Topical Encyclopedia Fortune tellers, also known as diviners or soothsayers, are individuals who claim to predict future events or reveal hidden knowledge through various means such as astrology, tarot cards, crystal balls, or other occult practices. The practice of fortune telling is addressed in several passages throughout the Bible, where it is consistently condemned and associated with paganism and idolatry.Biblical Condemnation of Fortune Telling The Bible explicitly prohibits the practice of fortune telling and divination. In the Old Testament, the Israelites are warned against engaging in such practices, as they are considered abominations to the Lord. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states: "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 prohibition against fortune telling is part of a broader command to avoid all forms of occultism and to rely solely on God for guidance and wisdom. Leviticus 19:31 further instructs: "You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God." Historical Context and Practices In the ancient Near East, fortune telling was a common practice among pagan cultures. Various methods were employed, including interpreting the stars (astrology), examining the entrails of animals (haruspicy), and consulting the dead (necromancy). These practices were often linked to the worship of false gods and were seen as attempts to gain power or knowledge apart from the one true God. The account of King Saul consulting the witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28 illustrates the dangers and futility of seeking guidance from fortune tellers. Despite having banned such practices, Saul, in desperation, seeks out a medium to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. This act of disobedience leads to his downfall, as he is rebuked by Samuel and ultimately faces defeat and death. New Testament Perspective The New Testament continues to affirm the rejection of fortune telling and similar practices. In Acts 16:16-18 , the Apostle Paul encounters a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. She earns a great deal of money for her owners by fortune telling. Paul, recognizing the spirit as demonic, commands it to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, and she is freed from its influence. The early Christian community is urged to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and to reject any form of occultism. Galatians 5:19-21 lists sorcery among the "acts of the flesh," warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Theological Implications From a theological standpoint, the practice of fortune telling is seen as a violation of the First Commandment, which calls for exclusive worship and reliance on God. By seeking knowledge or power through forbidden means, individuals demonstrate a lack of trust in God's sovereignty and provision. The Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom and guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit, rather than through occult practices. In summary, the Bible consistently condemns fortune telling as an affront to God's authority and a dangerous entanglement with the demonic. Believers are called to reject such practices and to place their trust in God alone for their future and well-being. Topical Bible Verses Acts 16:16And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: Topicalbible.org Micah 5:12 Leviticus 19:31 Deuteronomy 18:10-12 Revelation 22:15 Deuteronomy 4:19 Leviticus 20:27 Deuteronomy 18:11 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 To the Rev. A. Brandram Whether Divination is a Sin? Whether it is Right to Distinguish Other Moral Precepts of the Law ... Resources Should a Christian read fortune cookies? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christian view of psychics / fortune tellers? | GotQuestions.org Who was Gad in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Fortune: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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