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Leviticus 20:6 - Avoiding forbidden spiritual practices

Leviticus 20:6 - ויקרא 20:6

Hebrew Text

וְהַנֶּפֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר תִּפְנֶה אֶל־הָאֹבֹת וְאֶל־הַיִּדְּעֹנִים לִזְנוֹת אַחֲרֵיהֶם וְנָתַתִּי אֶת־פָּנַי בַּנֶּפֶשׁ הַהִוא וְהִכְרַתִּי אֹתוֹ מִקֶּרֶב עַמּוֹ׃

English Translation

And the person that applies to mediums and to wizards, to go astray after them, I will even set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people.

Transliteration

Ve-hanefesh asher tifneh el-ha'ovot ve'el-hayid'onim liznot acharehem ve-natati et-panai ba-nefesh hahi ve-hikhrati oto mikerev amo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַנֶּ֗פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּפְנֶ֤ה אֶל־הָֽאֹבֹת֙ וְאֶל־הַיִּדְּעֹנִ֔ים לִזְנֹ֖ת אַחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם וְנָתַתִּ֤י אֶת־פָּנַי֙ בַּנֶּ֣פֶשׁ הַהִ֔וא וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י אֹת֖וֹ מִקֶּ֥רֶב עַמּֽוֹ׃
וְהַנֶּ֗פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּפְנֶ֤ה אֶל־הָֽאֹבֹת֙ וְאֶל־הַיִּדְּעֹנִ֔ים לִזְנֹ֖ת אַחֲרֵיהֶ֑ם וְנָתַתִּ֤י אֶת־פָּנַי֙ בַּנֶּ֣פֶשׁ הַהִ֔וא וְהִכְרַתִּ֥י אֹת֖וֹ מִקֶּ֥רֶב עַמּֽוֹ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Consulting Ovot and Yid'onim

The verse (Vayikra 20:6) sternly warns against seeking out ovot (mediums) and yid'onim (wizards), which Rashi explains as forms of necromancy and divination. According to Rambam in Hilchot Avodah Zarah (11:16), these practices involve attempting to communicate with the dead or gain forbidden knowledge through occult means, which constitutes a severe violation of Torah law.

Severity of the Transgression

The Torah states that Hashem will "set His face against that person," which the Sages interpret as a measure-for-measure punishment. Since the individual turns away from Divine providence to seek answers through forbidden means, Hashem removes His protective presence (panim) from them (Sifra, Kedoshim 9). The punishment of karet (being cut off) indicates this is among the gravest sins, as it demonstrates a fundamental rejection of Hashem's authority.

Nature of Ov and Yid'oni

  • Ov: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b) describes this as a form of necromancy where the practitioner uses a skull or bones to conjure spirits.
  • Yid'oni: Rashi explains this as inserting a bone from a specific animal (the yadua) into one's mouth to induce a trance-like state for divination.

Spiritual Implications

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 26:6) teaches that seeking these practitioners is akin to spiritual adultery (liznot achareihem), as it represents betrayal of one's covenant with Hashem. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 251) emphasizes that such practices undermine emunah (faith) by suggesting that power exists outside of Hashem's complete control.

Contemporary Application

While these specific practices may be rare today, the Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:61) extends the prohibition to any form of superstition or reliance on occult forces. The Chofetz Chaim (Ahavat Chesed) warns that even consulting fortune-tellers or astrologers violates this principle of complete trust in Hashem.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 65b
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibition against consulting with mediums and wizards, emphasizing the severity of the transgression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 20:6 mean?
A: Leviticus 20:6 warns against seeking guidance from mediums ('ovot') or wizards ('yiddeonim'), which are forms of forbidden occult practices. The Torah states that Hashem will 'set His face against' such a person, meaning severe divine disapproval, and they will be spiritually cut off from the Jewish people.
Q: Why is consulting mediums or wizards forbidden in Judaism?
A: Consulting mediums or wizards is forbidden because it represents a lack of faith in Hashem and a turn toward false sources of knowledge. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodas Kochavim 11:16) explains that these practices are deceptive and lead people away from Torah values. Trust should be placed only in Hashem, not in supernatural intermediaries.
Q: What is the punishment mentioned in Leviticus 20:6?
A: The verse states that one who engages with mediums or wizards will be 'cut off' ('karet') from their people. According to Rashi and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 64b), this means either premature death or being spiritually severed from the Jewish nation in the World to Come, depending on the severity of the transgression.
Q: Does this law still apply today?
A: Yes, this prohibition remains in effect today. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 179) rules that consulting mediums, fortune-tellers, or any form of occult practice is strictly forbidden. A Jew must seek guidance through Torah, prayer, and righteous scholars—not through forbidden mystical practices.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 20:6?
A: This verse teaches us to place our complete trust in Hashem and avoid seeking answers through unkosher means. The Sforno explains that turning to occult practices reflects spiritual weakness; instead, we should strengthen our connection to Hashem through Torah study and mitzvot.