Exodus 22:25-27
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse reveals that the prohibition isn't just against charging excessive interest, but against charging any interest at all to a fellow Israelite in need. The Hebrew word for usury actually means "to bite," emphasizing that this practice was seen as preying upon someone's vulnerability, not just a neutral financial transaction.
“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. If ever you take your neighbor’s cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun goes down, for that is his only covering, and it is his cloak for his body; in what else shall he sleep? And if he cries to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes amidst a collection of laws detailing how the Israelites were to live justly and compassionately with one another. Following instructions on property damage and responsibility, God turns to financial dealings, emphasizing that relationships, especially with the vulnerable, matter more than profit. The verses that follow will further outline how to treat those in distress, reinforcing the theme of community care.
God's laws aren't just about rules; they reveal His heart. This command about lending money speaks volumes about how He wants us to treat the vulnerable.
This isn't just a financial regulation; it's a profound statement about compassion and human dignity.
A Call to Compassion
Exodus 22:25 begins by specifying who this law applies to: "any of my people with you who is poor." This immediately grounds the command in a specific context – poverty and need. The prohibition against being a "moneylender" (literally, one who 'bites' or 'gnaws') and exacting "usury" (interest) is not about economic theory. It's about preventing the wealthy from preying on the desperate.
Protecting the Vulnerable
Ancient societies, like ours, could easily see the poor crushed by debt. This law acts as a safeguard, ensuring that those already struggling aren't pushed further into ruin by financial obligations. It's a divine instruction to uplift, not to exploit, when a brother or sister is in need. The emphasis on "my people" highlights a communal responsibility to care for one another.
The original Hebrew word for usury isn't just a financial term; it paints a vivid picture of exploitation.
The language used in Exodus 22:25 carries significant weight.
The Meaning of 'Biting'
Ask a follow-up
The Hebrew word translated as "usury" (neshekh) literally means "to bite" or "to gnaw." This isn't a neutral term; it evokes the image of something slowly and painfully consuming the victim. It suggests that charging interest to a poor Israelite was akin to a predator biting its prey.
Beyond Financial Transactions
This imagery underscores the destructive nature of exploiting the needy. It wasn't just about a percentage; it was about the effect on the borrower. The law aims to prevent the lender from profiting from another's desperation, a practice that could metaphorically "bite" away at their livelihood and well-being.
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.
salmah · Hebrew Noun
An outer garment used as protection from the elements, often functioning as a poor man's bed covering; taking it in pledge implies withholding a necessity of life.
chabol · Hebrew Noun
Security or collateral given to ensure the repayment of a debt. Biblical law regulates the taking of pledges to prevent the oppression of the poor.
channun · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to the moral character of God, characterized by grace, mercy, and sensitivity to the suffering of His people; He is responsive to the cries of the oppressed.
This passage expands on the concept of caring for the poor within the Israelite community, specifically mentioning not to exact interest or profit from a fellow Israelite who has fallen into poverty, emphasizing the idea of brotherhood and mutual support.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8This text directly addresses the command to open your hand to your poor and needy brother. It explains that if there is a poor person among you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need, whatever that may be.
Luke 6:34-35Jesus echoes this principle in the New Testament, teaching his followers to 'lend, expecting nothing in return.' This highlights the charitable and self-giving aspect of lending, which aligns with the spirit of Exodus 22:25.
Psalm 15:1-5This psalm describes the characteristics of one who may dwell in God's presence. Notably, it includes the descriptor 'he who does not put out his money at interest' (or exacts usury), showing that abstaining from usury, especially towards the vulnerable, was a mark of righteousness for the people of God.
The prophet Ezekiel lists taking interest or usury among the sins that lead to judgment. This passage reinforces the seriousness with which God viewed such practices, particularly when they preyed upon the poor and vulnerable.
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…
This verse reveals that the prohibition isn't just against charging excessive interest, but against charging any interest at all to a fellow Israelite in need. The Hebrew word for usury actually means "to bite," emphasizing that this practice was seen as preying upon someone's vulnerability, not just a neutral financial transaction.
This passage comes amidst a collection of laws detailing how the Israelites were to live justly and compassionately with one another. Following instructions on property damage and responsibility, God turns to financial dealings, emphasizing that relationships, especially with the vulnerable, matter more than profit. The verses that follow will further outline how to treat those in distress, reinforcing the theme of community care.
This passage comes amidst a collection of laws detailing how the Israelites were to live justly and compassionately with one another. Following instructions on property damage and responsibility, God turns to financial dealings, emphasizing that relationships, especially with the vulnerable, matter more than profit. The verses that follow will further outline how to treat those in distress, reinforcing the theme of community care.
"“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. If ever you take your neighbor’s cloak in pledge, you shall return it to him before the sun…" — This verse reveals that the prohibition isn't just against charging excessive interest, but against charging any interest at all to a fellow Israelite in need. The Hebrew word for usury actually…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
