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What is Usury in the Bible? – Viral Believer
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What is Usury in the Bible?

Introduction

Usury, a concept that has been debated and discussed for centuries, is a term that refers to the act of lending money at unreasonably high rates of interest. In this blog post, we will delve into the biblical perspective on usury, drawing upon the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible.

We will explore its origins, the biblical guidance surrounding it, and its relevance to modern-day Christians.

The Old Testament provides a foundation for understanding the concept of usury and its implications, as it contains numerous references to this practice.

The New Testament, while less explicit in its treatment of usury, does address themes of economic justice and fairness, which are closely related to the subject. By examining these texts, we can gain valuable insights into how the Bible views usury and its impact on society.

As we explore the biblical perspective on usury, it is important to keep in mind that the Bible’s teachings have been subject to various interpretations throughout history.

Some scholars argue that usury is unequivocally condemned by the Bible, while others believe that certain forms of interest-bearing loans are permissible.

In this blog post, we will attempt to present a balanced and comprehensive view of the issue, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions based on the available evidence.

the Bible

Old Testament Guidance on Usury

The Old Testament contains several passages that directly address the issue of usury, particularly in the context of lending money to fellow Israelites. Here are some key verses:

  • Exodus 22:25 (NKJV): “If you lend money to any of My people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest.”
  • Leviticus 25:35-37 (NKJV): “If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. Take no usury or interest from him; but fear your God, that your brother may live with you. You shall not lend him your money for usury, nor lend him your food at a profit.”
  • Deuteronomy 23:19-20 (NKJV): “You shall not charge interest to your brother—interest on money or food or anything that is lent out at interest. To a foreigner, you may charge interest, but to your brother you shall not charge interest, that the Lord your God may bless you in all to which you set your hand in the land which you are entering to possess.”

These verses make it clear that usury, in the form of charging interest on loans to fellow Israelites, was not condoned by God. The reasoning behind this prohibition is rooted in the desire to promote a just and compassionate society, in which the poor and vulnerable are not exploited by those with wealth and power.

New Testament Perspectives on Usury

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention usury, it does contain teachings that can be applied to this issue. For example, Jesus frequently spoke out against greed and urged his followers to be generous and compassionate toward the poor and needy. Consider the following passages:

  • Luke 6:34-35 (NKJV): “And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil.”
  • Matthew 25:35-36 (NKJV): “For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.”

These verses, among others, emphasize the importance of selflessness and generosity in the Christian life. They suggest that lending without expecting anything in return, and caring for the needy, are important components of a faithful and just society.

Historical Interpretations of Usury

Throughout history, various Christian denominations and theologians have debated the issue of usury and its relationship to biblical teachings.

Some early Church Fathers, such as Augustine and Jerome, condemned usury outright, while others, like Ambrose and Basil, acknowledged that charging moderate interest might be permissible in certain circumstances.

During the Middle Ages, the Catholic Church’s stance on usury became more rigid, with the practice largely being considered sinful.

However, as the modern banking system developed and the concept of interest became more complex, some theologians and religious authorities began to argue that certain forms of interest-bearing loans could be morally acceptable.

In the Protestant Reformation, figures such as Martin Luther and John Calvin expressed more lenient views on usury, acknowledging the necessity of interest in a functioning economy, but still urging moderation and fairness in lending practices.

Usury in the Modern Context

In today’s global economy, the concept of usury has become even more complex, with various types of loans and interest rates being commonplace. As Christians, we must carefully consider how to apply biblical principles to these modern financial practices.

One way to approach this issue is to focus on the underlying themes of justice, fairness, and compassion that are central to the biblical teachings on usury. In this light, we might conclude that exploitative lending practices, such as predatory loans with exorbitant interest rates, are inconsistent with Christian values.

At the same time, it is important to acknowledge that responsible lending, which provides individuals and businesses with the resources they need to grow and prosper, can be an important part of a just and compassionate society.

In this context, charging reasonable interest on loans may be considered morally acceptable, as long as the interests of both lender and borrower are fairly balanced.

Conclusion

The Bible’s teachings on usury offer valuable guidance for Christians seeking to navigate the complex world of modern finance. By examining the Old and New Testament texts, we can discern a consistent message of compassion, justice, and fairness in economic relationships.

While the Bible does not provide a definitive answer to the question of whether all forms of interest-bearing loans are inherently sinful, it does call us to prioritize the needs of the poor and vulnerable, and to ensure that our financial practices are grounded in the principles of love and justice.

As Christians, we must continually strive to apply these biblical teachings to our own lives, seeking to create a more just and compassionate world in which the evils of usury are replaced by the virtues of generosity and fairness.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.