What is the Bible's stance on necromancy?

Definition and Scope of Necromancy

Necromancy refers to attempting to communicate with the dead—or invoking the spirits of the dead—in order to gain knowledge, predict the future, or seek guidance. In the Scriptures, this practice appears amid a broader category of forbidden occult activities, including witchcraft, divination, and sorcery. Rather than being dismissed as harmless superstition, necromancy is treated as a serious offense that carries spiritual and moral consequences.

Scriptural Prohibitions

The Bible consistently prohibits necromancy. One of the clearest references occurs in Deuteronomy 18:10–12:

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or tells fortunes, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD…”

This passage underscores that necromancy is not merely discouraged—the command to avoid it is placed in the same context as child sacrifice and other egregious practices, all of which are described as “detestable to the LORD.” For Scriptural communities, this prohibition was not a minor footnote but a major prohibition forming part of the moral and spiritual code given by God.

Old Testament Case Study: The Medium at Endor

A notable biblical example is found in 1 Samuel 28, where King Saul, abandoned by the prophetic word of the LORD due to his persistent disobedience, seeks out a necromancer known as the “medium at Endor.” Scripture records (1 Samuel 28:7):

“Then Saul said to his servants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and consult her.’”

Saul’s fear of the Philistine threat led him to violate his own earlier efforts to rid the land of mediums. In doing so, he disobeyed God’s clear command. Although the passage depicts an apparition of the prophet Samuel, the overarching message is that Saul’s act of necromancy precipitated further judgment. This episode highlights the gravity of turning to mediums or necromancers rather than relying on God’s revelation.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament reaffirms the rejection of occult activities. While the specific term “necromancy” is less pronounced in the Greek texts, it falls under the umbrella of sorcery and divination. In Galatians 5:20, for instance, sorcery (a practice encompassing a range of occult methods) is listed among the “works of the flesh” that stand contrary to the desires of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Revelation 21:8 warns of judgment on “the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, the sorcerers,” indicating that the practice of seeking supernatural power or knowledge apart from God remains prohibited.

Theological Reasons for Prohibition

There is a strong theological foundation behind these prohibitions. Scripture teaches that God alone is the giver of life, ultimate truth, and genuine revelation. Necromancy, in essence, tries to circumvent the Creator’s ordained means of guidance and knowledge—namely, His word, His Spirit, and the wisdom imparted through faithful obedience and worship.

1. God’s Sovereignty: The biblical worldview affirms God’s complete authority over life and death (Psalm 68:20). Seeking the dead for guidance undermines God’s role as the supreme Ruler and the rightful source of wisdom (Proverbs 2:6).

2. Spiritual Deception: Necromancy opens people to deceptive spiritual influences. The Bible teaches that there are malevolent spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12) that masquerade as sources of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Thus, practices like necromancy can expose individuals to harmful deception.

3. Sanctity of Worship: Worship in Scripture is directed to God alone. Consulting the dead or seeking knowledge from spirits violates the exclusive devotion expected of believers (Exodus 20:3–4).

Historical and Cultural Context

In the broader Ancient Near East, many cultures practiced ancestor veneration or sought counsel from the spirits of deceased heroes. Archaeological discoveries, such as certain inscriptions from Mesopotamia referencing afterlife consultations, confirm that necromancy was widespread in many ancient civilizations. The Bible’s injunctions stand in bold contrast to these customs, indicating a clear line was drawn between worship of the one true God and pagan methods of divination.

When we look at biblical manuscripts—like some of the recovered Dead Sea Scrolls that include Deuteronomy—the text preserving the necromancy prohibition remains consistent and well-attested. This affirms that the biblical stance against necromancy was preserved accurately through centuries of transcription, underscoring the integrity of the Scriptural record.

Necromancy Versus Resurrection

It is critical to distinguish between necromancy (communication with the dead) and the Bible’s message of resurrection. The Scriptures declare that Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15) is a historical and foundational event, pointing to the hope of eternal life. Seeking contact with deceased spirits is nothing like Christ’s victory over death or the hope of the future resurrection promised to believers (John 11:25). Instead, believers are encouraged to trust the God who conquers death rather than seeking guidance from the dead.

Practical and Spiritual Implications

1. Reliance on God’s Word: The consistent biblical teaching is that true wisdom and guidance come from God’s revealed Word and from the Holy Spirit’s leading (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

2. Avoiding Spiritual Harm: By steering clear of necromancy, believers avoid deception, bondage to fear, and misplaced hope.

3. Communal Obedience: In ancient Israel, removing mediums and spiritists was a communal responsibility (Leviticus 20:27), illustrating the seriousness of rooting out occult influences to maintain faithfulness to God’s covenant.

Conclusion

Necromancy, defined as communication with the dead for knowledge or influence, is consistently deemed a forbidden and spiritually dangerous practice in the Bible. From the Mosaic Law’s strong prohibitions to the New Testament’s condemnation of sorcery, the Scriptural message remains clear: God’s people are to turn to Him alone for guidance and salvation.

In a world where spiritual curiosity can lead to harmful practices, this timeless command resonates as a wise boundary. Scripture’s reliability—supported by evidence ranging from ancient manuscripts to corroborating historical artifacts—underscores the trustworthiness of these prohibitions. Far from an antiquated ban, the rejection of necromancy fosters reverence for God’s sovereignty, safeguards against spiritual deception, and leads to the true life found in the God who created and redeems.