Exodus 22:25

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

If thou lend {H3867} money {H3701} to any of my people {H5971} that is poor {H6041} by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer {H5383}, neither shalt thou lay {H7760} upon him usury {H5392}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"If you loan money to one of my people who is poor, you are not to deal with him as would a creditor; and you are not to charge him interest.

Berean Standard Bible

If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest.

American Standard Version

If thou lend money to any of my people with thee that is poor, thou shalt not be to him as a creditor; neither shall ye lay upon him interest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 22:25 presents a foundational commandment within the Mosaic Law, specifically addressing the ethical imperative for financial loans within the covenant community. It strictly prohibits the charging of interest (usury) when lending money to fellow Israelites who are in financial distress, thereby underscoring God's profound concern for social justice, the welfare of the vulnerable, and the establishment of an economic system rooted in compassion rather than exploitation among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the "Book of the Covenant," a collection of laws found in [Exodus 20:22-23:33](/exodus/20-22-33 "Exodus 20:22-23:33 - The Book of the Covenant"). This section immediately follows the foundational [Ten Commandments](/exodus/20-1-17 "Exodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Commandments") and serves as their practical application, detailing how the broad moral principles given at Mount Sinai were to be lived out in the daily life of the Israelite nation. The laws in this book cover a wide range of civil, social, and religious matters, demonstrating God's comprehensive concern for justice, equity, and compassion within His covenant people. The immediate context of [Exodus 22](/exodus/22 "Exodus 22 - Laws on Property and Social Justice") focuses on laws concerning property rights, personal injury, and social responsibilities, setting a tone of communal accountability and protection for the vulnerable members of society. The prohibition of usury fits seamlessly into this framework, ensuring that economic interactions reflect the divine character of justice and mercy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israel was predominantly an agrarian society where economic stability was often precarious, heavily dependent on factors like rainfall and harvest yields. A poor harvest, illness, or loss of livestock could quickly plunge a family into destitution, necessitating loans for survival—to purchase food, seed for the next season, or to avoid debt slavery. In contrast to the surrounding Ancient Near Eastern cultures, where charging high interest on loans was a common and often exploitative practice, the Mosaic Law established a radically different economic ethic for Israel. While interest could be charged to foreigners ([Deuteronomy 23:20](/deuteronomy/23-20 "Deuteronomy 23:20 - Lending to Foreigners")), within the covenant community, lending to a poor Israelite was not a commercial opportunity but an act of communal responsibility and mercy. This unique approach aimed to prevent the wealthy from profiting from the desperation of their fellow Israelites, thereby upholding the dignity of the poor and preventing economic hardship from leading to irreversible social stratification or oppression.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 22:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Pentateuch and the broader Old Testament. Foremost among these is **God's Concern for the Vulnerable**. The divine command to protect the poor from exploitation highlights God's character as a compassionate provider and a defender of the marginalized. This law also underscores the theme of **Covenantal Justice and Righteousness**, demonstrating that Israel's relationship with Yahweh was not merely ritualistic but demanded ethical conduct in all spheres of life, particularly in economic dealings. Furthermore, it exemplifies **Communal Solidarity and Responsibility**, emphasizing that the well-being of each member of the covenant community was a shared concern, reflecting the principle of "love your neighbor as yourself" ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")). The prohibition against usury is a practical outworking of these themes, establishing a distinct economic ethic that set Israel apart from surrounding nations and called them to reflect God's own holiness and mercy in their societal structures.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lend (Hebrew, _lâvâh'_):** From H3867, this primitive root means "to twine," implying "to unite" or "to remain." In the context of lending, it signifies the act of providing a loan, which creates a bond or obligation between the lender and borrower. The verse specifies that this act of lending is to "my people," highlighting the communal and covenantal nature of the transaction, where the loan is intended as aid rather than a purely commercial venture.
* **usurer (Hebrew, _nâshâh'_):** From H5383, this primitive root means "to lend or (by reciprocity) borrow on security or interest." When used as "usurer," it refers to someone who acts as a creditor primarily for the purpose of profiting from interest charged. The prohibition is against adopting the *role* or *posture* of such a person when dealing with the poor, emphasizing that the lender's primary motivation should be assistance, not financial gain from the borrower's distress.
* **usury (Hebrew, _neshek'_):** From H5392, this noun literally means "a bite" or "a sting." This vivid imagery conveys the painful, corrosive, and debilitating effect that interest could have on a poor borrower. It suggests that charging interest to someone already struggling is like a venomous bite, slowly consuming their meager resources and further entangling them in debt, rather than providing genuine relief. The KJV's use of "usury" here specifically refers to interest charged on loans to the poor, which was strictly forbidden within the Israelite community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If thou lend money to [any of] my people [that is] poor by thee":** This opening clause establishes the specific conditions and recipients of the law. The loan is to "my people" (Israelites), emphasizing the covenantal bond and communal responsibility that transcends mere commercial interaction. Crucially, the recipient is "poor by thee," highlighting their vulnerable economic status and their proximity within the community. This is not a general commercial regulation but a specific directive concerning compassionate aid to the needy, distinguishing it from loans made for business ventures or to foreigners.
* **"thou shalt not be to him as an usurer":** This phrase forbids the lender from assuming the *role*, *character*, or *mindset* of an exploitative creditor. It implies that the lender should not approach the transaction with the primary goal of financial gain from the poor person's distress. Instead, the lending is to be an act of mercy and support, not a business venture designed for profit at the expense of the vulnerable. The focus is on the *posture* and *intention* of the lender.
* **"neither shalt thou lay upon him usury":** This second prohibition explicitly forbids the *act* of charging interest. The term "usury" (Hebrew: _neshek_), with its imagery of a "bite," underscores the harmful and oppressive nature of such a charge. It ensures that the loan, intended to alleviate suffering, does not become an additional burden that further impoverishes the borrower, trapping them in a cycle of debt. The divine command is clear: a loan to the poor must be without any financial increase, ensuring that the act of lending is purely benevolent.

