אוֹב (ov)
ov
medium
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ov primarily denotes a necromancer or a medium who claims to communicate with the dead. In the Old Testament, it appears in contexts where such practices are strictly prohibited, reflecting a sharp distinction between Israel’s reliance on God and the occult rituals common among neighboring nations. The term is most frequently found in historical narratives like 1 Samuel and legal codes such as Leviticus.
Lexical sources note an interesting secondary meaning for ov: a water skin or bottle. This connection likely arises from the practice of using animal skins in ritualistic contexts, though the primary biblical usage focuses on the person or spirit involved in divination. The word encompasses both the practitioner and the ghostly entity they purportedly summon.
Its theological significance lies in its consistent condemnation. Passages like 1 Samuel 28 describe King Saul consulting a medium at Endor, an act that underscores his spiritual desperation and rejection of God’s guidance. Translators typically render ov as "medium," "necromancer," or "spiritist," capturing the essence of forbidden spiritual consultation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ov points to those who claim access to hidden spiritual realms through mediums or necromancers. In the Old Testament, this practice is consistently condemned because it represents a turn away from trusting God’s clear guidance. When Israel sought answers from spirits rather than the Lord, they stepped into confusion and danger.
This distinction remains relevant today. We face many pressures to find shortcuts or hidden knowledge in uncertain times. Yet Scripture invites us to rest in the sufficiency of God’s word. Instead of seeking secret signs, we are called to listen to the voice that has already spoken through Christ.
King Saul’s story in 1 Samuel 28 shows the sorrow of abandoning faith for occult comfort. His desperation led him to Endor, but it brought only judgment. True peace comes not from controlling the unknown, but from trusting the God who knows all things and loves us faithfully.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ necromancers7×
- necromancy2×
- necromancer2×
- by <the>/ necromancy2×
- a necromancer2×
- like/ wineskins1×
- like/ a necromancer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- א֖וֹב3×
- הָ/אֹב֥וֹת2×
- כְּ/אֹב֥וֹת1×
- כְּ/א֤וֹב1×
- הָֽ/אֹבֹת֙1×
- הָ/אֹבוֹת֙1×
- הָ/אֹבֹת֙1×
- הָ/אֹב֣וֹת1×
- הָ/אֹב֖וֹת1×
- בָּ/א֖וֹב1×
- בָּ/א֔וֹב1×
- אוֹב֙1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 28:7
Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek for me a woman who has a familiar spirit, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” His servants said to him, “Behold, there is a woman who has a familiar spirit at Endor.”
This verse highlights Saul’s spiritual desperation as he seeks a medium despite having previously banned such practices, showing his rejection of God's guidance.
-
Leviticus 19:31
“‘Don’t turn to those who are mediums, nor to the wizards. Don’t seek them out, to be defiled by them. I am Yahweh your God.
Here the prohibition is linked to defilement, establishing that consulting mediums violates the covenant relationship with Yahweh.
-
Isaiah 8:19
When they tell you, “Consult with those who have familiar spirits and with the wizards, who chirp and who mutter,” shouldn’t a people consult with their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?
The prophet contrasts consulting the dead with consulting God, emphasizing that the living should seek their Creator rather than spirits.
-
I Chronicles 10:13
So Saul died for his trespass which he committed against Yahweh, because of Yahweh’s word, which he didn’t keep, and also because he asked counsel of one who had a familiar spirit, to inquire,
This summary of Saul’s death identifies his inquiry of a medium as the specific trespass that led to his downfall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ov mean?
Why is consulting a medium condemned in the Bible?
How does the story of Saul illustrate this word?
Every Occurrence (16 verses across 8 books)
Leviticus 3 verses
“‘Don’t turn to those who are mediums, nor to the wizards. Don’t seek them out, to be defiled by them. I am Yahweh your…
Leviticus 20:6“‘The person that turns to those who are mediums and wizards, to play the prostitute after them, I will even set my…
Leviticus 20:27“‘A man or a woman that is a medium or is a wizard shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones.…