Strong's Lexicon tokos: Interest, usury Original Word: τόκος Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb τίκτω (tiktō), meaning "to bring forth" or "to bear." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of interest or usury is נֶשֶׁךְ (neshek), Strong's Hebrew #5392. Usage: In the New Testament, "tokos" refers to the concept of interest or usury, which is the charge for borrowing money. It is used in the context of financial transactions where a lender charges a borrower for the use of money. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Jewish culture, charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites was generally prohibited, as outlined in the Mosaic Law (Exodus 22:25, Leviticus 25:35-37, Deuteronomy 23:19-20). This prohibition was intended to promote community welfare and prevent exploitation. However, charging interest to foreigners was permitted. In the Greco-Roman world, lending with interest was a common practice, and rates could be quite high, often leading to debt slavery. 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). From the base of tikto; interest on money loaned (as a produce) -- usury. see GREEK tikto 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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