Exodus 22:25 (KJV)

What does Exodus 22:25 mean?

Exodus 22:25 tells the Israelites that if they lend money to a fellow Israelite who is poor, they must not act like a moneylender who charges interest. The verse clearly forbids taking advantage of someone in need by demanding extra payment beyond what was lent.

God is speaking to the people of Israel through Moses, giving them specific laws about how to treat each other, especially those who are vulnerable. The situation described is one where a person is in financial hardship and needs to borrow money. The verse emphasizes compassion and fairness, making it clear that helping the poor should not be used as an opportunity for personal gain.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 22:25

• "Lend" (לָוָה, lavah) means to give something, usually money, with the expectation of getting it back. Here, it highlights the act of helping someone in need rather than a business transaction.
• "Usurer" (נֹשֶׁה, nosheh) refers to someone who demands repayment with interest, often harshly or oppressively. The verse warns against adopting this attitude toward the poor.
• "Usury" (נֶשֶׁךְ, neshekh) means interest or extra payment charged on a loan. In this context, it is forbidden when lending to a fellow Israelite in need, showing that the focus is on mercy rather than profit.

Why Exodus 22:25 matters

• This verse clarifies that the law was not just about financial transactions, but about protecting the dignity and well-being of the poor within the community.
• It highlights a key value in Israelite society: treating others with kindness and refusing to exploit someone’s hardship for personal benefit.
• The command connects to a broader theme in Exodus and the Torah, where God repeatedly instructs the Israelites to remember their own experience of hardship in Egypt and to act justly toward others.