In biblical times, the concept of lending and borrowing was a significant aspect of economic and social life. The Bible provides various instructions and principles regarding the practice of lending, emphasizing fairness, compassion, and justice.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament contains numerous references to lending, often highlighting the moral and ethical responsibilities of lenders. In Exodus 22:25 , the law instructs, "If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not be like a moneylender to him; you must not charge him interest." This command underscores the importance of compassion and support for the poor, prohibiting the exploitation of those in financial distress.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 further elaborates on the attitude towards lending: "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." This passage emphasizes generosity and the willingness to assist those in need, reflecting God's desire for His people to care for one another.

The concept of the Sabbatical Year, as described in Deuteronomy 15:1-2 , also plays a role in lending practices: "At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed." This provision ensured that debt would not become a perpetual burden, promoting economic balance and social equity.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of lending in the context of love and mercy. In Luke 6:34-35 , He teaches, "And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Here, Jesus elevates the act of lending to a spiritual level, encouraging His followers to lend without expecting repayment, thus reflecting the character of God.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, also touches on the principles of lending and borrowing. In Romans 13:8 , he writes, "Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." This verse suggests that the only debt Christians should carry is the ongoing obligation to love one another, which transcends financial transactions.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical perspective on lending is deeply rooted in the principles of justice, mercy, and love. Lenders are called to act with integrity, avoiding exploitation and usury, and to prioritize the well-being of their neighbors. The Bible's teachings encourage a community-oriented approach, where lending serves as a means of support and upliftment rather than a tool for personal gain.

Throughout Scripture, the act of lending is intertwined with the broader themes of stewardship and responsibility. Believers are reminded that all resources ultimately belong to God, and they are to be used in ways that honor Him and serve others.3867b. lavah -- to borrow
... root Definition to borrow NASB Word Usage borrow (1), borrowed (1), borrower becomes
the lender's (1), borrows (1), lend (4), lender like the borrower (1 ...
/hebrew/3867b.htm - 5k

On the Fast of the Tenth Month, vi.
... hampered with difficulties, and by treacherous assistance entangle them in debts
which they can never pay, but to be His creditor and His money-lender, who says ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/sermon xvii on the fast.htm

Lender's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lender's (1 Occurrence). Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth
over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. (See NAS). ...
/l/lender's.htm - 6k

Lendeth (4 Occurrences)

/l/lendeth.htm - 7k

Lender (4 Occurrences)
... (n.) One who lends. Multi-Version Concordance Lender (4 Occurrences). Luke 7:41
"A certain lender had two debtors. ... The borrower is servant to the lender. ...
/l/lender.htm - 7k

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