Topical Bible: Usury: Exacted by Jews

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Usury, the practice of charging interest on loans, is a topic addressed in various passages of the Bible, particularly in the context of the Israelites' interactions with one another and with foreigners. The term "usury" often carries a negative connotation, especially when it involves excessive or exploitative interest rates. In the biblical context, the practice of usury among the Jews is subject to specific regulations and moral considerations.

Old Testament Regulations

The Mosaic Law provides clear instructions regarding the practice of lending and borrowing among the Israelites. In Exodus 22:25 , the law states, "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 commandment emphasizes the importance of compassion and support within the community, particularly towards those who are impoverished.

Leviticus 25:35-37 further elaborates on this principle: "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 can continue to live among you. You must not lend him your money at interest or sell him your food at a profit." These verses underscore the expectation that Israelites should treat each other with kindness and fairness, avoiding the exploitation of those in need.

Distinction Between Israelites and Foreigners

The Bible makes a distinction between lending practices among fellow Israelites and those involving foreigners. Deuteronomy 23:19-20 states, "Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan. 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 passage indicates that while charging interest to foreigners was permissible, it was prohibited among the Israelites themselves, reflecting a covenantal ethic of mutual care and solidarity.

Prophetic Criticism

The prophets of Israel often criticized the practice of usury, especially when it contributed to social injustice and the oppression of the poor. Ezekiel 18:13 condemns those who engage in usury and extortion, stating, "He lends at interest and takes a profit. Will such a man live? He will not! Because he has done all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head." This prophetic rebuke highlights the moral and spiritual consequences of exploiting others through unjust financial practices.

Similarly, Nehemiah confronted the issue of usury during the rebuilding of Jerusalem. In Nehemiah 5:7-10 , he addresses the nobles and officials, saying, "You are exacting usury from your own brothers!" Nehemiah's leadership led to the cessation of this practice, demonstrating a commitment to justice and community welfare.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly address usury in the same manner as the Old Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles emphasize principles of love, generosity, and selflessness. In Luke 6:34-35 , Jesus 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." This teaching encourages believers to transcend conventional economic transactions and to embody a spirit of grace and mercy.

Overall, the biblical perspective on usury, particularly as it pertains to the Jewish community, is rooted in a framework of ethical conduct, communal responsibility, and the pursuit of justice. The scriptures call for a balance between economic activity and the moral imperatives of compassion and equity.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 22:12
In you have they taken gifts to shed blood; you have taken usury and increase, and you have greedily gained of your neighbors by extortion, and have forgotten me, said the Lord GOD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Whether it is a Sin to Take Usury for Money Lent?
... Lk.19:23): "At My coming I might have exacted it," ie ... Reply to Objection 1: In this
passage usury must be ... Reply to Objection 2: The Jews were forbidden to take ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is a sin.htm

A Rebuke against Extortion
... and others had ransomed certain of the Jews who had ... the increase of money which they
had exacted from them; and to lend to them without security or usury. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 54 a rebuke against.htm

Matt. xvi. 28
... picture of Lazarus, and mentions him that exacted the hundred ... things they trembled
more than the Jews of old ... of this nature are the gains of usury; more than ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lvi matt xvi 28.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Iranian Conquest
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... all oppressed them in turn, and repaid with usury the ills ... In exchange for these
good offices they exacted the same ... or to the period when the Jews, without any ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm