Passage

Leviticus 25:35-38

How must a person respond when a neighbor becomes destitute?

Berean Standard Bible

35 Now 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. 36 Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. 37 You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit. 38 I 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.

What is the context?

The command is to help a countryman who can no longer support himself so that he can continue living among the people. Money and food must not be lent to him for interest or profit. Fear of God is placed directly against using another person’s desperate need for gain.

The Lord again grounds the duty in bringing Israel out of Egypt and giving them the land. Deliverance is meant to shape lending and support within the community, not merely its worship ceremonies.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley treats the prohibition as binding in loans made to relieve need, while distinguishing investment or trade where a lender shares profit. The USCCB notes discuss the different forms of interest named. The text’s immediate case is help for the destitute; applying it to every kind of modern contract requires further argument.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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