Leviticus 25:37

37 Do not take interest on the money which you let him have or on the food which you give him.

Leviticus 25:37 Meaning and Commentary

Leviticus 25:37

Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury
Lend him money, expecting and insisting upon a large interest for it; this is to be understood of persons in poor and necessitous circumstances, of which the text only speaks; otherwise, if persons borrow money to gain by it, to carry on a greater trade, or to make purchase with it, it is but reasonable that the lender should have a share of profit arising from thence: nor lend him thy victuals for increase;
by which it should seem that those two words, used in ( Leviticus 25:36 ) , though in the main they signify the same thing, yet may be distinguished, the one as concerning money, the other food; and which latter is not to be given by way of loan to a person in want of it, but freely; as for instance, if a man gives a poor man a bushel of wheat, on condition he gives him two for it hereafter, this is lending or giving his victuals for increase.

Leviticus 25:37 In-Context

35 And if your brother becomes poor and is not able to make a living, then you are to keep him with you, helping him as you would a man from another country who is living among you.

36 Take no interest from him, in money or in goods, but have the fear of your God before you, and let your brother make a living among you.

37 Do not take interest on the money which you let him have or on the food which you give him.

38 I am the Lord your God, who took you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, that I might be your God.

39 And if your brother becomes poor and gives himself to you for money, do not make use of him like a servant who is your property;