Leviticus 25:37

Leviticus 25:37 (KJV) states, "Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase." This verse is a crucial part of God's economic and social laws given to ancient Israel, emphasizing compassion and justice within the community.

Context of Leviticus 25:37

This command appears within a larger section of Leviticus (Chapter 25) that outlines laws concerning the Sabbatical Year and the Year of Jubilee. These laws were designed to prevent perpetual poverty, redistribute wealth, and remind the Israelites that the land and its resources ultimately belonged to God (see Leviticus 25:23). Specifically, verses 35-38 address the treatment of fellow Israelites who fall into poverty. The prohibition against usury was intended to protect the most vulnerable members of society from exploitation, ensuring that a person's financial hardship was not compounded by interest.

Key Themes and Messages

• Compassion and Social Justice: The primary message is to show mercy and prevent the poor from sinking deeper into debt. Charging interest on loans to a needy Israelite was seen as taking advantage of their misfortune, rather than genuinely helping them.
• Brotherly Love: This law reflects the principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, ensuring that economic practices fostered community and mutual support rather than division and hardship.
• God's Ownership: By prohibiting interest on loans to the poor, God reinforced the idea that all wealth and resources are ultimately His, and His people are stewards who should use them to reflect His character of generosity and justice.
• Economic Ethics: The verse establishes a foundational principle for ethical financial dealings within the covenant community, contrasting sharply with the common practice of interest-bearing loans in surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "usury" is neshekh (נשך), which literally means "a bite" or "to bite." This vivid imagery suggests that charging interest to a fellow Israelite in need was like a snake's bite, slowly draining away their life or resources. The term "increase" (Hebrew tarbith or marbith) refers to any gain or profit derived from lending, whether money or food (victuals). Both terms emphasize the prohibition against making a profit from the misfortune of a neighbor within the Israelite community.

Related Scriptures

The prohibition against usury is reiterated in other parts of the Pentateuch, underscoring its importance in the Mosaic Law. For example, Exodus 22:25 states, "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 further clarifies this by forbidding interest to a "brother," while allowing it to a "stranger," indicating a distinction in how financial dealings were to be conducted within and outside the covenant community. Later prophets like Ezekiel also condemned the practice of usury (Ezekiel 18:8), reinforcing the timeless nature of this ethical principle.

Practical Application

While modern financial systems operate differently and interest is a fundamental part of commerce, the underlying principles of Leviticus 25:37 remain highly relevant for believers today. This verse challenges us to consider:

• Ethical Lending: Are our financial practices just and fair, especially towards those who are struggling? It encourages a heart of generosity over profit when dealing with the vulnerable.
• Generosity and Help for the Needy: How can we, as individuals and as a community, extend practical help to those in financial distress without exploiting their vulnerability? This might involve offering interest-free loans, charitable giving, or advocating for equitable economic policies.
• Stewardship: Recognizing that all our resources come from God, we are called to manage them in a way that honors Him and reflects His compassion for the poor and marginalized. This aligns with the New Testament call to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Ultimately, Leviticus 25:37 serves as a timeless reminder of God's heart for justice and His command for His people to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable, reflecting His character in their economic and social interactions.