Catholic Public Domain Version
Deuteronomy 23:20
“but only to a foreigner. For you shall lend to your brother whatever he needs without interest, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all your works in the land, which you shall enter so as to possess it.”
Verse Explanation
A saved explanation for Deuteronomy 23:20.
Plain-language explanation
Deuteronomy 23:20 makes a practical rule for lending money. Israel should not charge interest when lending to a fellow Israelite (“your brother”)—their goal is to help the person in need. But the verse also notes a different approach regarding “a foreigner,” where the law allows lending with interest. The main purpose given is that God will bless Israel’s work in the land as they live in obedience.
Catholic context
Many Catholics read this verse as part of God’s guidance for just and merciful treatment, especially toward people within the covenant community. It’s often connected to Jesus’ teaching to love one another and to avoid exploiting someone’s vulnerability. At the same time, Catholic moral reflection recognizes that lending and economic life include real-world questions (who is being helped, fairness, and the avoidance of unjust gain).
Historical background
In ancient Israel, debts could become a serious burden. Charging interest to someone already struggling could quickly make a difficult situation worse. This law aims to protect the needy within Israel and to encourage a spirit of solidarity, not profit from another person’s hardship, while making distinctions in how the community interacted with outsiders (“a foreigner”).
Reflection
This verse invites us to ask: when someone is genuinely struggling, do I treat them as a neighbor to help—or do I look for ways to benefit from their weakness? The verse links generosity to spiritual fruit: living justly and mercifully is meant to open God’s blessing over one’s work and life.
Practical takeaway
If you lend money or support someone in need: (1) consider whether interest or fees would make hardship heavier; (2) ask how you can help in a way that’s fair and compassionate; (3) if lending isn’t ideal, look for alternatives (grants, payment plans without extra burden, or other assistance).
Prayer
Lord God, help me to be generous and just in my dealings with others. When someone comes to me in need, teach me to respond with mercy rather than advantage. Bless my work and guide me to live in faithfulness to you. Amen.