Deuteronomy 23:19-20

Deuteronomy 23:19-20

[19] Thou shalt not lend upon usury  to thy brother;  usury  of money,  usury  of victuals,  usury  of any thing  that is lent upon usury:  [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.

What does Deuteronomy 23:19-20 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The Israelites could charge interest when they made loans to non-Israelites, but they were not to charge their brethren interest ( Deuteronomy 23:19-20; cf. Exodus 22:25; Leviticus 25:35-37).
". . . the evidence shows that ancient rates of interest were exorbitant." [1]
God"s people should be especially gracious with their needy brethren (cf. Galatians 6:10).