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.

DEUTERONOMY 23:20KJV
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Deuteronomy 23:20 (KJV)

What does Deuteronomy 23:20 mean?

Deuteronomy 23:20 says that the Israelites were allowed to lend money with interest to foreigners, but not to fellow Israelites, so that God would bless them in the land they were entering. The verse draws a clear line between how Israelites were to treat their own people and how they could interact financially with outsiders.

In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. The instruction sets up a community standard: within Israel, lending was to be done without charging interest, showing special care for one another. Lending with interest was only permitted when dealing with a "stranger," meaning someone not part of the Israelite community.

The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 23:20

  • stranger (נָכְרִי, nokhri): This word refers to someone from outside the Israelite community, not just any foreigner, but specifically one who does not share in Israel’s covenant relationship. This distinction shapes who could be charged interest.
  • usury (נֶשֶׁךְ, neshekh): This word means interest or a fee for lending money. The verse is not just about excessive interest, but any interest at all when lending to a fellow Israelite.
  • brother (אָח, ach): This term means a fellow Israelite, emphasizing the family-like bond expected within the community.
  • bless (בָּרַךְ, barakh): The promise of blessing is tied to obedience in this area, connecting financial fairness with God’s favor.

Why Deuteronomy 23:20 matters

  • Deuteronomy 23:20 clarifies that the rule against charging interest was not a universal law for all people, but a specific command for how Israelites were to treat each other.
  • The verse highlights the importance of community solidarity and mutual care among Israelites, setting them apart from surrounding nations.
  • This instruction fits into a larger pattern in Deuteronomy of laws meant to create a just and compassionate society as Israel settled in the land.

Where else these words appear

“settest” Hebrew H4916 · used in 10 verses

  • Deuteronomy 12:7 And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.
  • Deuteronomy 28:8 The LORD shall command the blessing upon thee in thy storehouses, and in all that thou settest thine hand unto; and he shall bless thee in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
  • Esther 9:22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

“usury” Hebrew H5391 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 49:17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward.
  • Deuteronomy 23:19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:
  • Jeremiah 8:17 For, behold, I will send serpents, cockatrices, among you, which will not be charmed, and they shall bite you, saith the LORD.

“stranger” Hebrew H5237 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 31:15 Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.
  • 1 Kings 11:8 And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.
  • Proverbs 5:10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;