Examining the Biblical Perspective on Usury and Interest

In a recent reflection, the author explores the historical and biblical understanding of usury, arguing that the church has largely overlooked this practice despite its prominence in early Christian teaching. Drawing on passages such as John 17:15–18 and Romans 12:1–2, the author encourages believers to critically evaluate how secular economic assumptions may influence their understanding of sin, urging a return to a more traditional interpretation of Scripture.

The author contends that while modern society defines usury narrowly as the charging of excessive interest, the biblical and early church understanding encompassed any practice of charging interest on loans. Citing the Hebrew term 'neshekh' and the Latin 'usura,' the text suggests that the practice of using money to generate more money was historically viewed as a moral failing. The author notes that while modern economic systems, as described by Adam Smith, rely on interest for market functionality, this shift in practice does not negate the consistent prohibitions found throughout the Old Testament, including in Deuteronomy 23:19.