The Bible and Fortune Telling
The Bible has a lot to say about fortune telling. None of it is complimentary.
But what exactly does the Bible say? And how do Christians interpret it?
Let me take you through the key verses.
Fortune telling in the Bible is a warning, not a category.
Quick answer
The Bible describes fortune telling as a form of divination. It is consistently condemned in the Old Testament. The New Testament is less explicit but still discourages seeking knowledge from anything other than God.
Overview
The Bible consistently condemns fortune telling and divination. The Old Testament explicitly forbids these practices. The New Testament is less explicit but still discourages them.
The key Old Testament verse is Deuteronomy 18:10-12, which lists divination among practices that are "detestable to the Lord."
The New Testament tells the story of a slave girl with a "spirit of divination" in Acts 16:16-18. This is sometimes interpreted as a condemnation of all forms of divination.
Direct answer
This page keeps the layout serious and text-led, with emphasis on practical boundaries rather than mystical visuals.
The Old Testament contains several verses that condemn divination and fortune telling.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says: "Let no one be found among you who... practices divination, 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."
Isaiah 8:19 also warns against consulting mediums and spiritists.
The New Testament is less explicit about fortune telling. It does not list it as a sin in the same way the Old Testament does.
However, Acts 16:16-18 tells the story of a slave girl who had a "spirit of divination." Paul casts the spirit out of her. This is sometimes interpreted as a condemnation of all forms of divination.
Jesus himself is not recorded as discussing fortune telling. His focus was on faith, love, and following God.
The Bible's condemnation of fortune telling is based on the principle of spiritual fidelity. Seeking knowledge from anyone other than God is seen as a violation of faith.
Myth
The Bible specifically mentions fortune telling.
Reality
The Bible uses the term "divination," not "fortune telling."
Myth
The Bible forbids all forms of prediction.
Reality
It forbids divination, not all forms of prediction.
Myth
Jesus condemned fortune tellers.
Reality
Jesus is not recorded as discussing fortune telling.
Verdict
The Bible condemns divination in the Old Testament.
Supporting Finding
The New Testament is less explicit but discourages it.
Important Limit
The key verse is Deuteronomy 18:10-12.
Reader Guidance
The principle is spiritual fidelity.
FAQ
It consistently condemns divination and fortune telling.
Yes, in Acts 16:16-18.
Most Christians would say no, as it is considered a form of divination.
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