Definition: Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Deuteronomy 23:19. It’s a really important verse about fairness and respect in our relationships with each other. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse basically says don’t lend money to your brother or anyone else at a high interest rate. It’s a strong warning against taking advantage of others for profit. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Thou shalt not lend…” : This is a command, a rule. It means you must not do this. “…upon usury…” : “Usury” is a fancy word that means lending money with an interest. It's like borrowing money and charging more for it than you pay back. “…to thy brother…” : This refers to your sibling, meaning a family member. “…of money…” : You can’t lend money for goods or services. It’s about money itself. “…of victuals…” : This is a bit more complicated. "Victuals" means food and drink. So, it's not lending money for food or drinks – that would be unfair! “…of any thing that is lent upon usury:” This means any kind of loan – whether it’s money, food, or anything else – where the interest rate is too high. What does this mean practically? It's a message about honesty, respect, and fairness. It suggests: Don't take advantage: You shouldn't be making money off of others by charging them more than they earn back. Be fair: Treating everyone equally is important. Respect boundaries: Lending money should be a relationship, not an exploitative situation. Why was this verse given? The Bible says that God is very concerned about justice and righteousness. This verse highlights the seriousness of lending money without regard for who it’s owed to. It’s part of a larger message about how we are called to treat each other with respect and integrity. In short, Deuteronomy 23:19 is a reminder to be honest and fair in our dealings with others – especially when it comes to money. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give some examples of what this verse could mean in a real-life situation?