“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just about avoiding exorbitant interest; it's about guarding against the very spirit of a relentless moneylender. God's people were to show compassion, not just refrain from an extreme but from any behavior that mimicked the harshness of those who prey on others' desperation.
“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a series of laws in Exodus outlining how the Israelites were to live justly and compassionately within their community. It specifically addresses financial interactions, emphasizing care for the vulnerable, and follows laws concerning property damage and reparations. The verses immediately following this one continue to address the well-being of the poor and the stranger within their midst.
The Bible uses a powerful metaphor for interest – 'biting.' What does this reveal about God's heart for the poor?
The prohibition against charging interest on loans to the poor in Exodus 22:25 isn't just about financial regulation; it's a profound expression of God's concern for His people's well-being.
The Heart of the Command
This wasn't about stifling all commerce, but about ensuring that financial dealings within the community, especially with the vulnerable, were marked by kindness and a recognition of shared humanity.
The law makes a distinction between lending to fellow Israelites and lending to foreigners. Why the difference?
Exodus 22:25, along with other passages like Deuteronomy 23:20, reveals a crucial aspect of God's law: it was designed to build a distinct and caring community among His chosen people, while also allowing for different economic interactions with outsiders.
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A Covenantal Obligation
This shows that God’s commands are often tailored to the specific context of His people, promoting a unique ethic of care and justice within their own community.
Understand the original words
nešek · Hebrew Noun
The legal or religious requirement to pay back a loan with additional fees. Biblical law strictly forbade charging interest to fellow Israelites in poverty to prevent economic enslavement and to encourage mercy.
This passage speaks to the broader principle of caring for the poor within the community, emphasizing strengthening and supporting those who have fallen into hardship, which directly relates to the prohibition of usury in Exodus 22:25.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8These verses further elaborate on the command to be generous and open-handed towards the poor among them, echoing the spirit of Exodus 22:25 by calling for compassion and mutual support rather than exploitation.
Psalm 15:1-5This Psalm describes the characteristics of one who may dwell in God's presence, and notably includes 'he who does not put out his money at interest' (v. 5), directly referencing the ethical concerns raised in Exodus 22:25 regarding financial dealings.
Luke 6:34-35Jesus reiterates and spiritualizes this principle, commanding his followers to 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' which aligns with the compassionate lending encouraged in Exodus 22:25 and moves beyond mere financial regulations to a heart attitude.
The prophet Ezekiel condemns those who practice usury and gain, listing it among other severe sins, which underscores the seriousness with which this practice was viewed within the covenant community, as also seen in Exodus 22:25.
calvinExodus 22:25: "If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury."
- If thou lend money to any of my people Humanity ought to be very greatly regarded in the matter of loans, especially when a person, being reduced to extremities, implores a rich man's compassion; for this is, in. point of fact, the genuine trial of our charity, when, in accordance with Christ's precept, we lend to those of whom we expect…
bensonExodus 22:25: "If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury."
Exodus 22:25 . If thou lend — 1st, They must not receive use for money from any Israelite that borrowed for necessity. And such provision the law made for the preserving estates to their families by the years of jubilee, that a people who had little concern in trade could not be supposed to borrow money but for necessity; therefore it was gen…
The verse isn't just about avoiding exorbitant interest; it's about guarding against the very spirit of a relentless moneylender. God's people were to show compassion, not just refrain from an extreme but from any behavior that mimicked the harshness of those who prey on others' desperation.
This passage is part of a series of laws in Exodus outlining how the Israelites were to live justly and compassionately within their community. It specifically addresses financial interactions, emphasizing care for the vulnerable, and follows laws concerning property damage and reparations. The verses immediately following this one continue to address the well-being of the poor and the stranger within their midst.
This passage is part of a series of laws in Exodus outlining how the Israelites were to live justly and compassionately within their community. It specifically addresses financial interactions, emphasizing care for the vulnerable, and follows laws concerning property damage and reparations. The verses immediately following this one continue to address the well-being of the poor and the stranger within their midst.
"“If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him." — The verse isn't just about avoiding exorbitant interest; it's about guarding against the very spirit of a relentless moneylender. God's people were to show compassion, not just refrain from an extr…
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Last reviewed October 2026