Leviticus 25:36

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

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.

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

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

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

Commentary

Leviticus 25:36 (KJV) is a critical verse within the broader context of Israel's economic and social laws, specifically addressing the prohibition of charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites. It underscores a fundamental principle of compassion and community solidarity rooted in their covenant relationship with God.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Leviticus 25 that outlines the laws concerning the Sabbatical Year (every seventh year) and the Year of Jubilee (every fiftieth year). These laws were designed to prevent the permanent accumulation of wealth and the perpetuation of poverty, ensuring that land would revert to its original families and indentured servants would be freed. Within this framework, the prohibition against charging interest (usury) to a "brother" was crucial for maintaining economic equity and preventing the exploitation of the poor. It reflects God's concern for the vulnerable and His desire for a just society where no Israelite would be permanently impoverished. This economic justice is central to the principles of the Jubilee.

Key Themes

  • Economic Justice and Compassion: The primary message is to protect the financially distressed. Charging interest on loans to a needy brother was seen as profiting from their misfortune, directly contrary to the spirit of the Law.
  • Brotherly Love and Community Solidarity: The phrase "that thy brother may live with thee" highlights the communal responsibility. Israelites were to view each other as family, supporting one another's survival and well-being rather than exploiting financial hardship. This echoes the broader commandment to love your neighbour as yourself.
  • Fear of God: The motivation for obeying this command is not merely social policy but a deep reverence for God. "Fear thy God" (yare Eloheykha) signifies a profound respect, awe, and obedience to the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty and His ownership over all things and all people. It implies that obedience to these economic laws is an act of worship and trust in God's provision.
  • Preservation of Life and Livelihood: The ultimate goal is to ensure that the needy brother can "live with thee," meaning they can maintain their livelihood, dignity, and place within the community, avoiding destitution.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Usury" (ื ึถืฉึถืืšึฐ - neshekh): This Hebrew word literally means "a bite" or "a sting," metaphorically referring to the painful, exploitative nature of charging interest, particularly to the poor. It implies a burdensome and harmful gain.
  • "Increase" (ืชึทึผืจึฐื‘ึดึผื™ืช - tarbit): This term refers to any general gain or profit made from a loan, whether of money, food, or other goods. It broadens the prohibition beyond just monetary interest to any form of profitable increment taken from a loan to a fellow Israelite in need.
  • "Fear thy God" (ื™ึธืจึตื ืึฑืœึนื”ึถื™ืšึธ - yare Eloheykha): This recurring divine imperative in the Old Testament emphasizes that ethical conduct is not merely social convention but a direct response to God's character and commands. It's a call to live in a way that honors Him.

Practical Application

While modern economies operate differently and interest is a fundamental component of lending, the underlying principles of Leviticus 25:36 remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges believers to consider:

  • Ethical Lending Practices: Are financial systems and individual lending practices compassionate, especially towards the vulnerable? It condemns predatory lending that exploits desperation.
  • Compassion Over Profit: When faced with opportunities to profit from another's distress, the believer is called to prioritize compassion and the well-being of their "brother" (anyone in need) over personal gain.
  • Living Out Faith Economically: Our financial decisions are not purely secular; they are opportunities to demonstrate our "fear of God" and love for neighbor. This can involve charitable giving, ethical investments, or simply being generous.
  • Community Responsibility: The verse reminds us of our collective responsibility to ensure that all members of society have the opportunity to live and thrive, reflecting God's heart for justice and mercy. The New Testament similarly encourages lending without expecting return, as seen in Luke 6:35.

Leviticus 25:36 serves as a timeless reminder that true piety extends beyond ritual to encompass just and compassionate economic behavior, motivated by a deep reverence for God and a genuine concern for human dignity.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 22:25 (6 votes)

    ยถ 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 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 18:17 (3 votes)

    [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 (3 votes)

    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.