Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context In biblical times, loans were a common practice, often involving the lending of money, goods, or services. The concept of loans is addressed in various books of the Bible, providing guidance on how they should be handled within the community of believers. Loans were not merely financial transactions but were deeply embedded in the social and religious fabric of society. Old Testament Teachings The Old Testament provides several instructions regarding loans, emphasizing fairness, compassion, and the avoidance of exploitation. In Exodus 22:25 , it is written, "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 directive underscores the importance of helping those in need without seeking personal gain through interest, reflecting a spirit of generosity and community support. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 further elaborates on the attitude one should have 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 highlights the moral obligation to assist those in need, promoting a culture of open-handedness and benevolence. Sabbath Year and Jubilee The concept of the Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee also played a significant role in the regulation of loans. Every seventh year, debts were to be forgiven, as stated in Deuteronomy 15:1-2 : "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." The Year of Jubilee, occurring every fiftieth year, further emphasized the restoration of economic balance and social justice, as land and property were returned to their original owners (Leviticus 25). New Testament Insights In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles continue to reflect the principles of compassion and generosity in lending. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, instructs, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matthew 5:42). This teaching encourages believers to be willing to lend without expecting anything in return, fostering a spirit of selflessness and love. The parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:23-35 serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of mercy and forgiveness in financial dealings. The servant, forgiven a great debt by his master, fails to show the same mercy to a fellow servant, illustrating the expectation that those who have received grace should extend it to others. Apostolic Guidance The apostle Paul, in his letters, also touches on the subject of loans and financial obligations. 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 believers should carry is the ongoing obligation to love one another, which transcends financial transactions. Conclusion The biblical perspective on loans is rooted in principles of justice, mercy, and community welfare. Both the Old and New Testaments provide a framework for lending that prioritizes the well-being of others, discourages exploitation, and encourages a spirit of generosity and forgiveness. ATS Bible Dictionary LoansJehovah, as the sole proprietor of the land occupied by the Jews, required them, as one condition of its use, to grant liberal loans to their poor brethren; and every seven years, the outstanding loans were to become gifts, and could not be reclaimed. If a pledge was taken on making a loan, it must be done with mercy and under certain benevolent restrictions, Exodus 22:25,27 De 15:1-11 23:19,20 24:6,10-13,17. The great truth so prominent in this and similar features of the Mosaic laws, ought to be restored to its fundamental place in our theories of property; and no one who believes in God should act as the owner, but only as the steward of what he possesses, all of which he is to use as required by its great Owner. In the same spirit, our Savior enjoins the duty of loaning freely, even to enemies, and without hope of reward, Luke 6:34,35. Greek 5132. trapeza -- a table, dining table ... table or stool (as being four-legged), usually for food (figuratively, a meal); also a counter for money (figuratively, a broker's office for loans at interest ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5132.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 5671. abtit -- weight of pledges, heavy debts... 5670, 5671. abtit. 5672 . weight of pledges, heavy debts. Transliteration: abtit Phonetic Spelling: (ab-teet') Short Definition: loans. ... /hebrew/5671.htm - 6k Library By Sins Committed in Loans Concerning Loans Prohibition of Usury and the Usurious Spirit. The ... Epistle viii. To Cyprian, Deacon. The Transplanting of Congregationalism Excursus on Usury. The Wailing of Risca Matt. xviii. 21 Twenty-Third Day. Benevolence. Further Refutation of the Pythagorean Theory. The State of ... On the Fast of the Tenth Month, vi. Thesaurus Loans (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Loans (1 Occurrence). Habakkuk 2:6 Won't all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb ... /l/loans.htm - 6k Interest (35 Occurrences) Borrowing (1 Occurrence) Usury (17 Occurrences) Loan (9 Occurrences) Loaned (2 Occurrences) Loath (2 Occurrences) Resources What is usury in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about going into debt? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian co-sign on a loan? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Loans (1 Occurrence)Habakkuk 2:6 Subtopics Related Terms |
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