Leviticus 25: Not Lend Money Usury
on Sunday, November 28, 2021Leviticus 25 Money Quote saying don’t be usurious or attempt to profit from the misfortune of others in poverty or hunger. Leviticus 25 said:
“If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. Take no usury or interest from him; but fear your God, that your brother may live with you. You shall not lend him your money for usury, nor lend him your food at a profit” — Leviticus 25
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This verse from the book of Leviticus in the Bible provides guidance on how Israelites were instructed to treat their fellow Israelites who fell into poverty. On a surface level, it says that if a Hebrew person became poor, they should be helped and supported by others in the community so that they may continue living among their brethren.
More deeply, it prohibited charging interest or profiting from lending them money or food, telling them instead to “fear your God” and help their brother freely in his time of need.
The overarching interpretation is that the verse promoted a social ethic of mutual aid and protection of the vulnerable within their own ranks, ensuring basic support for any member who struggled financially so they would not be further exploited or marginalized due to their poverty.