Old Testament
Deuteronomy 23:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You may charge interest to a foreigner, but not to a fellow Israelite. Follow this so that the LORD your God will bless everything you do in the land you are about to enter and possess.
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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.
What Deuteronomy 23:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God instructs the Israelites on how to handle lending money. They are allowed to charge interest to foreigners, but not to their fellow Israelites. This rule emphasizes the importance of community and support among the people of Israel. By not charging interest to each other, they foster a spirit of generosity and care. God promises that if they follow this guideline, He will bless their efforts in the new land they are about to enter. This reflects a deeper principle of treating others with kindness and fairness. It encourages building strong relationships within the community, ensuring that everyone can thrive together. Ultimately, it’s about creating a society where people look out for one another, leading to collective success and divine favor. The focus is on mutual support rather than profit at the expense of others, which is a timeless lesson for all communities today. Understanding this can help us create a more compassionate world, where we prioritize relationships over financial gain.
How to apply Deuteronomy 23:20 to your life
Consider how you treat those around you, especially in financial matters. Are you supporting your friends and family, or are you taking advantage of them? Strive to create a culture of generosity and kindness in your relationships, ensuring everyone benefits together. This can lead to stronger bonds and a more supportive community overall. Remember, your actions can have a lasting impact on those you care about, so choose wisely.
Curated for this public verse page. Deuteronomy Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Deuteronomy
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites about to enter the Promised Land
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Deuteronomy 23:20 mean?
Deuteronomy 23:20 instructs the Israelites that they can charge interest to foreigners but not to fellow Israelites. This emphasizes the importance of community support and generosity among the people of Israel.
What is the meaning of usury in Deuteronomy 23:20?
In Deuteronomy 23:20, usury refers to the practice of charging interest on loans. The verse specifies that Israelites should not charge interest to each other, promoting fairness and mutual care.
How does Deuteronomy 23:20 apply today?
Deuteronomy 23:20 encourages us to treat others with kindness in financial matters, promoting a culture of generosity and support. It reminds us to prioritize relationships over profit, fostering stronger communities.
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