Deuteronomy 23:20
Deuteronomy 23:20 in Multiple Translations
You may charge a foreigner interest, but not your brother, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land that you are entering to possess.
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.
Unto a foreigner thou mayest lend upon interest; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon interest, that Jehovah thy God may bless thee in all that thou puttest thy hand unto, in the land whither thou goest in to possess it.
From men of other nations you may take interest, but not from an Israelite: so that the blessing of the Lord your God may be on everything to which you put your hand, in the land which you are about to take as your heritage.
You may charge a foreigner interest, but not an Israelite, so that the Lord your God may bless you in everything you do in the country that you are going in to occupy.
Vnto a stranger thou mayest lend vpon vsurie, but thou shalt not lend vpon vsurie vnto thy brother, that the Lord thy God may blesse thee in all that thou settest thine hand to, in the land whither thou goest to possesse it.
To a stranger thou mayest lend in usury, and to thy brother thou dost not lend in usury, so that Jehovah thy God doth bless thee in every putting forth of thy hand on the land whither thou goest in to possess it.
You may charge a foreigner interest; but you shall not charge your brother interest, that the LORD your God may bless you in all that you put your hand to, in the land where you go in to possess it.
To a stranger thou mayest lend upon interest; but to thy brother thou shalt not lend upon interest; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thy hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
But to the stranger. To thy brother thou shalt lend that which he wanteth, without usury: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all thy works in the land, which thou shalt go in to possess.
You are allowed to charge interest when you lend money to foreigners who live in your land, but not when you lend money to Israelis. Do this in order that Yahweh our God will bless you in everything that you do in the land that you are about to enter and occupy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 23:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 23:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹא
תַשִּׁ֣יךְ
לְ/אָחִ֔י/ךָ
נֶ֥שֶׁךְ
כֶּ֖סֶף
נֶ֣שֶׁךְ
אֹ֑כֶל
נֶ֕שֶׁךְ
כָּל
דָּבָ֖ר
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
יִשָּֽׁךְ
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תַשִּׁ֣יךְ
nâshak
H5391
to bite
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
לְ/אָחִ֔י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
Prep | N-ms | Suff
נֶ֥שֶׁךְ
neshek
H5392
interest
N-ms
כֶּ֖סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
N-ms
נֶ֣שֶׁךְ
neshek
H5392
interest
N-ms
אֹ֑כֶל
ʼôkel
H400
food
N-ms
נֶ֕שֶׁךְ
neshek
H5392
interest
N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִשָּֽׁךְ
nâshak
H5391
to bite
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 23:20
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תַשִּׁ֣יךְ
nâshak
H5391
"to bite"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word refers to paying interest on a loan, often with excessive or unfair rates. It is condemned in the Bible as usury, and is seen in passages like Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37. The concept of fair lending is emphasized in the book of Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to bite 1a) (Qal) to bite 1b) (Piel) to bite
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: bite, lend upon usury. See also: Genesis 49:17; Ecclesiastes 10:8; Proverbs 23:32.
לְ/אָחִ֔י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
נֶ֥שֶׁךְ
neshek
H5392
"interest"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for interest or usury, this term is used to describe the practice of lending money at excessive rates. It is prohibited in the Bible, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 23:19-20 and Ezekiel 18:8. The concept of fair lending is central to the book of Leviticus.
Definition: interest, usury
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: usury. See also: Exodus 22:24; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 15:5.
כֶּ֖סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
נֶ֣שֶׁךְ
neshek
H5392
"interest"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for interest or usury, this term is used to describe the practice of lending money at excessive rates. It is prohibited in the Bible, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 23:19-20 and Ezekiel 18:8. The concept of fair lending is central to the book of Leviticus.
Definition: interest, usury
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: usury. See also: Exodus 22:24; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 15:5.
אֹ֑כֶל
ʼôkel
H400
"food"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to food or a meal, including cereal, meat, and other supplies. It is used in stories about everyday life, like eating and sharing meals.
