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.
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).
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.
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.
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