Leviticus 25:36
Leviticus 25:36 in Multiple Translations
Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you.
Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.
Take thou no interest of him or increase, but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.
Take no interest from him, in money or in goods, but have the fear of your God before you, and let your brother make a living among you.
Don't make them pay you any interest or demand more than they borrowed, but respect your God so that they can remain living in your area.
Thou shalt take no vsurie of him, nor vantage, but thou shalt feare thy God, that thy brother may liue with thee.
thou takest no usury from him, or increase; and thou hast been afraid of thy God; and thy brother hath lived with thee;
Take no interest from him or profit; but fear your God, that your brother may live among you.
Take thou no interest of him, or increase; but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.
Take not usury of him nor more than thou gavest: fear thy God, that thy brother may live with thee.
If you lend money to him, do not charge any kind of interest [DOU]. Instead, show by what you do that you revere me, your God, and help that man, in order that he will be able to continue to live among you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Leviticus 25:36
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.
Leviticus 25:36 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תִּקַּ֤ח
מֵֽ/אִתּ/וֹ֙
נֶ֣שֶׁךְ
וְ/תַרְבִּ֔ית
וְ/יָרֵ֖אתָ
מֵֽ/אֱלֹהֶ֑י/ךָ
וְ/חֵ֥י
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּקַּ֤ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
מֵֽ/אִתּ/וֹ֙
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Prep | Suff
נֶ֣שֶׁךְ
neshek
H5392
interest
N-ms
וְ/תַרְבִּ֔ית
tarbîyth
H8636
increment
Conj | N-fs
וְ/יָרֵ֖אתָ
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
מֵֽ/אֱלֹהֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp | Suff
וְ/חֵ֥י
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms | Suff
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Leviticus 25:36
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּקַּ֤ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
מֵֽ/אִתּ/וֹ֙
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
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.
וְ/תַרְבִּ֔ית
tarbîyth
H8636
"increment"
Conj | N-fs
This word refers to an increment or addition, like earning interest on money. It can also mean usury or unjust gain, which is getting money unfairly. The Bible warns against taking advantage of others.
Definition: increment, usury, interest, bonus
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: increase, unjust gain. See also: Leviticus 25:36; Ezekiel 18:13; Proverbs 28:8.
וְ/יָרֵ֖אתָ
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
מֵֽ/אֱלֹהֶ֑י/ךָ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/חֵ֥י
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-3ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
אָחִ֖י/ךָ
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
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.
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Leviticus 25:36
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Leviticus 25:36 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:36
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:36
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:36
- Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:36
- Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:36
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 25:36
- Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:36
- Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:36
- Sermons on Leviticus 25:36
Context — Redemption of the Poor
34But the open pastureland around their cities may not be sold, for this is their permanent possession.
35Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you.
36Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you.
37You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit. 38I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 22:25 | If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 23:19–20 | Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan. 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. |
| 3 | Ezekiel 18:8 | He does not engage in usury or take excess interest, but he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between men. |
| 4 | Leviticus 25:17 | Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God; for I am the LORD your God. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 18:13 | He engages in usury and takes excess interest. Will this son live? He will not! Since he has committed all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head. |
| 6 | Ezekiel 18:17 | He withholds his hand from harming the poor and takes no interest or usury. He keeps My ordinances and follows My statutes. Such a man will not die for his father’s iniquity. He will surely live. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 22:12 | In you they take bribes to shed blood. You engage in usury, take excess interest, and extort your neighbors. But Me you have forgotten, declares the Lord GOD. |
| 8 | Nehemiah 5:7–10 | and after serious thought I rebuked the nobles and officials, saying, “You are exacting usury from your own brothers!” So I called a large assembly against them and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers, that they may be sold back to us!” But they remained silent, for they could find nothing to say. So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies? I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending the people money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury. |
| 9 | Psalms 15:5 | who lends his money without interest and refuses a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. |
| 10 | Proverbs 28:8 | He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor. |
Leviticus 25:36 Summary
This verse is saying that when someone in our community is struggling, we shouldn't try to make money off of them or take advantage of their situation. Instead, we should help them out of a heart of kindness and respect for God, who commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18). By doing so, we can help them get back on their feet and live a stable life. This is an important reminder that our actions have consequences and that we should always try to do what is right and just, as taught in Micah 6:8.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main command in Leviticus 25:36?
The main command is to not take any interest or profit from a countryman who is in a destitute situation, but rather to fear God and help them, as seen in Leviticus 25:35 and Deuteronomy 15:7-8.
Why is it important to fear God in this context?
Fearing God in this context means to have a deep respect and reverence for Him, recognizing that our actions have consequences and that we will be held accountable for how we treat others, as taught in Proverbs 19:17 and Matthew 25:40.
How does this verse relate to modern-day lending practices?
While the specific context of Leviticus 25:36 is about lending to a countryman in need, the principle of not taking advantage of others through excessive interest or profit is still applicable today, as seen in Psalm 15:5 and Ezekiel 18:8.
What is the ultimate goal of this command?
The ultimate goal is that the countryman may live among us, indicating a desire for the well-being and flourishing of those in our community, as expressed in Leviticus 19:18 and Galatians 5:14.
Reflection Questions
- How can I demonstrate a fear of God in my interactions with those in need, especially when it comes to financial matters?
- In what ways can I show kindness and generosity to those who are struggling, just as God has shown kindness to me?
- What are some modern-day examples of 'taking interest or profit' from others, and how can I avoid these practices in my own life?
- How can I balance the need to be wise and responsible with my finances with the command to be generous and helpful to those in need?
Gill's Exposition on Leviticus 25:36
Take thou no usury of him, or increase,.... Not only give him somewhat for his present relief, but lend him money to put him in a way of business, to get his living for the future, without requiring
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Leviticus 25:36
And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. If thy brother be waxen poor ... relieve him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Leviticus 25:36
i.e. Of thy brother, whether he be Israelite or proselyte. Increase: this some conceive relates to the fruits of the earth, food, &c., as usury doth to money. But here may rather seem’ to be two words expressing the same thing, (1.) To meet with the subtle evasions of crafty and covetous men, who made gain of their poor brethren by the lending of money or other things; and that they may quiet their consciences, and palliate their sin, they disguise it under other names; and, (2.) To show that all kinds of usury are in this case forbidden, whether of money, or of victuals, or of any thing that is commonly lent by one man to another upon usury, or upon condition of receiving the thing lent with advantage and overplus, as it is said .
Trapp's Commentary on Leviticus 25:36
Leviticus 25:36 Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.Ver. 36. Take thou no usury.] God dispenseth with no usury, but condemns both Neshec the biting, and Tarbith the toothless. In Rome at this day, all usurers are excommunicated monthly. The Jews indeed are permitted to strain up their usury to 18 per cent upon the Christian, for among themselves they nowhere use it, which causeth many of the unconscionable Christians to use these Jews underhandly in improving their unlawful rents to the utmost proportion.
Ellicott's Commentary on Leviticus 25:36
(36) Take thou no usury of him, or increase.—The first thing to be done to the impoverished Israelite is to supply him with the means to recover himself without any interest. The authorities during the second Temple defined the words which are translated “usury” (nesheck) and “increase” (tarbith, or marbith) as follows: If a person lends to another a shekel worth four denarii, and gets in return five denarii, or if he lends him two sacks of wheat, and receives back three, this is usury. If one buys wheat for delivery at the market price of 25 denarii a measure, and when it rises to 30 denarii he says to the vendor, “Deliver me the wheat, for I want to sell it and buy wine,” and the vendor replies,” I will take the wheat at 30 denarii and give thee wine for it,” though he has no wine, this is increase. The “increase” lies in the fact that the vendor has no wine at the time, and that he may possibly lose again by the rise in wine. Accordingly the former is a charge upon money, whilst the latter is on products.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Leviticus 25:36
Verse 36. Take thou no usury of him] Usury, at present, signifies unlawful interest for money. Properly, it means the reward or compensation given for the use of a thing, but is principally spoken of money. For the definition of the original term, See Clarke on Exodus 22:25.
Cambridge Bible on Leviticus 25:36
36. usury … increase] The former was interest on money, the latter on food stuffs and paid in kind. For the important part played by such transactions in Babylonia see Johns, Bab. and Assyr. Laws, ch. 23, p. 253.
Whedon's Commentary on Leviticus 25:36
36. Take no usury — This word in the original signifies interest on money loaned, but in modern English it has come to designate excessive interest, either formally illegal or at least oppressive.
Sermons on Leviticus 25:36
| 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 |
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Commands Concerning the Holy Spirit by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of rejoicing always and praying without ceasing. He shares personal anecdotes about facing challenges, such as having a flat |
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Lend, Expecting Nothing by David Servant | David Servant delves into Jesus' command to 'lend, expecting nothing in return,' emphasizing the importance of lending without expecting repayment, especially to the poor and needy |
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Sketches of Jewish Social Life - Part 3 by Alfred Edersheim | Alfred Edersheim delves into the intricate world of Pharisaism, shedding light on their strict adherence to religious laws and practices, their conspicuous devotions in public spac |
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Preparing the Way of the Lord in Our Church Life by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing that our lives are a loan from God. He encourages Christians to take regular breaks from the busyness of life a |
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Precious in the Sight of God by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of fearing God, illustrating that this reverence is what makes individuals precious in His sight. He highlights Job as a prime example, no |
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Witnesses Against You by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher describes a powerful scene of a blood-washed host, a group of believers who have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus. He emphasizes that these believer |