The Hebrew word nâshâh, represented by H5383, defines the act of lending or borrowing on security or interest. It appears 13 times across 12 unique verses, carrying a range of meanings from a neutral transaction to the aggressive actions of a creditor, extortioner, or usurer. The term often implies a power dynamic between a lender and a borrower, with significant social and ethical implications.
In biblical narratives, H5383 is used to describe critical financial and social situations. It highlights the desperation of a widow who cried out to Elisha because the creditor H5383 had come to take her sons as bondmen 2 Kings 4:1. The word also appears in legal contexts, with Deuteronomy instructing that when you lend H5383 to a brother, you must not enter his house to take his pledge Deuteronomy 24:10. In a corrective setting, Nehemiah rebuked the nobles for participating in usury, which involved exacting H5383 money and corn from their brethren (Nehemiah 5:10, Nehemiah 5:11). The term is also used metaphorically, as when the LORD asks, "which of my creditors H5383 is it to whom I have sold you?" to illustrate that Israel was sold for their own iniquities Isaiah 50:1.
Several related words provide a fuller picture of debt and lending in the Old Testament:
- H5378 nâshâʼ (to lend on interest; by implication, to dun for debt): This root is nearly identical to H5383 and is used to describe the "giver of usury" in contrast to the "taker of usury" Isaiah 24:2, and the act of those who exact usury from their brother Nehemiah 5:7.
- H3867 lâvâh (to borrow... or (caus.) to lend): This term covers both sides of a loan. It is used in the command that one who lends to the poor should not act as a usurer Exodus 22:25 and in the promise that Israel will lend to many nations but not borrow Deuteronomy 28:12.
- H4855 mashshâʼ (a loan; by implication, interest on a debt): This noun refers to the usury itself, which Nehemiah commanded the people to leave off Nehemiah 5:10.
- H5065 nâgas (to drive... harass, tyrannize): This word for "exact" or "oppress" is used to forbid a creditor from exacting H5065 a debt from a neighbor during the LORD's release, showing the legal limits placed on lenders Deuteronomy 15:2.
- H1167 baʻal (a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner): This word is used in a construction with other terms to form the phrase "every creditor" in the law of release, highlighting the lender's position as an owner of the debt Deuteronomy 15:2.
The use of H5383 reveals significant ethical and theological principles in scripture.
- Economic Justice: Biblical law explicitly addresses the potential for exploitation in lending. The command not to be an usurer H5383 to the poor is a foundational principle of social justice within the covenant community Exodus 22:25.
- Protection of the Vulnerable: The story of the widow and the creditor H5383 serves as a stark warning about the severe human cost of debt, prompting divine intervention through the prophet Elisha 2 Kings 4:1.
- Intra-Community Ethics: The act of exacting H5383 interest was particularly condemned when done to a fellow Israelite, as shown by Nehemiah's outrage. This underscores a responsibility to deal mercifully with one's "brother" (Nehemiah 5:7, Nehemiah 5:10).
- Consequences of Sin: In a powerful curse, the psalmist prays that an extortioner H5383 would seize all that a wicked person has, linking financial ruin with judgment Psalms 109:11.
In summary, H5383 is a pivotal term that moves beyond a simple financial transaction. It is a cornerstone for understanding biblical ethics regarding money, poverty, and community responsibility. From the practical laws governing loans to its use as a metaphor for the consequences of sin, nâshâh illustrates how economic practices are deeply intertwined with righteousness and justice in the eyes of God.
TRV