Leviticus 25:36

KJV

Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Take {H3947} thou no usury {H5392} of him, or increase {H8636}: but fear {H3372} thy God {H430}; that thy brother {H251} may live {H2416} with thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Do not charge him interest or otherwise profit from him, but fear your God, so that your brother can continue living with you.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you.

American Standard Version

Take thou no interest of him or increase, but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 25:36 is a foundational command within Israel's economic and social legislation, specifically prohibiting the charging of interest or any form of increase on loans to fellow Israelites. This injunction underscores a profound principle of covenantal solidarity, compassion, and economic justice, rooted in the nation's relationship with God. It mandates that financial interactions within the community be governed by brotherly love and a reverent obedience to God, ensuring that no member of the covenant community is exploited or driven to destitution but rather enabled to thrive alongside their brethren.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the broader legal framework of Leviticus 25, which meticulously details the laws concerning the Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee. The Sabbatical Year, observed every seventh year, mandated that the land lie fallow and debts be released, as described in [Deuteronomy 15:1-2](/deuteronomy/15-1 "Deuteronomy 15:1-2 - Release of Debts"). The Jubilee, occurring every fiftieth year, was an even more radical provision, requiring the return of all ancestral land to its original families and the freeing of all Israelite indentured servants (cf. [Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - Proclamation of Liberty")). These laws collectively aimed to prevent the permanent accumulation of wealth by a few and the perpetual impoverishment of others, ensuring that the covenant community remained economically viable and equitable. The prohibition against usury in [Leviticus 25:36](/leviticus/25-36 "Leviticus 25:36 - Prohibition of Usury") serves as a critical component of this overarching strategy, directly addressing the exploitation of the poor through financial means.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern societies often permitted, and sometimes even encouraged, the charging of interest on loans. However, Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh set it apart. Unlike other nations where economic stratification was often rigid, Israel was called to be a distinct society reflecting God's character of justice and mercy. The laws against usury were not merely economic regulations but theological statements, reflecting God's ownership of the land and His people (cf. [Leviticus 25:23](/leviticus/25-23 "Leviticus 25:23 - God's Ownership of the Land")). In a predominantly agrarian society, a loan was often a matter of survival, not investment. A "brother" (fellow Israelite) seeking a loan was typically in dire straits due to crop failure, illness, or other misfortunes. Charging interest in such a scenario would exacerbate their distress, potentially leading to permanent debt, loss of land, or even indentured servitude. The command to "fear thy God" and allow one's "brother to live with thee" directly counters the prevailing economic norms of the time, emphasizing a community built on mutual support and divine reverence rather than predatory gain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Usury (נֶשֶׁךְ, _neshekh'_):** This Hebrew term literally translates to "a bite" or "a sting." Metaphorically, it refers to the painful and exploitative nature of charging interest, particularly to someone in financial distress. It implies a burdensome and harmful gain, likened to the venomous bite of a snake, which slowly drains the life out of the victim. This vividly portrays the oppressive impact of interest on the vulnerable.
* **Increase (תַּרְבִּית, _tarbit'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to multiply" or "to grow," this word refers to any general gain or profit made from a loan, whether of money, food, or other goods. While _neshekh_ often refers to monetary interest, _tarbit_ broadens the prohibition to encompass any form of increment or additional charge taken from a loan to a fellow Israelite in need. This ensures that the spirit of the law, not just its letter, is upheld, preventing exploitation through various means.
* **Fear thy God (יָרֵא אֱלֹהֶיךָ, _yare Eloheykha'_):** This recurring divine imperative in the Old Testament signifies more than mere fright; it denotes a profound reverence, awe, and obedient submission to the Lord. In this context, it highlights that ethical economic conduct is not merely a social convention but a direct response to God's character and commands. It implies acknowledging God's sovereignty, His ownership over all things and all people, and trusting in His provision, rather than resorting to exploitative practices for personal gain.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Take thou no usury of him, or increase":** This is a direct, unequivocal prohibition against charging any form of interest or additional gain on a loan given to a fellow Israelite. The use of both "usury" (_neshekh_) and "increase" (_tarbit_) emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the ban, covering all types of exploitative profit from lending within the community. It sets a clear boundary for financial transactions among God's people.
* **"but fear thy God":** This clause provides the primary motivation for obeying the prohibition. The command is not merely a legalistic rule but an ethical imperative rooted in reverence for God. It implies that one's economic practices are a direct reflection of one's relationship with and respect for the divine. True fear of God leads to righteous and compassionate behavior towards others.
* **"that thy brother may live with thee":** This final clause articulates the ultimate goal and beneficial outcome of the command. The purpose of prohibiting usury is to ensure the survival, dignity, and continued well-being of the fellow Israelite ("brother"). It promotes communal solidarity, ensuring that no member of the covenant community is driven to destitution or forced out of their place due to financial hardship, but rather can "live with" and thrive alongside their brethren.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Imperative**, seen in "Take thou no usury," which functions as a direct command, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of the law. This is immediately followed by a **Motivation Clause**, "but fear thy God," which provides the theological impetus for obedience, grounding the economic law in divine reverence. The subsequent **Purpose Clause**, "that thy brother may live with thee," articulates the desired social outcome, highlighting the communal benefit and compassionate intent behind the prohibition. The use of the terms "usury" (_neshekh_, "a bite") and "increase" (_tarbit_) also employs subtle **Metaphor** and **Synecdoche**, respectively, to vividly portray the harmful nature of exploitative lending and to encompass all forms of illicit gain. Together, these devices create a concise yet powerful statement on economic justice and communal responsibility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 25:36 powerfully articulates God's profound concern for justice, compassion, and the holistic well-being of His covenant people. It reveals a God who is not distant from the economic realities of His people but actively legislates to protect the vulnerable and foster a society characterized by mutual support rather than exploitation. The command to "fear thy God" elevates economic ethics to a spiritual discipline, demonstrating that how one handles finances directly reflects one's reverence for the Creator. This principle underscores the sanctity of human dignity and the communal responsibility to ensure that all members of society have the opportunity to thrive, reflecting God's own character of mercy and provision.

