What does the Bible say about praying to the dead?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible forbids seeking spiritual help or messages from the dead and directs believers to pray to God alone through Jesus Christ. Deuteronomy 18:10-11, Leviticus 19:31, and Isaiah 8:19 condemn consulting mediums, necromancers, and spirits rather than seeking the living God. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 teaches that the dead no longer participate in earthly affairs, while Hebrews 9:27 points to death followed by judgment. Scripture presents Christ as the sole mediator between God and humanity, who gave himself for sinners (1 Timothy 2:5-6; John 14:6). Revelation 5:8 portrays heavenly worship, but does not authorize believers to address prayers to departed saints.