#### Literary Devices
The language of Exodus 22:25 employs **Legal Mandate** to convey a direct and unambiguous divine command, establishing a non-negotiable ethical standard for financial interactions within the Israelite community. The structure of the verse, moving from a conditional statement ("If thou lend...") to a double negative prohibition ("thou shalt not be... neither shalt thou lay..."), reinforces the absolute nature of the command. Furthermore, the use of the Hebrew word _neshek_ (usury) functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, literally meaning "a bite" or "a sting." This vivid imagery effectively communicates the painful, corrosive, and detrimental effect that charging interest would have on a poor borrower, likening it to a venomous attack that slowly consumes their meager resources and compounds their distress. This metaphorical language serves to evoke empathy and underscore the severity of the prohibited act, making the divine disapproval of exploitation palpable and memorable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 22:25 is a profound expression of God's character as a protector of the poor and a champion of justice, a theme woven throughout the entire biblical narrative. It reveals that true worship of Yahweh involves not only ritual obedience but also ethical conduct, particularly in how the powerful interact with the vulnerable. This law establishes a foundational principle that economic systems within God's covenant community must prioritize human dignity and communal welfare over individual profit when the needy are involved. It challenges the inherent human tendency towards greed and exploitation, calling God's people to reflect His own compassion and generosity, thereby distinguishing them from the surrounding nations whose economic practices often led to severe oppression.

* [Leviticus 25:35-37](/leviticus/25-35-37 "Leviticus 25:35-37 - Care for the Poor and No Usury"): This passage reiterates and expands upon the prohibition of usury, emphasizing the duty to support a struggling Israelite brother so that he may "live with you" and explicitly forbidding "interest or profit."
* [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7-8 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Open Hand to the Poor"): This text commands generosity and open-handedness towards the poor, reinforcing the spirit of compassion that undergirds the usury law, urging the Israelites not to harden their hearts or shut their hands.
* [Nehemiah 5:1-11](/nehemiah/5-1-11 "Nehemiah 5:1-11 - Nehemiah Addresses Exploitation"): Nehemiah confronts and condemns the wealthy nobles and officials who were charging interest to their impoverished Jewish brethren, forcing them into debt slavery, demonstrating the practical violation and subsequent restoration of this very law in a later period of Israel's history.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 22:25 stands as a timeless call to ethical financial conduct and radical compassion. While the specific economic conditions of ancient Israel differ from our complex modern financial systems, the underlying principle remains profoundly relevant: the vulnerable should never be exploited for financial gain. For believers today, this verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and practices. Are we motivated by genuine care for our neighbor, especially the struggling, or by a desire for profit at any cost? It compels us to advocate for and participate in economic systems that uphold justice, alleviate poverty, and prioritize human dignity. This might involve supporting ethical lending institutions, contributing to poverty alleviation programs, or simply extending grace and practical help to those in our immediate sphere who are in financial distress, ensuring that our actions reflect the character of a God who cares deeply for the poor and calls His people to embody His mercy.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the prohibition against usury in Exodus 22:25 challenge common attitudes towards money and profit in contemporary society, particularly regarding predatory lending practices?**
* **In what ways can believers today apply the spirit of this law to their personal financial decisions, their investment choices, and their engagement with broader economic systems?**
* **How does God's concern for the poor, as expressed in this verse, shape our understanding of Christian charity, social justice, and our responsibility to advocate for the economically disadvantaged?**

