Usury
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Ancient Hebrew law distinguished between loans to foreigners, on which interest was permitted, and loans to fellow Israelites, on which interest was prohibited, serving as a social safety mechanism for the poor. Over time, the term 'usury' evolved in broader legal and economic contexts to specifically denote exorbitant or illegal interest rates.
What is the meaning of Usury in the Bible?
Ancient Hebrew law distinguished between loans to foreigners, on which interest was permitted, and loans to fellow Israelites, on which interest was prohibited, serving as a social safety mechanism for the poor. Over time, the term 'usury' evolved in broader legal and economic contexts to specifically denote exorbitant or illegal interest rates.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the distinction between permissible interest for outsiders and prohibited interest for community members clarifies the biblical emphasis on economic justice and the protection of vulnerable neighbors within the covenant community.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Usury in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Usury clarify?
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Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.