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Diviner; Soothsayer

Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

(Deut. 18:10)—one who attempts to discover or predict hidden things by forbidden arts. Divination could involve omens, lots, arrows, cups, necromancy, or ritual techniques. Israel was commanded not to imitate such practices, which belong to idolatry and seek control or secret knowledge apart from trust in God (Deut. 18:9-14). Biblical prophecy is not a Christian form of fortune-telling: a true prophet receives and speaks God’s word, whereas divination manipulates signs or spirits.

Scripture cited

Deuteronomy 18:10 Deuteronomy 18:9

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