Deuteronomy 23:19

KJV

Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not lend upon usury {H5391} to thy brother {H251}; usury {H5392} of money {H3701}, usury {H5392} of victuals {H400}, usury {H5392} of any thing {H1697} that is lent upon usury {H5391}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are not to lend at interest to your brother, no matter whether the loan is of money, food or anything else that can earn interest

Berean Standard Bible

Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not lend upon interest to thy brother; interest of money, interest of victuals, interest of anything that is lent upon interest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 23:19 presents a fundamental prohibition within the Mosaic Law, strictly forbidding Israelites from charging interest, or "usury," to a fellow Israelite, referred to as "thy brother." This divine mandate extends comprehensively to loans of money, food, or any other item, serving as a cornerstone for economic justice, fostering deep community solidarity, and promoting compassionate care within the covenant people, thereby distinguishing their economic ethics from the exploitative commercial practices prevalent in surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a larger fabric of covenantal stipulations found in [Deuteronomy 23](/deuteronomy/23 "Deuteronomy 23 - Miscellaneous Laws"), a chapter dedicated to outlining various regulations concerning community purity, social conduct, and ethical dealings for the Israelites as they stand on the cusp of entering the Promised Land. Situated immediately after injunctions regarding exclusion from the assembly (e.g., [Deuteronomy 23:1-8](/deuteronomy/23-1-8 "Deuteronomy 23:1-8 - Exclusions from the Assembly")) and before laws concerning vows and gleaning, the prohibition against usury to a "brother" is part of a series of statutes designed to establish a distinct, righteous, and compassionate society. It underscores the profound emphasis on internal cohesion and mutual responsibility that God desired for His people. Critically, this verse directly precedes the permission to charge interest to foreigners in [Deuteronomy 23:20](/deuteronomy/23-20 "Deuteronomy 23:20 - Lending to a Foreigner"), thereby highlighting the unique and sacred covenantal bond that dictated a different economic ethic within the Israelite community itself.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the practice of lending with interest was widespread and often led to severe social stratification, debt slavery, and profound exploitation, particularly for the impoverished who borrowed out of sheer necessity rather than for commercial ventures. The Mosaic Law's prohibition on usury to a "brother" in [Deuteronomy 23:19](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy 23:19 - Prohibition Against Usury") stood as a radical, counter-cultural directive. It recognized that loans among Israelites were predominantly subsistence loans—granted to alleviate immediate need stemming from crop failure, famine, or unforeseen hardship—rather than capital for investment or entrepreneurial pursuits. Consequently, charging interest on such vital loans would inevitably exacerbate poverty, deepen indebtedness, and fundamentally undermine the communal fabric, effectively transforming a brother's misfortune into an opportunity for personal profit. This law was strategically designed to protect the vulnerable, prevent the predatory accumulation of wealth at the expense of the needy, and foster a society where mutual aid and communal welfare superseded individual financial gain within the covenant family of Israel.

