive practices underscores God’s desire for His people to be liberated from the influence of false prophets and mediums.
God’s declaration signifies His commitment to protecting His children from the deceitful allure of magic charms and false teachings, urging believers to seek His truth and guidance instead.
Isaiah 47:9 (NIV)
“Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and all your potent spells.”
Isaiah 47:9 portrays the futility of sorceries and spells in the face of divine judgment. The verse describes the sudden and complete consequences that befall those who rely on occult practices, including the loss of children and widowhood.
The passage challenges the false sense of security that comes from engaging in forbidden practices, urging people to recognize the limitations of human attempts to manipulate spiritual forces and to turn instead to the Almighty for true protection and guidance.
Colossians 2:8 (NIV)
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
Colossians 2:8 warns against being captivated by deceptive philosophies and practices that do not align with Christ. The verse underscores the importance of discernment in spiritual matters, cautioning believers against the allure of human traditions and elemental spiritual forces.
This admonition is relevant to the context of seeking supernatural insights outside of the authority of Christ.
Matthew 24:24 (NIV)
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
Matthew 24:24 warns of the deceptive nature of false messiahs and prophets who can perform miraculous signs. This verse emphasizes the need for discernment among believers, as even seemingly supernatural occurrences can be used to lead people astray.
It underlines the importance of grounding one’s faith in the truth of Christ’s teachings rather than being swayed by impressive displays of power. The passage serves as a cautionary reminder to remain vigilant against deceptive influences, relying on a steadfast commitment to the teachings of Jesus.
1 Timothy 4:1 (NIV)
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
In 1 Timothy 4:1, the apostle Paul warns of a future time when some will deviate from the faith, succumbing to the influence of deceiving spirits and demonic teachings. This prophetic insight underscores the ongoing spiritual battle that believers face.
The verse encourages believers to be rooted in sound doctrine, remaining vigilant against the allure of false teachings. It serves as a reminder that spiritual discernment is crucial in navigating the challenges of faith, urging believers to rely on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and stay committed to the unchanging truths of the Gospel.
Acts 19:19-20 (NIV)
“A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way, the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.”
Acts 19:19-20 recounts a powerful transformation as individuals renounce their involvement in sorcery. The public burning of expensive scrolls symbolizes a decisive break from occult practices, highlighting the radical impact of encountering the truth of the Gospel.
This passage illustrates the transformative power of God’s Word, leading people away from darkness and into the light. It encourages believers to witness boldly to the truth, trusting that the message of Christ has the power to liberate individuals from the bondage of deceptive practices.
2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV)
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”
2 Corinthians 11:14 reveals the cunning nature of Satan, who can disguise himself as an angel of light. This verse emphasizes the subtlety of spiritual deception, highlighting the need for believers to be discerning in recognizing the difference between genuine divine guidance and deceptive influences.
It serves as a call to spiritual vigilance, encouraging believers to rely on the discernment provided by the Holy Spirit to distinguish between the authentic and the counterfeit in matters of faith.
James 4:7 (NIV)
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James 4:7 provides practical guidance on resisting the influence of deceptive forces. The verse encourages believers to submit themselves to God, acknowledging His authority and seeking His guidance.
By actively resisting the devil, believers can overcome deceptive temptations and influences. This passage emphasizes the importance of cultivating a close relationship with God through prayer, obedience, and dependence on His strength to stand firm against spiritual deception.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 (NIV)
“The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.”
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 provides insight into the deceptive tactics of the lawless one, influenced by Satan. The passage warns against being swayed by impressive displays of power that serve a false narrative. It underscores the need for spiritual discernment, as signs and wonders alone do not necessarily authenticate the source.
Believers are called to anchor their faith in the truth of God’s Word, recognizing that the enemy can employ deceptive means to mislead those who are not firmly grounded in the teachings of Christ.
Romans 16:17-18 (NIV)
“I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the minds of naive people.”
Romans 16:17-18 cautions believers against those who promote divisive teachings contrary to the Gospel. The passage emphasizes the deceptive tactics of such individuals, using smooth talk and flattery to mislead the naive.
It encourages believers to remain vigilant, discerning false teachings that may lead them away from the truth. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of standing firm in the foundational teachings of the faith and being wary of those who seek to distort or manipulate God’s Word for their own gain.
Jeremiah 27:9-10 (NIV)
“So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers who tell you, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ They prophesy lies to you that will only serve to remove you far from your lands; I will banish you and you will perish.”
In Jeremiah 27:9-10, God warns against heeding false prophets and mediums who deliver deceptive messages. The context is the impending Babylonian captivity, and some prophets were falsely reassuring the people that they would not serve the king of Babylon.
God condemns these false assurances, revealing that they are lies that will lead to the removal and destruction of the people. This passage underscores the danger of relying on deceitful sources for guidance and emphasizes the importance of discerning the truth to avoid detrimental consequences.
