Interest
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Interest in the Bible?
The Hebrew term neshekh, meaning 'a bite,' and the Greek tokos, meaning 'offspring' or 'that which is produced,' reflect early conceptualizations of interest as a natural yield or a predatory extraction; ancient regulations in Babylon and Egypt established fixed rates, while Israelite law prohibited charging interest to fellow Israelites to prevent economic exploitation within the community.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the linguistic roots and legal restrictions on interest clarifies the ethical distinctions in biblical texts between exploitative lending and permissible economic exchange, revealing how ancient societies balanced financial stability with social welfare.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.