Leviticus 25:37

Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.

Leviticus 25:37 (KJV)

Context

This verse sits within the laws of the Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee. Those laws aimed to keep the Israelite community fair and to prevent poverty from becoming permanent. The immediate setting (Leviticus 25:35-38) tells Israel to help a brother who has become poor. This command protects that poor brother from being taken advantage of.

Meaning

The word “usury” means interest charged on a loan. The verse forbids charging interest when lending money to a needy fellow Israelite. It also forbids selling food to them for profit. The goal is not to ban all business profit, but to stop exploitation of the vulnerable. When someone is already struggling, adding interest or profit makes their burden heavier and can trap them in debt.

Biblical connections

Deuteronomy 23:19 repeats this same rule, showing that God consistently cared for the poor. The motivation is the fear of God, who rescued Israel from Egypt. Because God showed mercy, His people were to show mercy too. This is not a general economic principle for all transactions, but a specific safeguard for the community’s needy.

Application

Today, we can apply this by examining how we help those in need. When we lend money or provide goods, do we seek to profit from another’s hardship? The principle calls us to be generous and compassionate, not to use someone’s difficulty for our own gain. It challenges us to consider the impact of our financial dealings on the vulnerable.

Reflection

This verse reminds us that God values justice and compassion. It invites us to examine our own hearts and actions. Are we willing to help others without expecting something in return? The command points to a community where people support one another, reflecting God’s own character. It calls us to prioritize the well-being of others over personal profit.