Book of Exodus - Chapter 22 - Verse 18

The verse "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" comes from the book of Exodus in the Bible. This verse was a part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites by God. In the context of ancient Israelite society, witchcraft was seen as a sin and a form of idolatry, as it involved seeking supernatural powers from sources other than God. The punishment for practicing witchcraft was severe because it was considered a serious offense against God. The phrase "suffer not a witch to live" was a commandment to the Israelites to eliminate witchcraft from their midst in order to maintain their spiritual purity and obedience to God. While modern interpretations of this verse vary, it serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God and avoiding practices that go against His teachings.

Many theologians and scholars interpret the verse "Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live" with caution and emphasize the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context in which it was written. In the Hebrew Bible, witchcraft was often associated with practices that were deemed harmful or dangerous to society. The word "witch" in this verse comes from the Hebrew word "kashaph," which refers to one who practices sorcery or magic. Some believe that this command was given to protect the Israelites from engaging in pagan practices that were common among neighboring nations. However, it is essential to note that the Bible also emphasizes mercy and forgiveness, so this verse should not be used to promote violence or persecution against individuals. Ultimately, this command serves as a reminder to the Israelites to remain faithful to God and avoid practices that could lead them away from Him.