Exodus 22:18: How can the command “Do not allow a sorceress to live” be reconciled with modern standards of religious freedom and human rights?

Understanding the Command in Its Context

Exodus 22:18 in the Berean Standard Bible reads, “You must not allow a sorceress to live.” At face value, this can create tension when compared with modern expectations of religious liberty, pluralism, and human rights. To explore this command thoroughly, one must examine the ancient Near Eastern setting, Israel’s theocratic structure, the broader biblical narrative, and the ethical principles that apply in light of both Old and New Covenant perspectives.

Ancient Near Eastern Background

In the cultural milieu of the ancient Near East, sorcery, witchcraft, and the invocation of spirits were often entwined with worship practices forbidden to Israel. Archaeological finds, such as certain tablets from Mesopotamia and Ugarit, reveal that sorcerers and diviners were sought to manipulate gods, alter destinies, and sometimes harm adversaries. These acts were in direct opposition to the belief in the one sovereign God who created and governs all (cf. Genesis 1:1).

Because Israel was called to exclusive allegiance to Yahweh and the rejection of idolatry, witchcraft was not merely an alternative religious practice; it was viewed as rebellion—an attempt to subvert the proper worship and authority of the true God. Hence, the severe prohibition against witchcraft served an essential function in preserving Israel’s identity as a holy nation (cf. Exodus 19:6).

The Theocratic Nature of Ancient Israel

Israel was unique in that it was constituted as a theocracy: a covenant community where civil, ceremonial, and moral laws were primarily governed by divine decree. God’s direct rulership meant that violations of the covenant were dealt with under civil penalty. Indeed, in Deuteronomy 18:10–12, witchcraft and divination are listed among “detestable” practices, with the implication that such actions corrupt the community and undermine the foundation of Israel’s covenant with God.

Given that sorcery challenged God’s authority and threatened the spiritual purity of the community, ancient Israelite civil law carried the most severe punishment for it. In that historical and legal context, the command in Exodus 22:18 was consistent with the theocratic principle that blatant covenant rebellion warranted capital judgment.

Moral Intent vs. Cultural Expression

While the moral principle addresses the spiritual danger of occult practices, the manner in which these laws were enacted belonged to the nation of Israel under its specific covenantal framework. In Romans 7:12, Paul affirms that “the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.” Yet Christians interpret the Old Testament’s civil and ceremonial codes in light of the New Covenant ushered in by Christ (cf. Hebrews 8:6–13).

Under the Old Covenant, civil codes functioned within a socio-political structure ordained by God for Israel alone. Believers today derive underlying moral and spiritual lessons without necessarily reapplying every civil penalty. This understanding shapes how one reconciles a text like Exodus 22:18 with contemporary standards of religious freedom.

Transition from Old to New Covenant

Key to grasping the reconciliation is recognizing the transition from an Old Covenant theocratic nation to a New Covenant community of believers drawn from all nations under Christ. Jesus taught that His kingdom is “not of this world” (John 18:36), indicating a departure from the direct theocracy model. Early Christians, living under Roman rule, did not enforce Mosaic civil laws but instead proclaimed the gospel in pluralistic cultures (cf. Acts 17:22–31).

The New Testament warns against occult practices (Galatians 5:19–21) but does not instruct believers to carry out any lethal penalty against those who practice them. Instead, the spiritual principle is that such behaviors separate people from God and are to be rejected by believers themselves. Still, modern societies and nations operate under different civic structures, influenced by the principle of religious freedom rather than ancient theocratic governance.

Biblical Principles of Justice and Mercy

Throughout Scripture, justice and mercy operate hand in hand (Micah 6:8). While ancient Israel’s penalty for sorcery was severe, it reflected the holiness demanded within a special covenant context. Under modern societal frameworks, believers uphold justice and mercy by advocating spiritual truth and ensuring that legal systems are in harmony with human dignity. This does not entail endorsing occult practices; rather, it involves recognizing that faith obligations under the New Covenant do not prescribe civil punishments for such sins.

Furthermore, many biblical passages emphasize love for one’s neighbor and the peaceful proclamation of truth (Matthew 22:37–39; 1 Peter 3:15–16). Indeed, the apostolic witness flourished in environments teeming with pagan worship and occultic activities, yet believers were not instructed to impose punitive measures but to speak persuasively of Christ’s lordship and the transformative power of the gospel.

Historical and Manuscript Witness

From a textual standpoint, the reliability of Exodus 22:18 has been affirmed by multiple manuscript traditions, including the Dead Sea Scrolls fragments for the Pentateuch, the Masoretic Text, and the Septuagint. Textual critics (referencing scholarly analyses akin to those of Dr. James White and Dr. Dan Wallace) confirm that the verse is consistently transmitted, highlighting its historical weight. Such consistency underscores ancient Israel’s serious stance against sorcery.

However, biblical interpretation factors in progressive revelation—God’s plan unfolding through different covenants culminating in Christ—so the text’s original significance must be distinguished from direct, unchanged enforcement in every cultural era.

Reconciling with Modern Religious Freedom

Modern standards of religious freedom center on government neutrality toward differing faiths and practices. In the biblical theocracy of Old Testament Israel, law and faith were inseparably joined. Today, most societies separate religious authority from civil governance, and the Christian community functions within pluralistic settings, guided by teachings to live peaceably with all (Romans 12:18) and allow governments to maintain order under God’s ultimate sovereignty (Romans 13:1–7).

Therefore, the principle communicated by Exodus 22:18—that God’s people are to reject and avoid occult practices—still stands. The difference is that the civil enforcement of that principle in Old Testament times does not translate into a modern call for capital punishment or the denial of human rights. Instead, believers stand firm in spiritual truth, rejecting occultic influences, and encouraging allegiance to God’s revealed word while recognizing and supporting lawful freedom of conscience in society.

Practical and Spiritual Takeaways

1. Holiness and Devotion: The original law highlighted the seriousness with which God’s covenant community was to guard against spiritual corruption. Believers today likewise strive for holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16), recognizing that participation in demonic or occult practices is incompatible with worship of the one true God.

2. Separation of Church and State: Because of the New Covenant context, the church does not enforce Mosaic civil laws; rather, it proclaims the gospel in love and truth, seeking spiritual transformation rather than civil enforcement.

3. Respect for Human Rights: Christians affirm that every person bears the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Modern human rights emerge from biblical concepts of human dignity, even as believers clarify the spiritual dangers of certain practices. This approach fosters respect for religious freedom while maintaining biblical values.

4. Consistency in Scripture: Exodus 22:18 stands firmly in the canon as an expression of God’s holiness in ancient Israel. Interpreting it in light of the entire biblical context—from the creation account to the prophets, from the gospel accounts to the epistles—reveals continuity in moral principle yet progressive development in covenant application.

Conclusion

Exodus 22:18’s directive to put a sorceress to death was a component of Israel’s theocratic legislation, grounding the community in covenantal purity. When considering modern standards of religious liberty and human rights, the underlying biblical truth about the rejection of occult practices remains intact, while the Old Covenant’s civil enforcement does not extend to today’s secular or pluralistic societies. Instead, believers uphold the essential principles of Scripture—honoring God’s holiness, warning against spiritually harmful practices, and living peaceably among neighbors—without resorting to the civil penalties that characterized ancient Israel’s legal code. This balanced perspective honors the consistency and authority of Scripture while affirming the rightful place of human dignity and freedom in current societal contexts.