In the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, a “familiar spirit” refers to a spirit or a demonic entity that is summoned or controlled by a human, often for the purpose of divination or seeking occult knowledge. This concept appears in various passages, particularly in the context of warnings against engaging in practices related to spiritism or witchcraft. Here are some key aspects:
How Does Having a Familiar Spirit Impact Living by the Spirit vs. Living by the Flesh?
Having a familiar spirit can hinder living by the Spirit vs. living by the flesh. When we allow familiar spirits to influence us, it can lead to sinful and fleshly behaviors. Instead, focusing on indicators of spiritual living such as love, joy, peace, and self-control guide us in living according to the Spirit.
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What Is A Familiar Spirit – Biblical References and Context:
Forbidden Practice:
Leviticus 19:31: “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” This verse warns against turning to those who communicate with familiar spirits.
Association with Necromancy:
Leviticus 20:6: “And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.” Here, seeking guidance from familiar spirits is equated with spiritual unfaithfulness to God.
Penalty for Spiritism:
Leviticus 20:27: “A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.” The severity of the penalty indicates the gravity with which such practices were viewed.
Saul and the Witch of Endor:
1 Samuel 28: King Saul, having banished mediums and spiritists, seeks out a woman with a familiar spirit at Endor to summon the deceased prophet Samuel. This episode, which leads to Saul’s doom, is often cited as a cautionary tale against consorting with familiar spirits.
Condemnation of Spiritism:
Isaiah 8:19: “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?” This verse contrasts seeking knowledge from God with the forbidden practice of consulting the dead.
Concept and Significance:
Familiar Spirits as Demonic Entities: In biblical context, familiar spirits are considered to be demonic and opposed to God’s will. They are believed to be the spirits behind the voices and predictions of mediums and spiritists.
Warning Against Occult Practices: The Bible’s references to familiar spirits serve as a strong warning against engaging in any form of occult practices, which are seen as incompatible with the worship of God.
Emphasis on Trusting God: The overarching theme in these passages is the importance of seeking guidance and knowledge from God, rather than through forbidden supernatural means.
In summary, in the KJV of the Bible, familiar spirits are associated with occult practices and are strongly condemned. They are seen as a form of spiritual betrayal, leading individuals away from reliance on and faith in God.
