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Deuteronomy 18:10 - Torah forbids occult practices?

Deuteronomy 18:10 - דברים 18:10

Hebrew Text

לֹא־יִמָּצֵא בְךָ מַעֲבִיר בְּנוֹ־וּבִתּוֹ בָּאֵשׁ קֹסֵם קְסָמִים מְעוֹנֵן וּמְנַחֵשׁ וּמְכַשֵּׁף׃

English Translation

There must not be found among you anyone that makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that uses divination, a soothsayer, or an enchanter, or a witch,

Transliteration

Lo-yimatze v'kha ma'avir b'no u-vito ba'esh kosem k'samim me'onen u'm'nachesh u'm'chashef.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֣א בְךָ֔ מַעֲבִ֥יר בְּנֽוֹ־וּבִתּ֖וֹ בָּאֵ֑שׁ קֹסֵ֣ם קְסָמִ֔ים מְעוֹנֵ֥ן וּמְנַחֵ֖שׁ וּמְכַשֵּֽׁף׃
לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֣א בְךָ֔ מַעֲבִ֥יר בְּנֽוֹ־וּבִתּ֖וֹ בָּאֵ֑שׁ קֹסֵ֣ם קְסָמִ֔ים מְעוֹנֵ֥ן וּמְנַחֵ֖שׁ וּמְכַשֵּֽׁף׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Idolatrous Practices

The verse (Devarim 18:10) lists several forbidden practices associated with idolatry and occultism. Rashi explains that "מַעֲבִיר בְּנוֹ־וּבִתּוֹ בָּאֵשׁ" refers to the pagan ritual of passing children through fire as an offering to Molech, which was strictly prohibited by the Torah (Vayikra 18:21). The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 6:1-3) elaborates that this was a form of child sacrifice practiced by ancient idolaters.

Categories of Forbidden Divination

The verse enumerates four types of prohibited occult practices:

  • קֹסֵם קְסָמִים - A diviner who uses sticks or other objects to predict the future (Rashi, based on Sanhedrin 65b). The Talmud explains this refers to one who holds a staff and claims it reveals information.
  • מְעוֹנֵן - An astrologer who determines times based on celestial phenomena (Rashi). The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:8) states this refers to those who claim certain times are auspicious or inauspicious.
  • וּמְנַחֵשׁ - One who interprets omens, such as animal behavior or random occurrences (Rashi, based on Chullin 95b).
  • וּמְכַשֵּׁף - A sorcerer who performs actual magic through incantations and rituals (Rashi). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 67a) discusses the difference between illusion and real witchcraft.

Torah's Opposition to Occult Practices

The Sforno explains that these prohibitions come to teach that Jews must rely solely on Hashem for guidance, not on supernatural means. The Ibn Ezra notes that these practices were common among the Canaanite nations, and the Torah forbids them to separate Israel from these corrupt influences. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:37) emphasizes that these practices have no real power and are merely foolish superstitions that lead people astray from proper Divine service.

Contemporary Application

The Chofetz Chaim (in his commentary on Chumash) warns that even in modern times, one must be careful to avoid any form of superstition or reliance on occult practices, as they contradict pure faith in Hashem. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 511) explains that these prohibitions help maintain proper Jewish belief in Divine providence and reject false sources of information about the future.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 65b
The verse is discussed in the context of prohibitions against various forms of divination and witchcraft, emphasizing the severity of these practices according to Jewish law.
📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the boundaries of permissible and forbidden practices, particularly focusing on the prohibition of passing children through fire as part of idolatrous rites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 18:10 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 18:10 prohibits various forms of idolatrous and superstitious practices, including child sacrifice (passing children through fire), divination, sorcery, and witchcraft. These were common among the surrounding nations, but the Torah forbids them for the Jewish people, as they contradict belief in Hashem and His providence.
Q: Why is it forbidden to practice divination or witchcraft according to Judaism?
A: The Torah forbids divination, witchcraft, and similar practices because they rely on forces other than Hashem and undermine trust in Him. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:16) explains that these practices are deceptive and lead people away from true faith in Hashem, Who alone controls the world.
Q: What is the meaning of 'passing a child through fire' in Deuteronomy 18:10?
A: This refers to the idolatrous practice of Molech worship, where people would sacrifice their children by burning them as an offering to false gods. The Torah strictly forbids this abhorrent act, as it violates the sanctity of life and rejects Hashem's authority (Rashi on Deuteronomy 18:10).
Q: How does the prohibition against witchcraft apply today?
A: Even today, Judaism forbids consulting fortune-tellers, using charms, or engaging in any form of occult practices. Instead, we are to place our trust in Hashem and seek guidance through Torah study and prayer (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah 179). Superstitions and reliance on mystical powers outside of Torah are considered improper for Jews.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 18:10 about Jewish values?
A: This verse teaches that Judaism rejects superstition, cruelty (like child sacrifice), and reliance on false powers. Instead, we are to serve Hashem with purity of faith, recognizing that He alone governs the world. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 65a) discusses these prohibitions to emphasize that our relationship with Hashem must be based on truth and trust, not illusions or forbidden practices.