You asked

what are the modern equivalents of 'interest' and 'profit' that exacerbate poverty?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Exodus 22:25

““If you lend money to any of my people who is poor among you, you shall not be to him as a creditor. You shall not charge him interest.”

This verse is part of a collection of laws (often called the 'Book of the Covenant') given by God to Moses shortly after the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. These laws govern many aspects of life for the newly freed Israelites, laying down principles for justice, community, and economic fairness, particularly concerning the vulnerable.

What systems or practices today, even if not explicitly called 'interest,' disproportionately burden those with the least resources?

Then — the setting

This law, originating around the 13th-15th century BCE in the wilderness, was given to the nascent nation of Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It aimed to establish a society distinct from surrounding cultures, many of which had complex and often harsh debt laws, including debt slavery. This prohibition on charging interest to the poor (often 'usury' in older translations, which historically meant any interest, not just excessive interest) was a radical provision designed to protect the most vulnerable members of the community and prevent cycles of poverty that could lead to destitution and loss of land. It reflects an economic ideal rooted in mutual support within the covenant community.

Across the Testaments

The Old Testament, particularly the Law and Prophets, consistently condemns the oppression of the poor and vulnerable, often highlighting economic exploitation through interest or unfair practices (e.g., Amos 2:6-7, Ezekiel 18:5-13). This concern for economic justice and the protection of the poor carries into the New Testament. While Jesus doesn't directly address interest rates, his teachings on wealth, generosity, and loving one's neighbor (e.g., the parable of the rich fool, Luke 12:13-21; the call to sell possessions and give to the poor, Matthew 19:21; his critique of those who devour widows' houses, Mark 12:40) reflect the same underlying ethic of compassion and a rejection of systems that enrich some at the expense of others. The early Christian community in Acts 4:32-35, where believers shared resources so 'there was not a needy person among them,' embodies a radical extension of this principle, moving beyond merely prohibiting exploitation to actively fostering economic equity.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Leviticus 25:35-37
Further reinforces the prohibition against charging interest to fellow Israelites, especially the poor, advocating for support rather than exploitation.
Deuteronomy 23:19-20
Distinguishes between lending to a fellow Israelite (no interest) and lending to a foreigner (interest permitted), highlighting the internal community ethic.
Nehemiah 5:1-12
Illustrates a situation where high interest rates led to severe poverty and debt bondage among the returning exiles, prompting Nehemiah to demand reforms.

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