Deuteronomy 23:19

19 "When you lend money or food or anything else to Israelites, do not charge them 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, man or woman, is to become a temple prostitute.
18 Also, no money earned in this way may be brought into the house of the Lord your God in fulfillment of a vow. The Lord hates temple prostitutes.
19 "When you lend money or food or anything else to Israelites, do not charge them interest.
20 You may charge interest on what you lend to foreigners, but not on what you lend to Israelites. Obey this rule, and the Lord your God will bless everything you do in the land that you are going to occupy.
21 "When you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not put off doing what you promised; the Lord will hold you to your vow, and it is a sin not to keep it.

Cross References 1

  • 1. 23.19, 20Exodus 22.25;Leviticus 25.36, 37;Deuteronomy 15.7-11.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.