### FAQ
**What exactly is "usury" in the context of Exodus 22:25, and how does it differ from modern interest?**

Answer: In Exodus 22:25, "usury" (Hebrew: _neshek_) refers specifically to any interest or increase charged on a loan made to a fellow Israelite who is poor or in distress. The intent was to prevent exploitation within the covenant community, ensuring that a loan meant to alleviate suffering did not become an additional burden. This is distinct from modern interest, which is a standard charge for the use of borrowed money in commercial transactions. The biblical prohibition was not against all interest in all contexts (e.g., interest on loans to foreigners was permitted in [Deuteronomy 23:20](/deuteronomy/23-20 "Deuteronomy 23:20 - Lending to Foreigners")), but specifically against profiting from the desperate need of a fellow Israelite. The core principle is that financial aid to the poor should be an act of mercy, not a commercial venture designed to extract gain from their hardship.

**Does this verse mean all interest-bearing loans are forbidden for Christians today?**

Answer: No, not necessarily. While the literal application of "usury" in Exodus 22:25 was specific to loans to the poor within ancient Israel, the underlying ethical principle is vital and transcends the specific economic context. The New Testament does not explicitly forbid all interest, but it consistently emphasizes generosity, compassion for the poor, and avoiding exploitation. For example, Jesus' parable of the talents ([Matthew 25:27](/matthew/25-27 "Matthew 25:27 - Parable of the Talents")) implies that a reasonable return on investment is not inherently wrong in all circumstances. The key for Christians today is to apply the *spirit* of the law: avoiding predatory lending, not profiting from another's desperation, and ensuring that financial practices are just, compassionate, and prioritize helping the vulnerable over personal gain. Christians are called to practice ethical lending, avoid excessive or exploitative interest rates, and reflect the heart of God, who cares deeply for the poor and oppressed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 22:25, with its stern prohibition against exploiting the poor through usury, finds its ultimate fulfillment and elevation in the person and teachings of Jesus Christ. While the Mosaic Law provided external regulations for a covenant community, Christ embodies and perfects the spirit of radical generosity and self-sacrificial love that undergirds this command. Jesus consistently identified with the poor and marginalized, declaring that what is done for "one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Parable of the Sheep and Goats")). His teachings on giving without expecting return ([Luke 6:34-35](/luke/6-34-35 "Luke 6:34-35 - Lending Without Expectation")) and His parable of the Good Samaritan ([Luke 10:25-37](/luke/10-25-37 "Luke 10:25-37 - Parable of the Good Samaritan")) exemplify a boundless compassion that far exceeds mere legal compliance. The Old Testament law prevented exploitation; Christ calls His followers to active, costly love that seeks the welfare of the neighbor above personal gain, even to the point of laying down one's life. Through His atoning work, Christ has made us rich in grace, though He was poor ([2_corinthians/8-9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Generosity")), setting the ultimate example of self-giving. In Christ, the focus shifts from merely avoiding harm to actively seeking the flourishing of others, especially the vulnerable, thereby fulfilling the law's deepest intent through the Spirit of God poured into our hearts, enabling us to live out a love that truly "does no harm to a neighbor" ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")).

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

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.

Deuteronomy 23:19

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

Deuteronomy 23:20

Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

Ezekiel 18:8

He [that] hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, [that] hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,

Proverbs 28:8

¶ He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.