### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **neshek**, represented by `{{H5392}}`, primarily means **interest on a debt** or **usury**. It appears 12 times across 10 unique verses. Derived from the root word `{{H5391}}` which means "to bite," `{{H5392}}` carries a strong negative connotation, often implying exploitative or oppressive interest charged to the vulnerable.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law and prophecy, `{{H5392}}` is almost universally condemned. The Mosaic Law explicitly forbids charging **usury** on loans to a fellow Israelite, especially the poor ([[Exodus 22:25]], [[Leviticus 25:36]]). Deuteronomy extends this prohibition to include **usury** of money, food, or anything that can be lent on interest to a "brother" [[Deuteronomy 23:19]]. The prophets, particularly Ezekiel, identify the taking of **usury** as a grave sin, linking it to greed, extortion, and forgetting God [[Ezekiel 22:12]]. Abstaining from **usury** is a mark of a righteous person ([[Psalms 15:5]], [[Ezekiel 18:8]]), while engaging in it is an abomination worthy of death (E [[Ezekiel 18:13]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of lending and interest:
* `{{H5391}}` **nâshak** (to bite, lend upon usury): This is the primitive root of `{{H5392}}`. Its dual meaning directly links the act of charging interest to the predatory act of a serpent's bite, a connection made clear when it is used for both lending on usury [[Deuteronomy 23:19]] and a literal snakebite [[Numbers 21:6]].
* `{{H5383}}` **nâshâh** (creditor, exact, usurer): This term refers to the person who lends on interest. In [[Exodus 22:25]], the lender is warned not to act as a **usurer** `{{H5383}}` toward the poor.
* `{{H8636}}` **tarbîyth** (increase, unjust gain): Frequently paired with `{{H5392}}`, this word refers to the "increase" or profit gained from a loan. A righteous man does not take **usury** `{{H5392}}` or **increase** `{{H8636}}` [[Ezekiel 18:8]].
* `{{H4768}}` **marbîyth** (multitude, increase, interest): Similar to `{{H8636}}`, this word is used in [[Leviticus 25:37]] to describe the "increase" from victuals that is forbidden in a loan. It can also mean a multitude or greatness in other contexts [[2 Chronicles 9:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5392}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of justice and community.
* **Covenantal Ethics:** The prohibition is consistently applied to dealings with a "brother" [[Deuteronomy 23:19]] or "my people" [[Exodus 22:25]], framing economic practice as a matter of covenant loyalty and mutual support, especially toward the poor.
* **Righteous Character:** The refusal to charge **usury** is a defining characteristic of righteousness. The psalmist asks who may dwell in God's holy hill, and the answer includes one who does not put his money to **usury** [[Psalms 15:5]]. Ezekiel likewise presents abstaining from it as a condition for life [[Ezekiel 18:17]].
* **Economic Exploitation:** The root concept of "biting" casts usury not as a neutral financial transaction, but as a destructive and predatory act. Proverbs reinforces this by stating that wealth gained by **usury** and unjust gain will ultimately be gathered for one who pities the poor [[Proverbs 28:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5392}}` is far more than a simple term for financial interest. It is a deeply moral and theological word that signifies oppressive exploitation. Its consistent prohibition in the Law, condemnation by the Prophets, and association with unrighteousness demonstrates a biblical ethic that prioritizes the protection of the vulnerable over personal gain. The term illustrates how financial dealings are viewed as a critical measure of one's faithfulness to God and their covenant community.
TRV