share torah logo

Deuteronomy 23:21 - Interest: stranger yes, brother no?

Deuteronomy 23:21 - דברים 23:21

Hebrew Text

לַנָּכְרִי תַשִּׁיךְ וּלְאָחִיךָ לֹא תַשִּׁיךְ לְמַעַן יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכֹל מִשְׁלַח יָדֶךָ עַל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּה בָא־שָׁמָּה לְרִשְׁתָּהּ׃

English Translation

to a stranger thou mayst give interest; but to thy brother thou shalt not give interest: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thy hand to in the land into which thou goest to possess it.

Transliteration

Lanokhri tashikh ul'akhikha lo tashikh l'maan yevarekhekha Adonai Elohekha b'khol mishlach yadekha al-ha'aretz asher-ata ba-shamah l'rishtah.

Hebrew Leining Text

לַנׇּכְרִ֣י תַשִּׁ֔יךְ וּלְאָחִ֖יךָ לֹ֣א תַשִּׁ֑יךְ לְמַ֨עַן יְבָרֶכְךָ֜ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ בְּכֹל֙ מִשְׁלַ֣ח יָדֶ֔ךָ עַל־הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֥ה בָא־שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃ <span class="mam-spi-samekh">{ס}</span>        
לַנׇּכְרִ֣י תַשִּׁ֔יךְ וּלְאָחִ֖יךָ לֹ֣א תַשִּׁ֑יךְ לְמַ֨עַן יְבָרֶכְךָ֜ יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ בְּכֹל֙ מִשְׁלַ֣ח יָדֶ֔ךָ עַל־הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־אַתָּ֥ה בָא־שָׁ֖מָּה לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃ {ס}        

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Interest (Ribbit) Between Jews

The verse (Devarim 23:21) establishes a fundamental distinction in financial dealings: charging interest (ribbit) is permitted with a nokhri (stranger/foreigner), but strictly forbidden between Jews, referred to as "achicha" (your brother). Rashi explains that "nokhri" here refers specifically to a non-Jew, while "achicha" encompasses all members of the Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchot Malveh v'Loveh 5:1) codifies this as a biblical prohibition, emphasizing its severity.

Rationale for the Prohibition

The Torah provides a reason for this mitzvah: "l'maan yevarechecha Hashem Elokecha" (so that Hashem your God may bless you). The Sforno explains that avoiding ribbit fosters unity and compassion within the Jewish nation, making us worthy of divine blessing. The Kli Yakar adds that interest-free loans demonstrate trust in God's providence rather than exploiting others' financial distress.

Halachic Parameters

  • The prohibition applies to both the lender (malveh) and borrower (loveh) - neither may participate in an interest-bearing loan between Jews (Choshen Mishpat 160:1).
  • Even minimal interest is forbidden - what appears as a "gift" or "favor" connected to a loan may constitute avak ribbit (the "dust" of interest) (Rambam, Hilchot Malveh 4:2).
  • The heter iska (business partnership document) was established by Chazal to permit certain financial arrangements while avoiding ribbit prohibitions.

Spiritual Dimensions

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 572) connects this mitzvah to the ethical foundation of Jewish society. By forbidding exploitation through interest between Jews, the Torah builds an economy based on kindness and mutual responsibility. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 71a) states that one who lends without interest fulfills multiple positive commandments.

Contemporary Application

Modern poskim discuss applications including:

  • Banking transactions between Jewish customers and Jewish-owned banks
  • Investments in Jewish-owned businesses
  • The status of Israeli government bonds

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe, Yoreh Deah 2:63) provides guidance on navigating these complex financial situations while maintaining halachic integrity.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 70b
The verse is discussed in the context of the laws regarding interest (ribbit), specifically the distinction between charging interest to a fellow Jew and to a non-Jew.
📖 Avodah Zarah 20a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the ethical implications of charging interest and the broader principles of financial dealings with non-Jews versus Jews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse mean when it says 'to a stranger you may give interest, but to your brother you shall not give interest'?
A: This verse teaches the Torah's laws about lending money. Jews are forbidden from charging interest (ribbit) when lending to fellow Jews ('your brother'), as it is considered exploitative. However, it is permitted to charge interest when lending to non-Jews ('a stranger'), as the Torah recognizes different economic relationships with outsiders. Rashi explains that this distinction maintains ethical financial practices within the Jewish community.
Q: Why is it important not to charge interest to another Jew?
A: Charging interest to another Jew violates the mitzvah of helping a fellow Jew in need (gemilut chasadim). The Rambam (Hilchot Malveh v'Loveh) emphasizes that lending without interest strengthens unity and compassion among the Jewish people. The Torah promises blessing ('that the Lord your God may bless you') for observing this commandment, showing its spiritual and communal importance.
Q: How does this verse apply to modern Jewish life?
A: Today, Jewish law (halacha) still prohibits charging interest on loans between Jews. Many Jewish communities have established free-loan societies (gemachim) to help fellow Jews financially without interest. The principle reminds us to prioritize kindness and mutual support in financial dealings, as the Talmud (Bava Metzia 75b) discusses detailed laws to avoid even indirect forms of interest between Jews.
Q: What is the blessing mentioned at the end of the verse?
A: The verse concludes with a promise that God will bless 'all that you set your hand to' if you follow these laws. The Sforno explains that this refers to success in all endeavors, as ethical financial behavior brings divine favor. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) connects this blessing to the broader idea that observing mitzvot related to money leads to prosperity in the Land of Israel.