Exodus 22:25
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.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 16
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
תַּלְוֶ֣ה
If thou lend
H3867
תַּלְוֶ֣ה
If thou lend
Strong's:
H3867
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמִּ֗י
to any of my people
H5971
עַמִּ֗י
to any of my people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
5 of 16
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עִמָּ֔ךְ
H5973
עִמָּ֔ךְ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
8 of 16
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
תִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּנֹשֶׁ֑ה
by thee thou shalt not be to him as an usurer
H5383
כְּנֹשֶׁ֑ה
by thee thou shalt not be to him as an usurer
Strong's:
H5383
Word #:
12 of 16
to lend or (by reciprocity) borrow on security or interest
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
13 of 16
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְשִׂימ֥וּן
neither shalt thou lay
H7760
תְשִׂימ֥וּן
neither shalt thou lay
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
14 of 16
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
Cross References
Psalms 15:5He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.Ezekiel 18:8He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,Proverbs 28:8He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.Nehemiah 5:7Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.Ezekiel 18:17That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern interest rates were often exorbitant (20-50%). Israel's ban on charging interest to poor fellow-Israelites protected the vulnerable from debt-slavery. Interest could be charged to foreigners (Deuteronomy 23:20) in commercial contexts.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is charging interest to poor fellow-believers prohibited—what principle is at stake?
- How can Christians apply the 'no usury to the poor' principle in modern financial interactions?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
'My people' (עַמִּי, ammi) emphasizes covenant relationship—they're God's, not just yours. 'Usury' (נֶשֶׁךְ, neshekh) means interest, literally 'bite'—money that bites back, multiplying debt. Charging interest to poor fellow-Israelites is prohibited—loans should be charitable, not profitable. Proverbs 28:8 condemns wealth gained through usury. Nehemiah 5:7-11 shows Nehemiah rebuking usury during post-exilic rebuilding. The principle: don't exploit brothers' need for profit. Note the limit: 'poor by thee'—commercial loans aren't banned, but charity loans to the impoverished shouldn't charge interest. Love gives without expecting return (Luke 6:35).