### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1155 (δανείζω, *daneízō*) is derived from the noun G1156 (δάνειον, *daneion*), meaning "a loan" or "a debt." Its core semantic range encompasses both the active sense of "to lend" and the middle/passive or reflexive sense of "to borrow." The base definition provided notes the potential for "interest" (to loan on interest), which reflects the common practice of lending in the ancient world, though the New Testament's specific usage often emphasizes the act of lending itself, particularly in contexts of charity and generosity, where the expectation of interest or even repayment is subverted. Thus, δανείζω describes a financial transaction involving the temporary transfer of resources, with an implicit or explicit understanding of future return, or, as uniquely taught by Christ, without such expectation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G1155 appears four times in the New Testament, exclusively within the Synoptic Gospels, in the teachings of Jesus concerning radical generosity:
* **[[Matthew 5:42]]**: "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." Here, δανείζω is used in the reflexive sense ("to borrow"). This command is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, immediately following the injunctions to "turn the other cheek" and "go the extra mile." It extends the principle of non-retaliation and active benevolence into the realm of material possessions, urging disciples to be open-handed and not to refuse a request for a loan, even from someone who might not repay. The emphasis is on unconditional giving and the radical nature of Kingdom ethics.
* **[[Luke 6:34]] (twice)**: "And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full." In both instances, δανείζω is used in the active sense ("to lend"). Jesus contrasts the conventional practice of lending with an expectation of return (a common, even among "sinners") with the higher standard he sets for his followers. The implication is that merely engaging in reciprocal financial transactions, while perhaps prudent, offers no unique spiritual merit.
* **[[Luke 6:35]]**: "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." This verse provides the climactic instruction regarding δανείζω. Here, the command is to "lend... without expecting to get anything back" (μηδὲν ἀπελπίζοντες). This is a profound departure from typical economic practice and even from the Mosaic Law's allowances for lending with interest to foreigners ([[Deuteronomy 23:20]]). Jesus calls his disciples to a level of generosity that mirrors God's own indiscriminate kindness to both the grateful and the ungrateful, the righteous and the wicked. The act of lending without expectation of return becomes a tangible expression of unconditional love (ἀγάπη, *agapē*) for enemies and a pathway to becoming "children of the Most High."
Across these occurrences, the verb δανείζω is consistently used within the context of Jesus' ethical teachings, challenging conventional wisdom about wealth, reciprocity, and the nature of love, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount/Plain.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of lending and borrowing is deeply rooted in biblical thought, with significant Old Testament precedents and New Testament elaborations.
* **Hebrew Parallels**: The Old Testament law contains extensive provisions regarding lending and borrowing, often prohibiting usury (interest) among Israelites ([[Exodus 22:25]], [[Leviticus 25:36-37]], [[Deuteronomy 23:19]]). Key Hebrew terms include `{{H5383}}` (נָשָׁא, *nāshāʾ*), meaning "to lend on interest" or "to exact," and `{{H3445}}` (יָשַׁב, *yāshab*), "to lend" or "to borrow." The wisdom literature often speaks of the borrower as "servant to the lender" ([[Proverbs 22:7]]) and commends the righteous who "lend generously" ([[Psalm 37:26]], [[Psalm 112:5]]). This background highlights the ethical dimension already present in the Old Covenant, which Jesus elevates.
* **Greek Cognates**: The noun G1156 (δάνειον, *daneion*), meaning "a loan," is directly related. Other terms related to financial transactions or giving include G5532 (χρέος, *chreos*), "a debt"; G5483 (χαρίζομαι, *charizomai*), "to give graciously" or "to forgive," which captures the spirit of lending without expectation; and G1390 (δίδωμι, *didōmi*), "to give," a broader term encompassing all forms of giving.
* **Theological Concepts**: The use of δανείζω in the New Testament is intrinsically linked to several core theological concepts:
* **Divine Generosity**: God's character is portrayed as one who gives freely and abundantly, even to the undeserving ([[Luke 6:35]]).
* **Radical Discipleship**: Jesus' teaching calls for a counter-cultural ethic that transcends human reciprocity and self-interest.
* **Love for Neighbor and Enemy**: Lending without expectation of return is an active demonstration of love that extends beyond one's immediate circle, encompassing even those who might be considered adversaries.
* **Stewardship**: The act of lending speaks to the proper use and distribution of material resources within the community of faith and beyond.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1155 (δανείζω) in the New Testament is profound, serving as a powerful illustration of Kingdom ethics and the nature of divine love.
Firstly, Jesus' instruction to "lend, expecting nothing in return" ([[Luke 6:35]]) is a direct call to imitate God's own character. God's benevolence is not conditioned on human merit or reciprocity; He "is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." By extending loans without expectation of repayment, believers are invited to participate in God's indiscriminate grace and generosity. This transforms a mundane financial transaction into an act of profound theological witness, demonstrating the expansive and unconditional nature of divine love in human relationships.
Secondly, this teaching challenges the prevailing economic and social norms of reciprocity. In most human interactions, giving and lending are predicated on an expectation of return, whether in kind, favor, or reputation. Jesus subverts this quid pro quo mentality, demanding a radical self-emptying that prioritizes the needs of the other, even at personal cost. This is a hallmark of Kingdom living, where the values of the world are inverted, and true wealth is found in sacrificial giving rather than accumulation.
Finally, the command to lend without expectation of return, especially when linked to loving enemies ([[Luke 6:35]]), underscores the boundless nature of Christian love. It moves beyond mere non-retaliation to active, benevolent engagement with those who might be hostile or undeserving. Such an act requires deep faith and trust in God's provision, demonstrating a reliance on divine reward rather than human recompense. It is a tangible expression of the selfless ἀγάπη (agapē) that defines God's relationship with humanity and should characterize the relationships among His children.
### Summary
The Greek verb G1155 (δανείζω, *daneízō*) fundamentally means "to lend" or "to borrow." In the New Testament, its four occurrences are exclusively found in the Synoptic Gospels, where Jesus employs it to teach a radical ethic of generosity. Rather than merely describing a financial transaction, δανείζω becomes a vehicle for profound theological instruction. Jesus commands his followers to lend without expectation of repayment ([[Luke 6:35]]), a revolutionary concept that challenges conventional economic prudence and even aspects of Old Testament law. This command serves as a direct call to imitate God's own indiscriminate kindness and boundless generosity towards all, including the ungrateful and wicked. It embodies the counter-cultural values of the Kingdom of God, demanding a self-sacrificial love that extends even to enemies, and fostering a deep trust in divine provision over human reciprocity. Thus, δανείζω encapsulates a core aspect of Christian discipleship: a life lived in open-handed benevolence, mirroring the character of the Most High.
TRV