thinking bible.

You asked

what might 'brother' mean in today's globalized economy, and how does that affect our lending ethics?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Deuteronomy 23:19-20

You shall not lend on interest to your brother: interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest. You may lend on interest to a foreigner; 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 are going in to possess it.

This passage is from the book of Deuteronomy, a collection of Moses' final speeches to the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. It lays out laws for how they are to live as a distinct people, emphasizing community care and justice.

How does defining who counts as 'brother' or 'neighbor' shape our economic responsibilities today?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Leviticus 25:35-37

    This passage similarly prohibits taking interest from fellow Israelites who become poor.

  • Luke 10:29-37

    The parable of the Good Samaritan redefines 'neighbor' beyond ethnic or social boundaries.

  • James 2:15-16

    This challenges believers to show practical care for those in need, not just good wishes.

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