King James Version

What Does Leviticus 25:36 Mean?

Leviticus 25:36 in the King James Version says “Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 25 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.”

Leviticus 25:36 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

34

But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.

35

And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. fallen: Heb. his hand faileth relieve: Heb. strengthen

36

Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.

37

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

38

I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.

Read Leviticus 25 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.

This verse falls within the section on Sabbath Year and Jubilee. Sabbath year rest for land and Year of Jubilee releasing debts and slaves, teaching trust in God's provision.


The access to God's presence that Leviticus carefully regulated is now freely available through Christ's blood, tearing the veil and opening the way to God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Sabbath year rest for land and Year of Jubilee releasing debts and slaves, teaching trust in God's provision. Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. Ancient sacrificial texts from cultures surrounding Israel demonstrate the widespread practice of animal sacrifice, but Israel's system uniquely emphasized moral atonement over magical efficacy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  2. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?
  3. In what practical ways should this verse influence your church life, family relationships, or personal integrity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אַל1 of 10
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּקַּ֤ח2 of 10

“Take”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵֽאִתּוֹ֙3 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

נֶ֣שֶׁךְ4 of 10

“thou no usury”

H5392

interest on a debt

וְתַרְבִּ֔ית5 of 10

“of him or increase”

H8636

multiplication, i.e., percentage or bonus in addition to principal

וְיָרֵ֖אתָ6 of 10

“but fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֵֽאֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ7 of 10

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְחֵ֥י8 of 10
H2421

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

אָחִ֖יךָ9 of 10

“that thy brother”

H251

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

עִמָּֽךְ׃10 of 10
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Leviticus 25:36 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 Leviticus 25:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 22:25Deuteronomy 23:19-20Ezekiel 18:8Leviticus 25:17Ezekiel 18:17Ezekiel 18:13

Test Your Knowledge

Leviticus 25 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterLeviticus Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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