Isaiah 19:3 (NIV)
“The Egyptians will lose heart, and I will bring their plans to nothing; they will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead, the mediums and the spiritists.”
Isaiah 19:3 depicts the futility of relying on mediums and spiritists when facing challenges. God declares that even though the Egyptians seek guidance from idols and the spirits of the dead through mediums, their plans will be brought to nothing.
This passage emphasizes the emptiness of turning to occult practices for solutions and highlights the sovereignty of God over all circumstances. It serves as a reminder that true wisdom and guidance come from seeking the Lord rather than seeking supernatural insights from sources that oppose His divine authority.
Revelation 13:13-14 (NIV)
“And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people. Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth.”
Revelation 13:13-14 describes a deceptive power that performs great signs to mislead people. The passage portrays the danger of relying solely on outward displays of supernatural power without discerning the source.
It underscores the vulnerability of individuals who are deceived by sensational signs and emphasizes the need for spiritual discernment. The imagery serves as a warning about the cunning nature of false miracles and their potential to lead people away from the truth.
Galatians 3:1 (NIV)
“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes, Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.”
In Galatians 3:1, the apostle Paul expresses astonishment at the Galatians for being bewitched or deceived. The passage suggests that false teachings have led them away from the truth of Christ’s crucifixion.
Paul’s rebuke highlights the subtlety of deception, even among believers, and emphasizes the need for continuous adherence to the foundational truths of the Gospel. This verse serves as a reminder to guard against spiritual bewitchment and to remain rooted in the core doctrines of the Christian faith.
Matthew 7:15-16 (NIV)
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit, you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”
In Matthew 7:15-16, Jesus issues a warning about false prophets who may outwardly appear harmless but carry harmful intentions. The analogy of wolves in sheep’s clothing emphasizes the deceptive nature of these individuals.
The call to discern false prophets by their fruits underscores the importance of examining their actions and teachings. This passage emphasizes the need for believers to exercise discernment, understanding that genuine spiritual leaders bear fruit consistent with the teachings of Christ.
Acts 13:6-11 (NIV)
“They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.”
Acts 13:6-11 recounts an encounter with a false prophet named Bar-Jesus (Elymas) who opposes the preaching of Paul and Barnabas. This narrative illustrates the conflict between the truth of the Gospel and the deceptive practices of a sorcerer.
Elymas attempts to hinder the proconsul from embracing the faith, highlighting the opposition believers may face from those who manipulate spiritual forces for personal gain.
The passage underscores the ongoing spiritual battle and the importance of remaining steadfast in proclaiming the Word of God despite resistance from deceptive influences.
1 Corinthians 10:20-21 (NIV)
“No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”
In 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, Paul warns against participating in pagan practices and sacrifices, emphasizing the spiritual implications of such engagement. The mention of offerings to demons underscores the deceptive nature of idolatrous rituals.
It serves as a call to spiritual purity and exclusive devotion to God, cautioning believers against any form of compromise that may lead them into fellowship with deceptive spiritual forces.
This verse encourages believers to make intentional choices that align with their commitment to Christ and to avoid entanglements with practices that oppose the truth of the Gospel.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Evil (with Explanations)
What Does the Bible Say About mediums?
The Bible addresses the topic of mediums in several passages, consistently warning against seeking guidance from them. In the biblical context, a medium refers to an individual who claims to have the ability to communicate with or access information from the spiritual realm, often through occult practices.
Here are key points derived from the Bible regarding mediums:
Leviticus 19:31
Leviticus categorically prohibits seeking guidance from mediums or spiritists. The underlying message is a clear command from God to His people to avoid engaging with practices that involve communication with the spiritual realm outside the parameters He has established.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
The scripture expands the prohibition to include various forms of occult practices, emphasizing that consulting mediums is among the detestable actions that are contrary to God’s commands. The list encompasses a range of activities associated with seeking supernatural guidance outside of a relationship with God.
Isaiah 8:19
Isaiah 8:19 contrasts consulting mediums with seeking guidance from God. The rhetorical question implies that the proper course of action is to inquire of God rather than turning to mediums. It underscores the importance of relying on divine wisdom and avoiding practices that involve communicating with the dead.
A Prayer for Spiritual Discernment and Protection Against Occult Influences
Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a humble heart, seeking Your divine guidance and protection. Lord, I acknowledge Your sovereignty over my life, and I surrender any inclination to seek answers or guidance through occult practices, especially mediums.
Grant me, dear Lord, the discernment to recognize the dangers of such paths and the wisdom to turn away from them. Surround me with Your protective love, shielding me from any deceptive influence that may lead me astray.
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, Lord, to illuminate my path and reveal Your truth. Strengthen my faith, that I may trust in Your guidance alone and resist the allure of practices that oppose Your divine will.
I declare my dependence on You, O Lord, as my Shepherd and Guide. Keep me securely within the bounds of Your love, and guard my heart against any temptation to explore forbidden realms.
In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.