Exodus 22:25
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 22:25
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 22 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, discipleship, sacrifice. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 22:25
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.
Analysis
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).
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Nehemiah 5:7, Psalms 15:5, Proverbs 28:8, Ezekiel 18:8, 18:17