Definition: 1) food 1a) cereal 1b) meat 2) food supply 3) meal, dinner
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: eating, food, meal(-time), meat, prey, victuals. See also: Genesis 14:11; Deuteronomy 2:28; Psalms 78:18.
נֶ֕שֶׁךְ
neshek
H5392
"interest"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for interest or usury, this term is used to describe the practice of lending money at excessive rates. It is prohibited in the Bible, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 23:19-20 and Ezekiel 18:8. The concept of fair lending is central to the book of Leviticus.
Definition: interest, usury
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: usury. See also: Exodus 22:24; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 15:5.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דָּבָ֖ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִשָּֽׁךְ
nâshak
H5391
"to bite"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word refers to paying interest on a loan, often with excessive or unfair rates. It is condemned in the Bible as usury, and is seen in passages like Exodus 22:25 and Leviticus 25:35-37. The concept of fair lending is emphasized in the book of Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to bite 1a) (Qal) to bite 1b) (Piel) to bite
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: bite, lend upon usury. See also: Genesis 49:17; Ecclesiastes 10:8; Proverbs 23:32.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 23:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 23:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:20
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:20
Context — Miscellaneous Laws
18You must not bring the wages of a prostitute, whether female or male, into the house of the LORD your God to fulfill any vow, because both are detestable to the LORD your God.
19Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan.
20You may charge a foreigner interest, but not your brother, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land that you are entering to possess.
21If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin. 22But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty of sin.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 15:10 | Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 15:3 | You may collect something from a foreigner, but you must forgive whatever your brother owes you. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. |
| 4 | Luke 14:14 | and you will be blessed. Since they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 14:21 | You are not to eat any carcass; you may give it to the foreigner residing within your gates, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God. You must not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk. |
| 6 | Isaiah 1:19 | If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 28:12 | The LORD will open the heavens, His abundant storehouse, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations, but borrow from none. |
| 8 | Proverbs 19:17 | Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. |
| 9 | Leviticus 19:33–34 | When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God. |
Deuteronomy 23:20 Summary
This verse teaches us that God wants us to treat our fellow believers with kindness and fairness, especially when it comes to lending and borrowing money. We should not charge interest to those who are part of our community, but we can charge interest to those outside our community (Deuteronomy 23:20). This principle is about being fair and just in all our dealings, as God is fair and just (Leviticus 19:34). By following God's commands, we can experience His blessings in our lives, just as He promises in Deuteronomy 23:20 and Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God allow charging interest to foreigners but not to fellow Israelites?
This distinction is based on the principle of not taking advantage of one's brothers, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:20 and Exodus 22:25, emphasizing the importance of treating fellow believers with kindness and fairness.
Does this mean we can charge high interest rates to those outside our community?
While Deuteronomy 23:20 permits charging interest to foreigners, it does not give license to exploit them; rather, it highlights the importance of fairness and justice in all dealings, as taught in Leviticus 19:34 and Deuteronomy 10:19.
How does this verse relate to the concept of usury in the Bible?
The Bible condemns usury, or excessive and exploitative interest rates, as seen in Ezekiel 18:13 and Psalm 15:5; Deuteronomy 23:20 must be understood in this broader context, emphasizing fairness and compassion in financial dealings.
What is the ultimate goal of these financial principles in Deuteronomy?
The goal is for God to bless His people in all their endeavors, as stated in Deuteronomy 23:20, highlighting the connection between obedience to God's commands and receiving His blessings, as also seen in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- How can I apply the principle of not taking advantage of my brothers and sisters in Christ in my daily interactions and financial dealings?
- In what ways can I demonstrate fairness and justice in my relationships with those outside my immediate community?
- How does the concept of blessing in Deuteronomy 23:20 relate to my own life and the ways in which I steward the resources God has given me?
