Bible Discussion Thread

whats usury means

Mary. 'Usury' is an older English word, which today we would refer to as 'interest' (e.g. gaining interest on an investment, or paying interest on a loan). In the biblical usage, 'usury' sometimes had a slightly negative connotation: one of excessive interest. In the Old Testament, the children of Israel who lent out money to another 'brother in the faith', was commanded not to even charge interest (whether in money or kind) on that loan, but to freely lend (see Deuteronomy 23:19,20).

I'm unsure whether that Law is still practised in Jewry, but in Islam (which could be similar to Jewish practise), this teaching is also apparent. However, banks & other lenders somehow obviate this ruling by introducing other conditions. Even when one purchases an item at a store, even though the purchase price tag might be evident, you're not actually paying the price asked, but putting a 'contribution or gift' (Hadiya: Urdu) towards the cost of that item. So, 'usury' & money matters that were strictly enforced in the past, are somehow altered by 'letter but not by spirit', so that the profits still keep coming in.