Deuteronomy 23:19

19 Do not charge a fellow Israelite interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest.

Deuteronomy 23:19 in Other Translations

KJV
19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury
ESV
19 "You shall not charge interest on loans to your brother, interest on money, interest on food, interest on anything that is lent for interest
NLT
19 “Do not charge interest on the loans you make to a fellow Israelite, whether you loan money, or food, or anything else.
MSG
19 Don't charge interest to your kinsmen on any loan: not for money or food or clothing or anything else that could earn interest
CSB
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 man or woman is to become a shrine prostitute.
18 You must not bring the earnings of a female prostitute or of a male prostitute into the house of the LORD your God to pay any vow, because the LORD your God detests them both.
19 Do not charge a fellow Israelite interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest.
20 You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a fellow Israelite, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.
21 If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the LORD your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin.

Cross References 1

  • 1. Exodus 22:25; S Leviticus 25:35-37; Nehemiah 5:2-7
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