- What are some practical ways I can prioritize kindness, compassion, and fairness in all my financial dealings, whether with believers or unbelievers?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 23:20
Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury,.... To any Gentile, though some Jewish writers except the Edomites and Ishmaelites, as being brethren, and restrain it to the seven nations of Canaan; but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 23:20
Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury: Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother ... unto a stranger.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:20
Unto a stranger, i.e. to a person of any other nation, for so that word is generally used, and therefore they who restrain it to the cursed Canaanitish nations seem to do so without any solid or sufficient grounds. And though the word brother is ofttimes used in a general sense for every man, yet I think I may affirm that wheresoever the words brother and stranger are opposed in the Jewish law, the brother signifies the Israelite only, and the stranger signifies any person of what nation or religion soever, whether proselyted to the Jewish religion or not, and so it seems to be meant here. And the reason why usury is permitted to a stranger, not to an Israelite, may seem to be this, because the Israelites generally employed themselves in the management of land and cattle, and therefore could not make any advantage of borrowed money to balance the use they should pay for it; and consequently it may be presumed that they would not borrow money upon use, but for want and poverty, and in that case, and principally for that reason, usury seems to be forbidden to them, as may be thought from ,36. But the strangers made use of their money in way of trade and traffic with the Israelites, which was more gainful, and could much better bear the burden of usury, and reap advantage from money so borrowed; and these strangers here spoken of are supposed to be competently rich, and not poor, as may plainly appear by comparing this place with ,36, where they are no less forbidden to take usury of a stranger than of a brother, in case of poverty.
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:20
Deuteronomy 23:20 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.Ver. 20. Unto a stranger thou mayest.] And they do it to purpose at this day in foreign parts where they live, straining up their usury to eighteen in the hundred upon the Christian. This is their chief trade, and this is yielded by some as a reason why the Jews do so stink, Quod plerique omnes mensarii sint, faeneratoriam exercentes, et ita nullis exercitati laboribus, i.e., Because most of them are usurers, lead sedentary lives, and use no bodily exercise. It was the saying of a merry fellow, that in Christendom there were neither scholars enough, gentlemen enough, nor Jews enough. If the first, so many would not be pluralists; if the second, so many peasants would not be reckoned among the gentry; if the third, not so many usurers. Heyl, Geog.
Ellicott's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:20
(19, 20) Usury.—See Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-36. Some recent writers on this law have thought that it forbids the putting out of money to interest. But it is noticeable that in both the previous passages referred to (in Exod. and Lev.) the loan is supposed to be made to a “poor man” in “real distress.” Usury in such cases means oppression; and so it is proved to be by the examples given in Nehemiah 5:2-5; Nehemiah 5:10-12. The connection between this exaction and modern investments is not obvious, except in a very few cases. The Mosaic law against usury does not belong to commerce with other nations; it is part of the poor law of the land of Israel.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:20
19, 20. Not lend upon usury — Not to a brother Israelite. Compare Exodus 22:25, and Leviticus 25:36-37.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 23:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Lord, Give Me Your Heart - 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of caring for the least fortunate in society. He uses the analogy of the long-haired and short-haired groups to represent thos |
|
Arms to Give Alms! by R. Stanley | R. Stanley emphasizes the importance of having open hands to bless others, drawing from Psalms 41 and Proverbs 19:17. He leads a prayer asking God to open our hands to give generou |
|
Laws of Spiritual Progress - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses two lessons they have learned about making spiritual progress. The first principle they emphasize is the importance of taking a step of faith |
|
(Nicaragua) I Have Labored in Vain by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a missionary who became discouraged after five years of laboring in a certain nation without seeing any results. Despite God's promi |
|
"Where Are the Faithful Young Men?" by John Piper | This sermon calls for a generation willing to sacrifice their lives for Christ, to live dangerously and be reckless in His service, to prioritize prayer and God's Word above all el |
|
Justification by Works by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, Dr. J. Vernon McGee explores the topic of faith and works in the book of James. He begins by highlighting James' unique method of presenting an illustration before |
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A Voice From Heaven by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians resisting the temptations and allurements of the world. He encourages believers to have the patience and endura |