Necromancy is the practice of trying to communicate with the dead.
Some people seek messages from loved ones who have passed away, while others turn to spirit guides, mediums, or psychics for answers.
But what does the Bible say about this?
Is it possible to talk to the dead, and if so, is it something that God allows?
The Bible has clear warnings about necromancy, and it provides wisdom for those seeking comfort and truth.
Let’s explore what Scripture says about necromancy, why God forbids it, and how He offers a better way to find peace.
What Is Necromancy?
The word “necromancy” comes from two Greek words—”nekros,” meaning dead, and “manteia,” meaning divination.
Together, the word means “divination by the dead.”
This practice involves summoning spirits, using mediums to contact the deceased, or performing rituals to gain hidden knowledge from the spirit world.
Necromancy has been practiced for thousands of years.
Ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, and Greeks, all had traditions of trying to communicate with the dead.
Today, it continues through séances, Ouija boards, psychics, and even some paranormal investigations.
But just because people seek the dead for answers doesn’t mean they’re talking to who they think they are.
The Bible makes it clear that contacting spirits is not just dangerous—it’s strictly forbidden.
God’s Warning Against Necromancy
Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly warns against necromancy and all forms of communication with the dead.
Leviticus 19:31 gives a direct command:
Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.
God doesn’t just discourage necromancy—He calls it defiling.
Why?
Because it opens the door to spiritual deception.
In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God warns the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land:
Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.
Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.
That’s a strong warning.
Necromancy isn’t just an innocent attempt to reach out to loved ones—it is a serious offense in God’s eyes.
He calls it detestable, placing it in the same category as witchcraft and child sacrifice.
Clearly, God wants His people to stay far away from it.
The Story of King Saul and the Witch of Endor
One of the most well-known stories about necromancy in the Bible is found in 1 Samuel 28.
King Saul, desperate for guidance, seeks out a medium after God stops answering him.
Saul disguises himself and visits the Witch of Endor, asking her to summon the prophet Samuel.
To her shock, a spirit appears claiming to be Samuel and delivers a message of doom to Saul.
The next day, Saul is killed in battle.
This story teaches an important lesson—seeking the dead doesn’t bring life.
It brings destruction.
Saul had once banned all mediums and spiritists from Israel, yet in his desperation, he turned to the very thing God forbade.
His actions cost him his life.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14 sums it up:
Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.
Instead of finding help, Saul found judgment.
His story is a warning to all who think necromancy will lead them to truth.
Can the Dead Really Speak to Us?
One of the biggest questions people have is whether or not the dead can actually communicate with the living.
The Bible gives a clear answer—when people die, they do not return to interact with the world.
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 says:
For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten. Their love, their hate, and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.
This verse makes it clear that the dead do not return to give messages or guide the living.
When people seek to communicate with the dead, they are not speaking to their loved ones.
Instead, they are opening themselves up to deception.
The Bible warns that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
Demonic spirits can impersonate the dead, tricking people into believing they are speaking to someone they love.
This is why God warns us to avoid necromancy—it is not the spirits of the dead that answer, but dangerous forces that seek to lead people away from God.
How Jesus Responded to the Afterlife
Jesus spoke often about life after death, but He never encouraged people to seek communication with the dead.
Instead, He pointed people to trust in God.
In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus.
The rich man, who had died and was in torment, begs Abraham to send Lazarus back to warn his family.
Abraham replies:
They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.
The message is clear—God has already provided the truth we need through His Word.
Trying to seek additional knowledge through necromancy is unnecessary and dangerous.
Jesus also demonstrated His authority over death when He raised Lazarus, the widow’s son, and Jairus’ daughter back to life.
In these moments, He showed that only God has power over life and death.
Nowhere in His ministry did He encourage people to seek the dead for answers.
Instead, He called people to trust in Him, the one who is the resurrection and the life.
What Should Christians Do Instead?
If someone has lost a loved one, it’s natural to miss them and want to feel close to them again.
Grief is a deep and painful experience, but God does not want His people to turn to the occult for comfort.
Instead, He offers His own peace.
Psalm 34:18 gives this beautiful promise:
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Rather than looking to the dead for guidance, Christians are called to seek wisdom from God.
James 1:5 tells us:
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
God is the source of all truth, and He desires to lead His people in the right direction.
If you are struggling with loss, the best thing you can do is draw near to Him.
Prayer, Scripture, and Christian community are powerful ways to find healing and comfort.
Final Thoughts
Necromancy is an ancient practice that still tempts people today, but the Bible makes it clear that it is dangerous and forbidden.
God does not want His people seeking the dead for answers.
Instead, He calls us to trust in Him, the living God, who holds all wisdom and knowledge.
If you have ever considered speaking to the dead or have been involved in necromancy, know that God offers forgiveness and a better way.
Turn to Him, seek His truth, and rest in the peace that He alone provides.
In the end, we don’t need messages from the dead—we have the eternal Word of God, which is more than enough.