* [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Prohibition of Interest")
* [Deuteronomy 23:19-20](/deuteronomy/23-19 "Deuteronomy 23:19-20 - Rules for Lending")
* [Nehemiah 5:7-11](/nehemiah/5-7 "Nehemiah 5:7-11 - Nehemiah's Rebuke of Usury")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While modern economies operate with complex financial systems where interest is a standard component of lending, the timeless principles embedded in Leviticus 25:36 remain profoundly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to critically examine our financial practices and attitudes, asking whether they align with God's heart for justice and compassion, particularly towards those in vulnerable situations. It calls us to prioritize the well-being of our "brother" – anyone in need, regardless of familial or national ties – over personal financial gain, especially when such gain would exploit another's distress. Our financial decisions, whether in personal lending, investments, or advocating for just economic policies, are not purely secular but are opportunities to demonstrate our "fear of God" and our love for neighbor. This means actively resisting predatory practices, seeking to alleviate poverty, and fostering economic systems that promote dignity and opportunity for all, rather than perpetuating cycles of debt and despair.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do modern financial practices, particularly lending and debt, intersect with the spirit of Leviticus 25:36?**
* **In what ways can I, as an individual, embody the "fear of God" in my economic decisions and interactions with others?**
* **What practical steps can my community or church take to promote economic justice and compassion for the vulnerable, reflecting the principle that "thy brother may live with thee"?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Leviticus 25:36, along with other Old Testament prohibitions against usury (e.g., [Exodus 22:25](/exodus/22-25 "Exodus 22:25 - Lending to the Poor")), primarily addresses the charging of interest on loans to fellow Israelites who were in poverty or distress. The context is one of survival, not commercial investment. The intent was to prevent exploitation within the covenant community, ensuring that the poor were not further burdened by those who should have been their compassionate brethren. In modern economies, interest is a fundamental component of lending, reflecting inflation, risk, and the time value of money. The New Testament does not explicitly forbid all interest, but it consistently upholds principles of generosity, compassion, and justice (e.g., [Luke 6:34-35](/luke/6-34 "Luke 6:34-35 - Lending Without Expecting Return")). Therefore, while not a blanket prohibition on all interest in all contexts, the verse’s underlying principles strongly condemn predatory lending, exploitation of the vulnerable, and any financial practice that profits from another's desperation. Christians are called to ethical and compassionate financial stewardship that reflects the love of God and neighbor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 25:36, with its profound call for economic justice and compassion, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament law prohibited usury to preserve the physical and economic life of the Israelite "brother," Christ's ministry reveals the full scope of God's desire for human flourishing—spiritual, social, and economic. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied the "fear of God" and the love for "brother" that this verse commands, consistently prioritizing the needs of the poor, the marginalized, and the exploited. He condemned the love of money and the oppression of the poor (cf. [Luke 16:13](/luke/16-13 "Luke 16:13 - Cannot Serve God and Money")), and His parables often highlighted the importance of generous and just stewardship (e.g., the Parable of the Talents in [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14 "Matthew 25:14-30 - Parable of the Talents")). Moreover, Christ is the ultimate "brother" who, though rich, became poor for our sake, that we through His poverty might become rich (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Sacrifice")). He paid the ultimate debt of sin, freeing us from spiritual destitution and enabling us to "live with" God eternally. His sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of non-usurious giving, offering salvation freely without expecting a return that we could ever provide, embodying the very essence of God's compassionate provision for His people. Through His Spirit, believers are empowered to live out the principles of justice and generosity, reflecting His character in their economic and social interactions, ensuring that their "brother may live with thee" in both material and spiritual abundance.

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.

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,

Leviticus 25:17

Ye shall not therefore oppress one another; but thou shalt fear thy God: for I [am] the LORD your God.

Ezekiel 18:17

[That] hath taken off his hand from the poor, [that] hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

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.