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.