* **Key Themes:** [Deuteronomy 23:19](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy 23:19 - Prohibition Against Usury") profoundly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully articulates the theme of **Community Solidarity and Compassion**, demonstrating God's fervent desire for His people to live in a state of mutual support, actively protecting the vulnerable from exploitation and cultivating a spirit of generosity rather than seeking profit from a brother's distress. This aligns seamlessly with the broader call for [caring for the needy among them](/leviticus/25-36 "Leviticus 25:36 - Lending without Interest") and the principles of the Year of Jubilee in [Leviticus 25](/leviticus/25 "Leviticus 25 - The Sabbatical Year and Year of Jubilee"). The verse serves as a foundational pillar of **Economic Justice**, ensuring that the poor were not further burdened by oppressive debt, thereby reflecting God's inherent character as a protector and advocate for the marginalized. It also embodies the principle of **Brotherly Love**, extending the command to love one's neighbor as oneself ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")) into practical financial dealings. Furthermore, the explicit distinction between lending to a "brother" and a "foreigner" (as clearly articulated in [Deuteronomy 23:20](/deuteronomy/23-20 "Deuteronomy 23:20 - Lending to a Foreigner")) underscores the **Distinctive Covenant Relationship** of Israel, called to live by a different, higher ethical standard than the surrounding nations, reflecting the unique and sacred bond God established with His chosen people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Usury (Hebrew, _neshek'_):** The Hebrew word נֶשֶׁךְ (_neshek'_), translated as "usury," directly derives from the root נָשַׁךְ (_nâshak_), meaning "to bite." This vivid and evocative imagery suggests the painful, corrosive, and predatory effect of interest that metaphorically "bites" or "eats away" at the borrower's resources. It implies a sharp, diminishing action that reduces the borrower's well-being, particularly when they are already in a desperate situation. This term encompasses any charge or gain for a loan, whether of money, food, or other goods, when the loan was granted out of necessity, not for commercial profit. The repetition of "usury" in the verse emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the prohibition.
* **Brother (Hebrew, _ʼâch'_):** The term אָח (_ʼâch'_), "brother," is absolutely crucial to grasping the precise scope and profound intent of this law. It refers specifically to a fellow Israelite, a member of the covenant community, emphasizing the deep familial and communal bond that was divinely intended to define their interactions. This designation highlights the unique relationship and mutual responsibility that existed among God's people, fundamentally differentiating their internal economic ethics from their dealings with those outside the covenant. The law underscores that within the family of faith, exploitation and profiting from a brother's hardship were strictly and unequivocally forbidden.
* **Any thing (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** The Hebrew word דָבָר (_dâbâr'_), translated here as "any thing," is remarkably broad in its scope. While often meaning "word" or "matter," in this context, it functions as a comprehensive catch-all, ensuring that the prohibition against usury applies to *every* conceivable type of loan. This inclusion demonstrates the law's thoroughness, preventing any loophole by which one might attempt to circumvent the spirit of the command. It signifies that whether the loan is monetary, agricultural, or involves any other commodity, the principle of not charging interest to a fellow Israelite in need remains absolute.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother;":** This opening declaration establishes the fundamental and absolute prohibition. The command is presented as apodictic, an unqualified divine imperative, indicating a non-negotiable ethical standard for the covenant community. The direct focus on "thy brother"—a fellow Israelite—underscores the communal and covenantal context, making it clear that the act of "lending upon usury" (charging any form of interest or gain) is strictly forbidden within this sacred internal relationship.
* **"usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:":** This subsequent clause serves as a comprehensive clarification and emphatic expansion of the initial prohibition. By meticulously specifying "usury of money," "usury of victuals" (food), and "usury of any thing that is lent upon usury," the law ensures that no potential loophole or ambiguity exists. This tripartite enumeration covers all conceivable forms of loans where a profit or gain might be sought from a fellow Israelite's necessity. The powerful repetition of the term "usury" (or its derivatives) reinforces the absolute and all-encompassing nature of the ban on profiting from a brother's need, whether the loan is monetary or in kind, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 23:19 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its message with unparalleled clarity and emphatic force. The most striking is **Repetition**, with the word "usury" (or its Hebrew derivatives) appearing four times within this concise verse. This deliberate repetition serves to profoundly reinforce the absolute and comprehensive nature of the prohibition, leaving no ambiguity about what is strictly forbidden. The Hebrew term _neshek_ itself functions as a powerful **Metaphor** or vivid **Imagery**, literally meaning "a bite," which viscerally portrays the harmful, corrosive, and exploitative effect of charging interest on a vulnerable borrower. This imagery powerfully communicates the pain, diminishment, and economic distress caused by such predatory practices. Furthermore, the verse is presented as an **Apodictic Law**, a direct, unqualified command ("Thou shalt not..."), which is a hallmark characteristic of the Mosaic legal code. This directness conveys the unquestionable divine authority and the non-negotiable ethical standard God expects from His covenant people, establishing a moral imperative without conditions or exceptions within the specified context.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 23:19 transcends a mere economic regulation; it is a profound theological statement about the very character of God and His deepest desires for His covenant people. It unveils a God who unequivocally champions justice, cares intimately for the poor and vulnerable, and calls His community to reflect His boundless compassion in their economic dealings. This law underscores that true worship and faithfulness are inextricably linked to ethical conduct, demonstrating that economic practices are not peripheral but integral to living out one's faith. It establishes a radical, counter-cultural ethic where mutual support, radical generosity, and the welfare of the community are prioritized over individual profit within the family of faith, thereby setting Israel apart as a nation whose laws were profoundly rooted in divine love and justice. This foundational principle resonates throughout the entirety of Scripture, emphasizing that the well-being of the community, especially its weakest and most vulnerable members, is a paramount divine concern.

* [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Lending to the Poor")
* [Leviticus 25:35-37](/leviticus/25-35-37 "Leviticus 25:35-37 - Laws Concerning the Poor")
* [Proverbs 28:8](/proverbs/28-8 "Proverbs 28:8 - Wealth Gained by Usury")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While contemporary financial systems operate with vastly different structures and commercial interest is a standard, often necessary, component of many legitimate transactions, the profound underlying principles of Deuteronomy 23:19 remain profoundly relevant and ethically challenging for believers today. This verse compels us to undertake a rigorous examination of our hearts, our financial practices, and our inherent responsibility to those in need. It issues a powerful call to embody a counter-cultural ethic of radical generosity, unwavering compassion, and unwavering justice, particularly towards the vulnerable among us. We are challenged to actively avoid any financial practice that exploits the desperate, to advocate passionately for equitable economic systems, and to consistently prioritize the holistic well-being of our community over singular personal gain. The enduring spirit of this law encourages us to perceive our resources not merely as personal possessions but as sacred tools for advancing God's kingdom, to be prayerfully used to bless others, alleviate suffering, and robustly build up the body of Christ, thereby reflecting the self-giving, sacrificial nature of our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle or overt ways might the modern church or individual believers inadvertently participate in practices that exploit the vulnerable, even if not through "usury" in the ancient, literal sense?**
* **How can we, as committed followers of Christ, practically and tangibly demonstrate the "brotherly love" and economic justice advocated in this verse within our complex contemporary financial dealings and broader societal engagement?**
* **What does it truly mean to live as a "distinct community" in our financial lives, intentionally setting ourselves apart from the world's relentless pursuit of profit at any and all costs?**

