Topical Bible: Familiars

◄ Familiars ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the term "familiars" is often associated with familiar spirits, which are considered to be supernatural entities that assist or serve individuals, typically in the context of witchcraft or divination. The concept of familiar spirits is addressed in several passages of the Bible, where they are consistently portrayed in a negative light and associated with practices that are forbidden by God.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament contains several references to familiar spirits, particularly in the context of prohibitions against necromancy and divination. In Leviticus 19:31, the Israelites are explicitly warned: "Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God" . This command underscores the belief that engaging with familiar spirits is an act of defilement and a violation of the covenant relationship with God.

Further, Leviticus 20:6 states, "As for the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people" . This passage highlights the severity of the offense, equating the pursuit of familiar spirits with spiritual adultery and warranting divine judgment.

The narrative of King Saul consulting the medium at Endor in 1 Samuel 28 provides a vivid illustration of the dangers associated with familiar spirits. In desperation, Saul seeks out a woman with a familiar spirit to summon the prophet Samuel from the dead. This act of disobedience ultimately leads to Saul's downfall, as he is rebuked by the spirit of Samuel and foretold of his impending defeat and death.

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention familiar spirits, it continues the Old Testament's condemnation of practices associated with them. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists "sorcery" among the works of the flesh, warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" . This reinforces the biblical stance that engaging with familiar spirits and related practices is incompatible with a life of faith.

Additionally, Acts 16:16-18 recounts the account of a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination, which enabled her to predict the future. The Apostle Paul, recognizing the spirit's demonic nature, commands it to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, thereby liberating her from its influence. This account demonstrates the early Christian understanding of familiar spirits as malevolent forces that can be overcome through the power of Christ.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the Bible's treatment of familiar spirits reflects a broader concern with maintaining the purity of worship and reliance on God alone. The consistent prohibition against engaging with familiar spirits underscores the belief that such practices represent a form of idolatry, as they involve seeking guidance and power apart from God.

The biblical narrative emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the sufficiency of His revelation, warning against the allure of supernatural knowledge or power that comes from sources other than the divine. In this light, familiar spirits are seen as deceptive and dangerous, leading individuals away from the truth and into spiritual bondage.

Conclusion

In summary, the Bible presents familiar spirits as entities associated with forbidden practices such as witchcraft and divination. The consistent biblical injunction against engaging with these spirits highlights the importance of exclusive devotion to God and the rejection of any form of spiritual compromise. Through its teachings, the Bible calls believers to discernment and faithfulness, relying on God's wisdom and guidance rather than seeking illicit spiritual experiences.

Library

Proof of Immortality and the Resurrection.
... 1804] and the evoking of departed human souls, [1805] and those who are called among
the magi, Dream-senders and Assistant-spirits (Familiars), [1806] and all ...
/.../justin/the first apology of justin/chapter xviii proof of immortality and.htm

A Sabbath in Capernaum
... But, from their presence and activity so soon afterwards, [2268] we infer, that
the authorities of Jerusalem had sent some of their familiars to track His ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiv a sabbath in.htm

Doctrines and Practices of Simon Magus and Menander.
... Love-potions, too, and charms, as well as those beings who are called "Paredri"
(familiars) and "Oniropompi" (dream-senders), and whatever other curious arts ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiii doctrines and practices of.htm

Letter cciii. To the Bishops of the Sea Coast.
... by brief notes the proofs of communion should be carried about from one end of the
earth to the other, and that all should be citizens and familiars with all ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter cciii to the bishops.htm

Letter xi. --For 339. Coss. Constantius Augustus ii, Constans I ...
... 4293] .'. This is the fruit of wickedness, these rewards are given to its
familiars, for perverseness does not deliver its own. But ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter xi for 339 coss constantius.htm

Fruitless Faith
... separating works. When a man believes in Jesus, he is not what he was nor
will he consort with those who were once his familiars. Our ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/fruitless faith.htm

Fourth Tractate. On True Happiness.
... And if death taking from him his familiars and intimates does bring grief, it is
not to him, not to the true man, but to that in him which stands apart from ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/fourth tractate on true happiness.htm

Protest and Agony. (I, iv. 10, 19, vi. 11, xi. 18-xii. 6, xv. 10 ...
... "Denounce, and let us denounce him," "And these my familiars!" Keep ye watch for
him tripping, Perchance he'll be fooled, "And we be more than enough for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 protest and agony i.htm

Unsound Spiritual Trading
... had their terrible headsmen with grim masks across their brows who carried the bright
and gleaming axe; the old inquisitors had their familiars arrayed in ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/unsound spiritual trading.htm

Young Man! a Prayer for You
... Register that prayer before the Lord, ye that are familiars in the courts of heaven!
Present the prayer for children, and kinsfolk, and friends. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/young man a prayer for.htm