Deuteronomy 18:10 Meaning and Explanation
“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel must avoid eight specific forbidden religious practices, including child sacrifice, divination, and witchcraft.
The Context of Deuteronomy 18:10
Specific divination and occult practices are prohibited in Israel.
What Does Deuteronomy 18:10 Mean?
The verse catalogs practices explicitly forbidden: making a son or daughter 'pass through the fire' (a pagan ritual, likely sacrifice); divination and observing times (reading omens); enchantment and witchcraft (manipulating hidden powers).
These practices represented an attempt to access divine power outside God's revealed will. They denied His exclusive authority and claimed to unlock secrets He had not disclosed. Israel's path was to trust God through His prophets and law, not through these forbidden alternatives.
Deuteronomy 18:10 in the Original Language
qosem (קֹסֵם), 'diviner' — one who practices divination, attempting to discern hidden truths through omens, lots, or spirit contact.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deuteronomy 18:10
What does Deuteronomy 18:10 mean?
Israel must avoid eight specific forbidden religious practices, including child sacrifice, divination, and witchcraft.
What is the context of Deuteronomy 18:10?
Specific divination and occult practices are prohibited in Israel.