Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context The term "usurious" refers to the practice of charging excessive or exorbitant interest on loans. In biblical times, this practice was often condemned as it exploited the poor and needy, contrary to the principles of justice and mercy that are central to biblical teaching. The Bible addresses the issue of usury in several passages, emphasizing the importance of fairness and compassion in financial dealings. Old Testament References The Old Testament contains explicit prohibitions against usury, particularly among the Israelites. In Exodus 22:25 , the law states, "If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest." This command underscores the expectation that the Israelites would treat each other with kindness and not exploit one another's financial vulnerabilities. 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." Here, the emphasis is on maintaining community solidarity and ensuring that no one is driven into deeper poverty through exploitative financial practices. Deuteronomy 23:19-20 provides additional guidance: "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 distinguishes between fellow Israelites and foreigners, allowing for interest to be charged to the latter but not to one's own people, highlighting the covenantal relationship among the Israelites. New Testament Insights While the New Testament does not explicitly address usury in the same manner as the Old Testament, the principles of love, generosity, and care for the poor are reiterated. Jesus' teachings often emphasize the importance of helping those in need without expecting anything in return. In Luke 6:34-35 , Jesus instructs, "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 without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Historical and Cultural Considerations In ancient Israel, the prohibition against usury was rooted in the socio-economic context of the time. The Israelites were primarily an agrarian society, and financial hardship could easily lead to loss of land and livelihood. The biblical laws against usury were designed to prevent the rich from exploiting the poor and to promote a sense of community and mutual support. Throughout history, the Church has grappled with the issue of usury, often condemning it as contrary to Christian ethics. The early Church Fathers, such as Ambrose and Augustine, spoke against the practice, and it was generally prohibited by Church law during the Middle Ages. However, as economic systems evolved, the understanding and regulation of interest have also changed, leading to ongoing discussions about what constitutes fair and just financial practices in a modern context. Theological Implications The biblical stance against usury reflects broader theological themes of justice, mercy, and the inherent dignity of every person. By prohibiting usurious practices, the Bible calls believers to reflect God's character in their financial dealings, ensuring that they do not contribute to the oppression or exploitation of others. The call to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31) extends to all areas of life, including economic interactions, challenging Christians to pursue fairness and compassion in all their dealings. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Practicing usury; taking illegal or exorbitant interest for the use of money; as, a usurious lender.2. (a.) Partaking of usury; containing or involving usury; as, a usurious contract. Strong's Hebrew 8636. tarbith -- increment, interest, usury... Word Origin from rabah Definition increment, interest, usury NASB Word Usage increase (3), profits (1), usurious (1), usury (1). increase, unjust gain. ... /hebrew/8636.htm - 6k Library Concerning Loans Prohibition of Usury and the Usurious Spirit. The ... Whether a Man is Bound to Restore Whatever Profits He Has Made Out ... Here, it May be Said, My Book Ends Just Where it Ought to Begin. . ... Type of those Born under Cancer. Psalm CXXVIII. Letter iv. To the Bishops Appointed in Campania, Picenum, Etruria ... Matt. xvi. 28 Whether it is a Sin to Take Usury for Money Lent? Jews. Matt. xviii. 21 Thesaurus Usurious (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Practicing usury; taking illegal or exorbitant interest for the use of money; as, a usurious lender. ...Usurious (1 Occurrence). ... /u/usurious.htm - 6k Usurp (1 Occurrence) Usurers (1 Occurrence) Resources Usurious: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Usurious (1 Occurrence)Leviticus 25:36 Subtopics Related Terms |
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