Deuteronomy 18:11

Modern

…casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead.

Traditional

Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

Literal

…or one who conjures spells or consults a medium, or a spiritist, or a seeker of the dead.

Latin

…nec incantator, nec qui pythones consulat, nec divinos, aut quærat a mortuis veritatem.

Hebrew

English

…casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead.

cast spells: These spoken formulas (special words believed to have power) were used to harm people. The person speaking the spell would call on a curse to destroy or injure someone. Balaam, a false prophet, was hired to do this against Israel (Numbers 22:2–6).
medium or spiritist: These people claimed they could speak with the spirits of the dead. They were believed to be especially skilled at calling up and communicating with these spirits (see 1 Samuel 28:3–25).

Theme notes and profiles

Leviticus 19:31
You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.
1 Samuel 28:11–14
“Whom shall I bring up for you?” the woman asked. “Bring up Samuel,” he replied.