Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5389 lending

5389 lending

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5389 lending

Freely giving the temporary use of property or possessions at no personal advantage. Scripture lays down conditions for lending and emphasises the responsibilities that it brings.

The motivation for lending

Generosity

Psalm 37:25-26 See also Deuteronomy 15:11; Proverbs 3:27-28; Matthew 5:42

Pity

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 See also Leviticus 25:35-36; Mark 14:7

Not necessarily expecting repayment

Luke 6:34-36

The dangers of lending

Domination

Proverbs 22:7 See also Deuteronomy 15:6; Deuteronomy 28:12-13,43-44; Nehemiah 5:4-5

Loss

Exodus 22:14; 2 Kings 6:5; Isaiah 24:1-2

Exploitation

Leviticus 25:36-37

Usury

Exodus 22:25 See also Deuteronomy 23:19; Psalm 15:5; Ezekiel 18:8,12-13

Safeguards for the lender

Under the old covenant

Exodus 22:14 This specific case probably represents a general principle of restitution governing all kinds of lending.

Under the new covenant

Luke 6:30-31

Generosity may be risky but brings its reward

Proverbs 19:17 See also Psalm 112:5; Matthew 5:7

Jesus Christ was lent a donkey

Matthew 21:3 pp Mark 11:3 pp Luke 19:31; Luke 19:34