### FAQ

**Does this law mean all interest is forbidden for Christians today?**

Answer: No, not all interest is forbidden for Christians today. The prohibition in [Deuteronomy 23:19](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy 23:19 - Prohibition Against Usury"), and similar Old Testament laws, specifically targets "usury" (Hebrew _neshek_), which refers to charging interest on subsistence loans given to a fellow Israelite in dire need. The context was often one of poverty alleviation, where a loan was extended out of necessity, not for commercial investment or productive capital. Charging interest in such a scenario was unequivocally seen as exploiting a brother's misfortune and vulnerability. Modern commercial interest, conversely, is typically charged on loans for productive purposes (e.g., business investments, mortgages, educational loans) and legitimately reflects the time value of money, inflation, and the inherent risk involved. The Bible itself distinguishes between lending to a "brother" without interest and lending to a "foreigner" where interest was permitted ([Deuteronomy 23:20](/deuteronomy/23-20 "Deuteronomy 23:20 - Lending to a Foreigner")). Therefore, the enduring principle for Christians today is to steadfastly avoid predatory lending, exploitation, and profiting from the desperate need of others, while recognizing that legitimate, fair interest in a commercial context is not inherently sinful.

**What is the difference between "usury" in Deuteronomy 23:19 and modern "interest"?**

Answer: The primary and most critical difference lies in the underlying context and the intent behind the transaction. "Usury" in [Deuteronomy 23:19](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Prohibition Against Usury") refers to any charge or gain on a loan extended to a fellow Israelite, especially when that loan was for basic necessities due to hardship or poverty. The Hebrew word _neshek_ ("a bite") vividly underscores the exploitative and oppressive nature of such a charge, which would further burden someone already in distress. It was fundamentally about profiting from a brother's vulnerability and misfortune. Modern "interest," conversely, is a legitimate and widely accepted charge for the use of money over a period of time, reflecting crucial economic factors like inflation, opportunity cost (what the lender could have done with the money), and the risk associated with lending. It is a standard component of commercial transactions and investments, where loans are often for productive purposes (e.g., starting a business, buying a home) rather than mere survival. While the Bible strictly prohibits the ancient concept of usury within the covenant community, it does not condemn all forms of interest in all contexts. The enduring principle for believers is to practice unwavering economic justice, radical generosity, and to never exploit the poor or vulnerable through any financial means.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The prohibition against usury in [Deuteronomy 23:19](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy 23:19 - Prohibition Against Usury"), while a specific economic regulation for ancient Israel, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper spiritual meaning in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The very spirit of this law—one of radical generosity, profound compassion for the poor, and the prioritization of communal well-being over individual gain—is perfectly and supremely embodied by Christ Himself. He did not merely forbid exploitation; He actively and sacrificially gave Himself, becoming utterly poor so that we, through His poverty, might become spiritually rich ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - For You Know the Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ")). Jesus transcended the specific legal code, teaching His disciples to lend, expecting nothing in return ([Luke 6:34-35](/luke/6-34-35 "Luke 6:34-35 - Lend, Expecting Nothing Back")), and to give generously to those who ask ([Matthew 5:42](/matthew/5-42 "Matthew 5:42 - Give to the One Who Asks You")), thereby elevating the ethic to one of self-sacrificial, unconditional love. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the ultimate answer to humanity's greatest debt—the insurmountable debt of sin. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He paid the ultimate price, taking away the "bite" of sin and death, and offering forgiveness and eternal life freely, without any "interest" or expectation of repayment from us ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin Is Death") and [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Grace Through Faith")). Thus, the Old Testament law's call for economic justice and compassion powerfully points to the One who perfectly fulfills these ideals, not just in financial terms, but in the ultimate redemption of humanity, establishing a new covenant community characterized by boundless grace and radical love, as beautifully exemplified in the early church's practice of sharing all resources in common ([Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "The Believers Share Their Possessions")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 22:25

¶ If thou lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.

Leviticus 25:35

And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: [yea, though he be] a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.

Leviticus 25:37

Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.

Psalms 15:5

[He that] putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these [things] shall never be moved.

Ezekiel 22:12

In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD.

Ezekiel 18:13

Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.

Ezekiel 18:16

Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, [but] hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,