share torah logo

Deuteronomy 18:14 - Reject sorcery, trust Hashem alone.

Deuteronomy 18:14 - דברים 18:14

Hebrew Text

כִּי הַגּוֹיִם הָאֵלֶּה אֲשֶׁר אַתָּה יוֹרֵשׁ אוֹתָם אֶל־מְעֹנְנִים וְאֶל־קֹסְמִים יִשְׁמָעוּ וְאַתָּה לֹא כֵן נָתַן לְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ׃

English Translation

For these nations, which thou shalt dispossess, hearken to soothsayers, and to diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God has not permitted thee so to do.

Transliteration

Ki hagoyim ha'eleh asher atah yoresh otam el-me'on'nem ve'el-kosemim yishma'u ve'atah lo ken natan lekha Adonai Eloheikha.

Hebrew Leining Text

כִּ֣י <b>׀</b> הַגּוֹיִ֣ם הָאֵ֗לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ יוֹרֵ֣שׁ אוֹתָ֔ם אֶל־מְעֹנְנִ֥ים וְאֶל־קֹסְמִ֖ים יִשְׁמָ֑עוּ וְאַתָּ֕ה לֹ֣א כֵ֔ן נָ֥תַן לְךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃
כִּ֣י ׀ הַגּוֹיִ֣ם הָאֵ֗לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ יוֹרֵ֣שׁ אוֹתָ֔ם אֶל־מְעֹנְנִ֥ים וְאֶל־קֹסְמִ֖ים יִשְׁמָ֑עוּ וְאַתָּ֕ה לֹ֣א כֵ֔ן נָ֥תַן לְךָ֖ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Divination and Soothsaying

The verse (Devarim 18:14) contrasts the practices of the nations inhabiting Eretz Yisrael with the Torah's expectations for Bnei Yisrael. The nations relied on me'onenim (soothsayers) and kosmim (diviners), forms of occult practices explicitly forbidden by the Torah (Vayikra 19:26). Rashi explains that me'onenim refers to those who determine auspicious times for actions based on omens, while kosmim use staffs or other objects for divination.

Torah's Alternative: Divine Guidance

The verse emphasizes that Hashem has not permitted these practices for Bnei Yisrael. Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:16) teaches that these methods are foolish and deceptive, leading people away from true reliance on Hashem. Instead, the Torah provides proper channels for divine communication through nevi'im (prophets) and Urim v'Tumim, as discussed in the subsequent verses (Devarim 18:15-18).

Spiritual Dangers of Imitating Non-Jewish Practices

The Sifrei (Devarim 18:14) warns that adopting these foreign practices undermines the unique covenant between Hashem and Klal Yisrael. The Ibn Ezra adds that such behaviors reflect a lack of trust in Hashem's providence, as Bnei Yisrael are meant to seek guidance through Torah study and tefillah rather than occult means.

Contemporary Application

  • The prohibition extends to modern forms of divination, including astrology, fortune-telling, and other superstitious practices (Shulchan Aruch YD 179).
  • Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch emphasizes that this mitzvah reinforces the principle of havdalah (separation) – distinguishing between the spiritual path of Torah and foreign ideologies.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 65b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the prohibition of divination and soothsaying, contrasting the practices of other nations with the commandments given to Israel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 18:14 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 18:14 teaches that the nations inhabiting the Land of Israel before the Jewish people relied on divination and sorcery (like soothsayers and fortune-tellers). However, Hashem forbade the Jewish people from engaging in these practices, as they contradict complete trust in Him.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 18:14 important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes a fundamental Jewish principle: we must rely on Hashem alone, not on superstitious practices like magic or fortune-telling. The Rambam (Hilchos Avodah Zarah 11:16) explains that these practices are foolish and distance a person from truth and emunah (faith).
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 18:14 today?
A: We learn that even today, Jews should avoid astrology, horoscopes, or any form of divination. Instead, we should turn to Torah, tefillah (prayer), and our Sages for guidance. Rashi emphasizes that we have prophets and Torah wisdom—superior sources of truth.
Q: Does this verse mean all forms of magic are forbidden?
A: Yes, the Torah strictly prohibits all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, and divination (as detailed in Deuteronomy 18:10-12). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b) explains that these practices are deceptive and violate our covenant with Hashem, who alone controls the future.
Q: How does this apply to consulting rabbis for blessings?
A: This verse does not forbid seeking brachos (blessings) or guidance from righteous Torah scholars. The distinction is that tzaddikim direct us to Hashem through tefillah and Torah—unlike sorcerers who claim independent supernatural power (see Sifrei on this verse).