Topical Encyclopedia Fortune-tellers, also known as diviners or soothsayers, are individuals who claim to predict the future or reveal hidden knowledge through various means such as astrology, tarot cards, crystal balls, or other mystical practices. In the context of the Bible, fortune-telling is consistently portrayed as contrary to the will of God and is associated with pagan practices and idolatry.Old Testament References The Old Testament contains numerous warnings against engaging in fortune-telling and similar practices. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , God explicitly forbids the Israelites from participating in such activities: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, 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, and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you." The practice of fortune-telling is often linked with false prophets and idolatry. In Isaiah 8:19 , the prophet warns, "When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?" This rhetorical question underscores the futility and danger of seeking guidance from sources other than God. New Testament References In the New Testament, the practice of fortune-telling is also condemned. In Acts 16:16-18 , the Apostle Paul encounters a slave girl who had a spirit of divination: "One day as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination, who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, 'These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.' She continued this for many days. Eventually Paul grew so aggravated that he turned and said to the spirit, 'In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!' And the spirit left her at that very moment." This passage illustrates the power of Christ over demonic forces and the rejection of fortune-telling as a legitimate practice. The spirit of divination is cast out, demonstrating that such practices are incompatible with the Christian faith. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, fortune-telling is seen as an attempt to gain knowledge or control over the future apart from God. It reflects a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and provision. The Bible emphasizes that God alone knows the future and that believers are to rely on Him for guidance and wisdom. In James 1:5 , it is written, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, fortune-telling was a common practice among pagan nations. It was often associated with the worship of false gods and was used to manipulate or predict events. The biblical prohibition against fortune-telling served to distinguish the Israelites from surrounding nations and to affirm their exclusive devotion to Yahweh. Moral and Ethical Considerations Engaging in fortune-telling is considered a violation of the First Commandment, which calls for exclusive worship of the one true God. It is seen as a form of spiritual adultery, diverting trust and reverence from God to other entities or practices. Christians are encouraged to seek God's will through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than through forbidden practices like fortune-telling. Strong's Hebrew 6049a. anan -- to practice soothsaying... root Definition to practice soothsaying NASB Word Usage diviners' (1), fortune-tellers (1), practice witchcraft (1), practiced witchcraft (2), practices ... /hebrew/6049a.htm - 5k Library On the First Commandment Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ... A Short-Lived Peace With whom we are to Associate. Ezekiel xiii. 22 On the Church General Index Whether Divination is a Sin? Whether it is Right to Distinguish Other Moral Precepts of the Law ... To the Rev. A. Brandram Thesaurus Fortune-tellers (1 Occurrence)Fortune-tellers. Fortunes, Fortune-tellers. Fortune-telling . Multi-Version Concordance Fortune-tellers (1 Occurrence). ... /f/fortune-tellers.htm - 6k Fortunes (30 Occurrences) Fortune-telling (1 Occurrence) Seer (21 Occurrences) Segub (3 Occurrences) Resources What is the Christian view of psychics / fortune tellers? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible say anything about clairvoyance? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about channeling? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Fortune-tellers (1 Occurrence)Micah 5:12 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |