Deuteronomy 23:19 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 23:19 mean?

Deuteronomy 23:19 commands the Israelites not to charge interest when lending to a fellow Israelite, whether the loan is in money, food, or anything else that can be lent for interest. The verse sets a clear rule against profiting from the needs of a "brother" within the Israelite community.

In this passage, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to live in the Promised Land. The instruction is part of a larger section dealing with community life and fairness. By forbidding interest among Israelites, the law aims to protect those who might be vulnerable or in need, emphasizing mutual care and solidarity within the community.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 23:19

• נֶשֶׁךְ (neshekh, H5391/H5392): This word is translated as "usury" and refers to interest charged on a loan. The root idea is "to bite," suggesting that charging interest was seen as taking a bite out of someone’s resources, not just a neutral transaction.
• אָח (ach, H251): This word means "brother," but in this context, it refers broadly to a fellow Israelite, not just a literal sibling. The law is about relationships within the covenant community.
• כֶּסֶף (kesef, H3701): This word means "money" or "silver," showing that the command covers financial loans.
• אֹכֶל (okhel, H400): This word means "food" or "provisions." The law also applies to necessities, not just cash.
• דָּבָר (davar, H1697): This word means "thing" or "matter," making the command comprehensive—no kind of loan to a fellow Israelite should involve interest.

Why Deuteronomy 23:19 matters

• Deuteronomy 23:19 clarifies that the ban on interest was not just about money but included food and anything else that could be lent, showing the law’s broad concern for fairness.
• The verse highlights the special responsibility Israelites had toward each other, reinforcing the idea of community support rather than exploitation.
• This command is part of a larger biblical conversation about justice, generosity, and how God’s people should treat one another, especially those in need.