The charge for the lending of money on a commercial or private loan. The practice of charging interest (known as usury) is treated with caution by OT writers on account of its potential for exploitation.

Exodus 22:25

Usury forbidden among the Israelites

See also

Leviticus 25:35-37
Deuteronomy 23:19
Psalms 15:5
Ezekiel 18:8,17

Lending without interest: a characteristic of the righteous

Luke 6:30,31
Proverbs 28:8
Jeremiah 15:10

Exacting interest: a characteristic of the wicked

Ezekiel 18:13; 22:12
1 Timothy 6:9,10
Deuteronomy 15:8
Psalms 112:5

Lending: a charitable, not a commercial, activity

Luke 6:35
Nehemiah 5:6-11

Example of oppression through usury

Deuteronomy 23:20

Usury permissible for commercial transactions involving "outsiders"

See also

Deuteronomy 15:1-11

This legislation permits rather than encourages usury and remains subject to considerations protecting the poor.

Matthew 25:27

See also

pp Lk 19:23

5234 bottle
5274 credit
5289 debt
5310 exploitation
5390 leprosy
5412 money
5446 poverty
5850 excess
8260 generosity
8298 love for one another
8790 oppression