Deuteronomy 23:19 - You shall not lend on interest to your brother; interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest.
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What does "Deuteronomy 23:19" mean?
Deuteronomy 23:19, "You shall not lend on interest to your brother; interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest," is a straightforward prohibition of charging interest on loans made to fellow Israelites. Let's break down its meaning:
"You shall not lend on interest to your brother..." This is the core command. The word "brother" here generally refers to a fellow Israelite, someone within the community of believers. The emphasis is on relationships within the Israelite community.
"...interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest." This clarifies the scope of the prohibition. It's not just about money; it applies to loans of any essential item like food. The phrase covers any and all things that are lent out, and for which interest is charged.
Key Interpretations and Considerations:
Social Justice: The primary purpose of this law was likely to protect the poor from exploitation. In an agrarian society, the risk of falling into poverty due to crop failure, illness, or other misfortune was high. Charging interest on loans could easily trap people in a cycle of debt, making it impossible for them to recover. The law aimed to create a more equitable society where those in need could receive assistance without being further burdened.
Community Solidarity: The law also fostered a sense of community solidarity and mutual support. Israelites were expected to help one another in times of need, not to profit from their misfortune.
"Brother" vs. Outsiders: Deuteronomy 23:20 immediately follows verse 19 and states, "To a foreigner you may lend on interest, but to your brother you shall not lend on interest." This distinction is crucial. The prohibition applied specifically to fellow Israelites. Charging interest to foreigners was permitted. The reasoning for this distinction is debated, but common explanations include:
Foreigners were not considered part of the same covenant community and therefore did not share the same obligations of mutual support.
Engaging in commerce with foreigners might involve different risks and economic realities.
Modern Application: The application of this verse in modern contexts is complex and subject to various interpretations. Some argue that the principle of protecting the vulnerable from exploitation remains relevant and that modern financial practices should be scrutinized to ensure they do not disproportionately harm the poor. Others argue that the specific prohibition of interest no longer applies in a modern, globalized economy where interest rates are essential for the functioning of financial institutions. Some religious traditions, such as Islam, continue to prohibit the charging of interest (riba) based on similar principles found in their scriptures. Some Christians also strive to find ways of loaning without interest.
In summary, Deuteronomy 23:19 is a prohibition against charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites, intended to protect the poor, foster community solidarity, and prevent exploitation within the covenant community.
Deuteronomy 23:19 - You shall not lend on interest to your brother; interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest.
What does "Deuteronomy 23:19" mean?
Deuteronomy 23:19, "You shall not lend on interest to your brother; interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest," is a straightforward prohibition of charging interest on loans made to fellow Israelites. Let's break down its meaning:
"You shall not lend on interest to your brother..." This is the core command. The word "brother" here generally refers to a fellow Israelite, someone within the community of believers. The emphasis is on relationships within the Israelite community.
"...interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest." This clarifies the scope of the prohibition. It's not just about money; it applies to loans of any essential item like food. The phrase covers any and all things that are lent out, and for which interest is charged.
Key Interpretations and Considerations:
Social Justice: The primary purpose of this law was likely to protect the poor from exploitation. In an agrarian society, the risk of falling into poverty due to crop failure, illness, or other misfortune was high. Charging interest on loans could easily trap people in a cycle of debt, making it impossible for them to recover. The law aimed to create a more equitable society where those in need could receive assistance without being further burdened.
Community Solidarity: The law also fostered a sense of community solidarity and mutual support. Israelites were expected to help one another in times of need, not to profit from their misfortune.
"Brother" vs. Outsiders: Deuteronomy 23:20 immediately follows verse 19 and states, "To a foreigner you may lend on interest, but to your brother you shall not lend on interest." This distinction is crucial. The prohibition applied specifically to fellow Israelites. Charging interest to foreigners was permitted. The reasoning for this distinction is debated, but common explanations include:
Foreigners were not considered part of the same covenant community and therefore did not share the same obligations of mutual support.
Engaging in commerce with foreigners might involve different risks and economic realities.
Modern Application: The application of this verse in modern contexts is complex and subject to various interpretations. Some argue that the principle of protecting the vulnerable from exploitation remains relevant and that modern financial practices should be scrutinized to ensure they do not disproportionately harm the poor. Others argue that the specific prohibition of interest no longer applies in a modern, globalized economy where interest rates are essential for the functioning of financial institutions. Some religious traditions, such as Islam, continue to prohibit the charging of interest (riba) based on similar principles found in their scriptures. Some Christians also strive to find ways of loaning without interest.
In summary, Deuteronomy 23:19 is a prohibition against charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites, intended to protect the poor, foster community solidarity, and prevent exploitation within the covenant community.