What does the Bible say about contacting the dead?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible forbids seeking or attempting to contact the dead, calling God’s people instead to seek him alone through his revealed Word. Leviticus 19:31 and Deuteronomy 18:9-14 condemn mediums, necromancy, and other occult practices as spiritually dangerous and contrary to faithful worship. Isaiah 8:19 asks why people should consult the dead rather than inquire of their God. Scripture teaches that the dead do not participate in ordinary earthly life (Ecclesiastes 9:5; Psalms 146:4), while deceptive spirits may masquerade as light (2 Corinthians 11:14; 1 John 4:1). Christians should therefore reject such practices, trust Christ, and seek wisdom through Scripture, prayer, and the fellowship of the church.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Leviticus 19:31 8 votes
"'Don't turn to those who are mediums, nor to the wizards. Don't seek them out, to be defiled by them. I am Yahweh your God.
- Deuteronomy 18:9-14 6 votes
[9] When you are come into the land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. [10] There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, [11] or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. [12] For whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh: and because of these abominations Yahweh your God does drive them out from before you. [13] You shall be perfect with Yahweh your God. [14] For these nations, that you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice sorcery, and to diviners; but as for you, Yahweh your God has not allowed you so to do.
- Isaiah 8:19 5 votes
When they shall tell you, "Consult with those who have familiar spirits and with the wizards, who chirp and who mutter:" shouldn't a people consult with their God? on behalf of the living [should they consult] with the dead?
- Leviticus 20:6 5 votes
"'The person that turns to those who are mediums, and to the wizards, to play the prostitute after them, I will even set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people.
- 1 Timothy 4:1 4 votes
But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,
- Ecclesiastes 9:5 4 votes
For the living know that they will die, but the dead don't know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
- 2 Corinthians 11:14 3 votes
And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light.
- Psalms 115:17 3 votes
The dead don't praise Yah, Neither any who go down into silence;
- 1 John 4:1 3 votes
Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
- Psalms 146:4 2 votes
His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth. In that very day, his thoughts perish.
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