Monthly Question Page
Q. How is the word “usury” used in the Bible?
A. The word “usury” in Scripture has a slightly different meaning than the context in which we use it today. Webster’s Dictionary defines it as, “the practice of lending money at a rate of interest that is excessive or unlawfully high.” However, it seems in the Bible it is more just the thought of “interest” not the rate, be it low or high.
In the Old Testament, under the law, they were only allowed to extract usury from a stranger, not one of their own brethren. “Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury: unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury” (Deuteronomy 23:19-20).
In the New Testament we only have it mentioned in connection with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:27, and Luke 19:23. The men who were entrusted with responsibility in the absence of the Master, were required to give an account on His return, as to whether they had used what was entrusted to them wisely or not.
We will continue with this question next month.
