Leviticus 25:36

Authorized King James Version

Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תִּקַּ֤ח
Take
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
#3
מֵֽאִתּוֹ֙
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
נֶ֣שֶׁךְ
thou no usury
interest on a debt
#5
וְתַרְבִּ֔ית
of him or increase
multiplication, i.e., percentage or bonus in addition to principal
#6
וְיָרֵ֖אתָ
but fear
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#7
מֵֽאֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#8
וְחֵ֥י
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
#9
אָחִ֖יךָ
that thy brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#10
עִמָּֽךְ׃
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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