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Leviticus 25:37

Old Testament Law (Torah) ASV (1901)

What does Leviticus 25:37 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Thou shalt not give him thy money upon interest, nor give him thy victuals for increase.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Thou shalt not give him thy money upon interest, nor give him thy victuals for increase.
Leviticus 25:37 — American Standard Version

Context — Leviticus 25

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
34But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.
35And if thy brother be waxed poor, and his hand fail with thee; then thou shalt uphold him: [as] a stranger and a sojourner shall he live with thee.
36Take thou no interest of him or increase, but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.
37Thou shalt not give him thy money upon interest, nor give him thy victuals for increase.
38I am Jehovah your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, [and] to be your God.
39And if thy brother be waxed poor with thee, and sell himself unto thee; thou shalt not make him to serve as a bond-servant.
40As a hired servant, and as a sojourner, he shall be with thee; he shall serve with thee unto the year of jubilee:
← Leviticus 25:36Leviticus 25:38 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, etc.] Lend him money, expecting and insisting upon a large interest for it; this is to be understood of persons in poor and necessitous circumstances, of which the text only speaks; otherwise, if persons borrow money to gain by it, to carry on a greater trade, or to make purchase with it, it is but reasonable that the lender should have a share of profit arising from thence: nor lend him thy victuals for increase; by which it should seem that those two words, used in (<032536>Leviticus 25:36), though in the main they signify the same thing, yet may be distinguished, the one as concerning money, the other food; and which latter is not to be given…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Lend him thy victuals for increase - i. e. supply him with food for thy own profit. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Related study paths

Read Leviticus 25 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification