Hope and Prophecy

Is It Possible to Contact the Dead?

The Bible teaches that the dead are unconscious and unable to communicate with the living, and it strongly warns against seeking contact with the dead through mediums or spiritism, which Scripture identifies as demonic deception.

Published 2026-09-13 · Updated 2026-09-27

Written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team. Read our editorial policy.

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State of the Dead

Biblical explanation

Scripture states directly that “the dead know not any thing,” and that their memory, love, hatred, and involvement with earthly affairs have ended (). God explicitly forbade Israel from consulting mediums or those who claimed to speak with the dead, describing such practices as detestable and an act of unfaithfulness to Him (; ). King Saul's tragic encounter with a medium at Endor illustrates the danger and deception surrounding such practices rather than genuine communication with the departed (), a passage many understand as involving a deceptive spirit rather than Samuel himself. Believers are instructed instead to seek God directly through prayer and Scripture rather than through any form of spiritism.

In brief

Scripture states directly that “the dead know not any thing,” and that their memory, love, hatred, and involvement with earthly affairs have ended ().

Bible references

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Editorial note

This answer is written and reviewed by the Word Oasis Editorial Team, and is presented with supporting references so you can examine each passage in context. If you notice an error or unclear statement, please suggest a correction.