Deuteronomy 23:19

Interest on Loans

19 "Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or anything that can earn interest

Deuteronomy 23:19 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 23:19

Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother
One of the same nation and religion, and who is in poor and necessitous circumstances, and wants either food for himself and family, or money to carry on his husbandry, till such times as the fruits of his ground will bring him in a sufficiency for his support, and the payment of what he borrows, and which is to be lent him without any interest: as the Jews were chiefly employed in husbandry, and not merchandise, they had but little occasion to borrow, and when they did could not afford to pay interest, as persons concerned in merchandise, whose gains are great, are able to do; and it is but reasonable that such persons should; but that the Israelites, when poor and in distress, might not be bowed down under their burdens, this law is made for their relief:

usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of anything that is lent
upon usury;
this takes in all sorts of usury, whether what is lent be money or food, or anything else, no interest was to be taken for it; (See Gill on Leviticus 25:36); (See Gill on Leviticus 25:37).

Deuteronomy 23:19 In-Context

17 "No Israelite woman is to be a cult prostitute, and no Israelite man is to be a cult prostitute.
18 Do not bring a female prostitute's wages or a male prostitute's earnings into the house of the Lord your God to fulfill any vow, because both are detestable to the Lord your God.
19 "Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or anything that can earn interest
20 You may charge a foreigner interest, but you must not charge your brother interest, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you do in the land you are entering to possess.
21 "If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will require it of you, and it will be counted against you as sin
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