Lexical Summary tokos: Interest, usury Original Word: τόκος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance usury. From the base of tikto; interest on money loaned (as a produce) -- usury. see GREEK tikto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tiktó Definition a bringing forth, birth, fig. interest, usury NASB Translation interest (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5110: τόκοςτόκος, τόκου, ὁ (from τίκτω, perfect τέτοκα); 1. birth; a. the act of bringing forth. b. that which has been brought forth, offspring; (in both senses from Homer down). 2. interest of money, usury (because it multiplies money, and as it were 'breeds' (cf. e. g. Merchant of Venice 1:3)): Matthew 25:27; Luke 19:23 (so in Greek writings from Pindar and Aristophanes down; the Sept. for נֶשֶׁך). The term denotes the yield that naturally accrues when something is put to productive use. It carries the idea of generated increase—whether in finance or more broadly in anything entrusted to someone for cultivation and growth. Occurrences in the New Testament The New Testament employs the word only twice, both times in the mouth of Jesus and both within stewardship parables: Each instance underscores accountability for resources entrusted by the Master and expectation of profitable increase. Historical and Cultural Context In the Greco-Roman world charging interest was commonplace and governed by civil law, whereas Second-Temple Judaism inherited regulations that guarded against exploitation among fellow Israelites (Exodus 22:25; Deuteronomy 23:19-20). Jesus’ parables presuppose this mixed setting: His hearers knew both the legal permissibility of interest in wider society and the moral debates it provoked. By invoking bankers, Jesus alludes to an accepted commercial practice, not to recommend mercenary motives but to establish an undeniable baseline of return. Intertextual Resonance with the Old Testament Old Covenant legislation forbade taking interest from the poor, protecting them from predatory lending, yet allowed it toward foreigners (Deuteronomy 23:20). Prophets condemned unjust gain (Ezekiel 18:8, 13). These strands combine to show that increase itself is not condemned; rather, unrighteous exploitation is. Jesus’ use of the concept assumes this ethical backdrop while shifting focus from economics to spiritual stewardship. Theological and Practical Implications 1. Divine Ownership and Human Stewardship: The talent and mina parables clarify that believers manage, not own, the assets—spiritual gifts, opportunities, finances—that God supplies (Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 4:2). Applications for Discipleship and Ministry • Personal Finance: Believers are urged to treat money as a tool for gospel advance, wise saving, and charitable generosity rather than idle hoarding. Reception in Church History Early Christian writers such as Chrysostom highlighted the parables’ warning against sloth, while Reformers like Calvin emphasized that spiritual indolence contradicts genuine faith. Historic missionary movements consistently cited these verses to call believers from complacency to active engagement in the Great Commission. Summary Though the New Testament mentions the word only twice, its strategic placement in Jesus’ teaching magnifies a central kingdom principle: everything God entrusts is meant to grow. Whether finances, talents, or time, the Lord expects a return that honors Him and blesses others. The concept challenges every generation of believers to purposeful stewardship, vigilant readiness, and confident anticipation of hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Englishman's Concordance Matthew 25:27 N-DMSGRK: ἐμὸν σὺν τόκῳ NAS: I would have received my [money] back with interest. KJV: mine own with usury. INT: my own with interest Luke 19:23 N-DMS |
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