19 Do not charge a fellow Israelite interest, whether on money or food or anything else that may earn interest.

Other Translations of Deuteronomy 23:19

King James Version

19 Thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother; usury of money, usury of victuals, usury of any thing that is lent upon usury:

English Standard Version

19 "You shall not charge interest on loans to your brother, interest on money, interest on food, interest on anything that is lent for interest

The Message

19 Don't charge interest to your kinsmen on any loan: not for money or food or clothing or anything else that could earn interest

New King James Version

19 "You shall not charge interest to your brother--interest on money or food or anything that is lent out at interest

New Living Translation

19 "Do not charge interest on the loans you make to a fellow Israelite, whether you loan money, or food, or anything else.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:19

Commentary on Deuteronomy 23:15-25

(Read Deuteronomy 23:15-25)

It is honourable to shelter and protect the weak, provided they are not wicked. Proselytes and converts to the truth, should be treated with particular tenderness, that they may have no temptation to return to the world. We cannot honour God with our substance, unless it be honestly and honourably come by. It must not only be considered what we give, but how we got it. Where the borrower gets, or hopes to get, it is just that the lender should share the gain; but to him that borrows for necessary food, pity must be showed. That which is gone out of thy lips, as a solemn and deliberate vow, must not be recalled, but thou shalt keep and perform it punctually and fully. They were allowed to pluck and eat of the corn or grapes that grew by the road side; only they must not carry any away. This law intimated what great plenty of corn and wine they should have in Canaan. It provided for the support of poor travellers, and teaches us to be kind to such, teaches us to be ready to distribute, and not to think every thing lost that is given away. Yet it forbids us to abuse the kindness of friends, or to take advantage of what is allowed. Faithfulness to their engagements should mark the people of God; and they should never encroach upon others.