King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 23:19 Mean?

Deuteronomy 23:19 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon u...” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:”

Deuteronomy 23:19 · KJV

Context

17

There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. whore: or, sodomitess

18

Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the LORD thy God for any vow: for even both these are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

19

Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:

20

Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

21

When thou shalt vow a vow unto the LORD thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it: for the LORD thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.

Read Deuteronomy 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:

This verse prohibits charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites. The Hebrew neshek (נֶשֶׁךְ, 'usury') literally means 'bite,' vividly depicting interest's consuming effect on debtors. The comprehensive scope—'money, victuals, any thing'—prevented loopholes. The term 'brother' (ach, אָח) denotes fellow covenant members, distinguishing intra-community economics from commercial transactions with foreigners (v. 20). This created a covenant economy prioritizing community welfare over individual profit maximization.

The prohibition served multiple purposes: (1) it protected vulnerable community members from debt slavery (Exodus 22:25 specifies the poor); (2) it fostered mutual aid and solidarity within Israel; (3) it distinguished covenant economics from surrounding commercial cultures; (4) it recognized that fellow believers share fundamental equality before God, prohibiting exploitation. Interest-free loans enabled struggling members to recover rather than spiraling into perpetual debt. This differed fundamentally from modern commercial lending, instead resembling charitable assistance for community members facing temporary hardship.

Theologically, this law reflected God's character as gracious provider who freely gives without charging interest (Matthew 10:8, Luke 6:35). Israel's economic life was to mirror divine generosity, creating alternative economics grounded in covenant love rather than profit maximization. For Christians, this principle extends to generous giving and lending to fellow believers in need (Luke 6:34-35), recognizing that accumulating wealth by exploiting brothers and sisters contradicts gospel community. The early church's practice of sharing possessions (Acts 2:44-45, 4:32-37) reflected this covenant economics.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Interest-bearing loans were common throughout the ancient Near East, with archaeological evidence from Mesopotamia documenting interest rates of 20-33% for silver loans and up to 50% for grain loans. The Code of Hammurabi (sections 88-96) regulated interest rates but accepted the practice. Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian documents record complex credit instruments, mortgages, and debt slavery resulting from unpaid loans with interest. Commercial lending fueled ancient economies but also created permanent underclasses trapped in debt bondage.

Israel's prohibition of interest within the covenant community created a distinctive economic system. While surrounding nations accepted economic stratification and debt slavery as inevitable, Israel's law sought to prevent permanent poverty through interest-free loans, sabbatical year debt release (Deuteronomy 15:1-11), and jubilee land restoration (Leviticus 25). This reflected theology that God owned the land and people, making perpetual economic exploitation of covenant members intolerable.

Historical evidence suggests Israel frequently violated this principle. Nehemiah 5:1-13 records Jews charging interest to fellow Jews during the post-exilic period, leading to debt slavery. Nehemiah's reform reinstated interest-free lending and debt forgiveness. The persistent prophetic critique of economic oppression (Isaiah 3:14-15, Amos 2:6-8, Micah 2:1-2) indicates ongoing tension between covenant ideals and economic practice. This historical pattern warns that economic self-interest powerfully tempts believers to compromise biblical principles, requiring vigilant community accountability and prophetic challenge to maintain covenant economics prioritizing mutual aid over profit.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians balance legitimate business practices with the biblical principle of interest-free assistance to struggling believers?
  2. What does this command teach about creating economic systems that prioritize community welfare over individual profit?
  3. How can churches foster cultures of generous lending and mutual aid that reflect God's gracious provision?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לֹֽא1 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִשָּֽׁךְ׃2 of 12

“Thou shalt not lend upon usury”

H5391

to strike with a sting (as a serpent); figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan

לְאָחִ֔יךָ3 of 12

“to thy brother”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

נֶ֕שֶׁךְ4 of 12

“usury”

H5392

interest on a debt

כֶּ֖סֶף5 of 12

“of money”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

נֶ֕שֶׁךְ6 of 12

“usury”

H5392

interest on a debt

אֹ֑כֶל7 of 12

“of victuals”

H400

food

נֶ֕שֶׁךְ8 of 12

“usury”

H5392

interest on a debt

כָּל9 of 12
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

דָּבָ֖ר10 of 12

“of any thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

אֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יִשָּֽׁךְ׃12 of 12

“Thou shalt not lend upon usury”

H5391

to strike with a sting (as a serpent); figuratively, to oppress with interest on a loan

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 23:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 23:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:25Psalms 15:5Leviticus 25:35-37Luke 6:34-35Ezekiel 22:12Ezekiel 18:16-18

Test Your Knowledge

Deuteronomy 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterDeuteronomy Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Deuteronomy 23 with CommentaryAll Deuteronomy ChaptersComplete Deuteronomy QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes