Topical Bible: Usury: Authorized, of Strangers (Foreigners)

◄ Usury: Authorized, of Strangers (Foreigners) ►

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Usury, in the context of the Bible, refers to the practice of charging interest on loans. The term is often associated with excessive or exploitative interest rates, but in biblical times, it generally encompassed any interest charged on borrowed money. The Bible provides specific guidance on the practice of usury, particularly distinguishing between fellow Israelites and foreigners.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to lend to their fellow countrymen without charging interest. This directive is found in several passages, including Exodus 22:25, which states, "If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest." Similarly, Leviticus 25:35-37 instructs, "If your brother becomes impoverished and cannot support himself among you, help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, so that your brother may continue to live among you. You must not lend him your money at interest or sell him your food at a profit."

However, the Bible makes a notable exception when it comes to lending to foreigners. In Deuteronomy 23:20, the Israelites are permitted to charge interest to foreigners: "You may charge a foreigner interest, but you must not charge your brother interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land you are entering to possess." This distinction underscores a broader principle within the Mosaic Law, which sought to foster community solidarity and mutual support among the Israelites while allowing for different economic interactions with those outside their covenant community.

The permission to charge interest to foreigners can be understood within the context of ancient Israel's socio-economic and covenantal framework. The Israelites were a distinct people set apart by God, and their economic practices were intended to reflect their unique relationship with Him. By prohibiting interest among themselves, they were encouraged to support one another and prevent the impoverishment of their fellow Israelites. In contrast, the allowance to charge interest to foreigners recognized the different relationships and obligations that existed outside the covenant community.

This biblical perspective on usury highlights the importance of compassion, community, and ethical financial practices. While the Israelites were permitted to engage in interest-based transactions with foreigners, the overarching biblical narrative consistently calls for justice, mercy, and care for the vulnerable. The teachings on usury serve as a reminder of the ethical considerations that should guide financial dealings, emphasizing the need to balance economic interests with the well-being of others.

In summary, the Bible's stance on usury reflects a nuanced approach that differentiates between relationships within the covenant community and those outside it. By prohibiting interest among Israelites while allowing it with foreigners, the biblical text underscores the importance of community support and ethical financial conduct, principles that continue to resonate in discussions of economic justice today.

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Deuteronomy 23:20
To a stranger you may lend on usury; but to your brother you shall not lend on usury: that the LORD your God may bless you in all that you set your hand to in the land where you go to possess it.
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