Deuteronomy 23:20to a foreigner you may lend on interest; but to your brother you shall not lend on interest, that Yahweh your God may bless you in all that you put your hand to, in the land where you go in to possess it.
The setting
Plains of Moab, ~1406 BC. Moses delivering final laws before Israel enters Canaan, modern-day Jordan/Israel border...
The emotion here: urgent responsibility as final lawgiver before death
The original word
nākhərî (נָכְרִי) — foreigner, stranger, one outside the covenant community
Why it matters
Ancient Near Eastern lending rates were often 20-50% annually, creating permanent debt slavery
Read with care
What most readers miss in Deuteronomy 23:20
This created a competitive economic advantage for Israel's internal economy
Common misconceptionPeople think this prohibits all business loans. It only applied to fellow Israelites in need, not commercial ventures or foreigners.
The thread continues
Verses that echo Deuteronomy 23:20
Bible Genome reading
Deuteronomy 23:20 — Bible Genome reading
Emotional genome
Deuteronomy 23:20 comes from the book of Deuteronomy, written during the exodus period. These words are attributed to God. The dominant emotion in this verse is deciding, with a comfort power of 50% and a tone that is commanding. It belongs to the law genre of biblical literature. Key themes include blessing, economic ethics, covenant community. Notable phrases: to your brother you shall not; that Yahweh your God may bless. This verse contains a promise of God. This verse contains a command.
Emotionally similar
Verses that meet the same deciding
“"You shall have no other gods before me.”
— Deuteronomy 5:7
“"You shall not murder.”
— Exodus 20:13
“Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
— Matthew 23:12
“For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
— 2 Timothy 1:7
“But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"”
— Acts 3:6
Your reflection
What does Deuteronomy 23:20 mean to you, today?
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