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Bible >Deuteronomy >Chapter 23 > Verse 20

◄ Deuteronomy 23:20►

New International Version
You may charge a foreigner interest, but not a fellow Israelite, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything you put your hand to in the land you are entering to possess.

New Living Translation
You may charge interest to foreigners, but you may not charge interest to Israelites, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything you do in the land you are about to enter and occupy.

English Standard Version
You may charge a foreigner interest, but you may not charge your brother interest, that the LORD your God may bless you in all that you undertake in the land that you are entering to take possession of it.

Berean Standard Bible
You may charge a foreigner interest, but not your brother, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land that you are entering to possess.

King James Bible
Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

New King James Version
To a foreigner you may charge interest, but to your brother you shall not charge interest, that the LORD your God may bless you in all to which you set your hand in the land which you are entering to possess.

New American Standard Bible
You may charge interest to a foreigner, but to your countrymen you shall not charge interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all that you undertake in the land which you are about to enter to possess.

NASB 1995
“You may charge interest to a foreigner, but to your countrymen you shall not charge interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all that you undertake in the land which you are about to enter to possess.

NASB 1977
“You may charge interest to a foreigner, but to your countryman you shall not charge interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all that you undertake in the land which you are about to enter to possess.

Legacy Standard Bible
You may charge interest to a foreigner, but to your brother you shall not charge interest, so that Yahweh your God may bless you in all that you send forth your handto do in the land which you are about to enter to possess.

Amplified Bible
You may charge interest to a foreigner, but to your fellow Israelite you shall not charge interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all that you undertake in the land which you are about to enter to possess.

Christian Standard Bible
You may charge a foreigner interest, but you must not charge your brother Israelite interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything you do in the land you are entering to possess.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You may charge a foreigner interest, but you must not charge your brother interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything you do in the land you are entering to possess.”

American Standard Version
Unto a foreigner thou mayest lend upon interest; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon interest, that Jehovah thy God may bless thee in all that thou puttest thy hand unto, in the land whither thou goest in to possess it.

Contemporary English Version
You can charge a foreigner interest. But if you charge other Israelites interest, the LORD your God will not let you be successful in the land you are about to take.

English Revised Version
unto a foreigner thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou puttest thine hand unto, in the land whither thou goest in to possess it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
You may charge a foreigner interest, but not an Israelite. Then the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do once you've entered the land and taken possession of it.

Good News Translation
You may charge interest on what you lend to foreigners, but not on what you lend to Israelites. Obey this rule, and the LORD your God will bless everything you do in the land that you are going to occupy.

International Standard Version
You may charge interest to a foreigner, but don't charge interest to your relatives, so the LORD your God may bless you in everything you undertake in the land that you are about to enter and possess.

NET Bible
You may lend with interest to a foreigner, but not to your fellow Israelite; if you keep this command the LORD your God will bless you in all you undertake in the land you are about to enter to possess.

New Heart English Bible
to a foreigner you may lend on interest; but to your brother you shall not lend on interest, that the LORD your God may bless you in all that you put your hand to, in the land where you go in to possess it.

Webster's Bible Translation
To a stranger thou mayest lend upon interest; but to thy brother thou shalt not lend upon interest; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thy hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
You may charge a foreigner interest, but not your brother, so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land that you are entering to possess.

World English Bible
You may charge a foreigner interest; but you shall not charge your brother interest, that Yahweh your God may bless you in all that you put your hand to, in the land where you go in to possess it.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
You may lend in usury to a stranger, but you do not lend in usury to your brother, so that your God YHWH blesses you in every putting forth of your hand on the land to where you go in to possess it.

Young's Literal Translation
To a stranger thou mayest lend in usury, and to thy brother thou dost not lend in usury, so that Jehovah thy God doth bless thee in every putting forth of thy hand on the land whither thou goest in to possess it.

Smith's Literal Translation
To a foreigner thou shalt lend on interest; and to thy brother thou shalt not lend on interest: so that Jehovah thy God shall bless thee in all the stretching forth of thy hand upon the land which thou goest there to possess it.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But to the stranger. To thy brother thou shalt lend that which he wanteth, without usury: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all thy works in the land, which thou shalt go in to possess.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
From a foreigner you may demand interest, but you may not demand interest from your kindred, so that the LORD, your God, may bless you in all your undertakings on the land you are to enter and possess.

New Revised Standard Version
On loans to a foreigner you may charge interest, but on loans to another Israelite you may not charge interest, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all your undertakings in the land that you are about to enter and possess.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
To a foreigner you may lend with interest; but to your brother you shall not lend with interest, that the LORD your God may bless you in all that you set your hand to in the land which you shall go in to possess.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Make gain on a foreigner, but you shall not make gain on your brother, that LORD JEHOVAH your God may bless you in everything to which you reach your hand in the land you enter to inherit.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Unto a foreigner thou mayest lend upon interest; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon interest; that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou puttest thy hand unto, in the land whither thou goest in to possess it.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Thou mayest lend on usury to a stranger, but to thy brother thou shalt not lend on usury; that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all thy works upon the land, into which thou art entering to inherit it.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Miscellaneous Laws
…19Do not charge your brother interest on money, food, or any other type of loan.20You may charge a foreigner interest,but not your brother,so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand in the land that you are entering to possess.21If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not be slow to keep it, because He will surely require it of you, and you will be guilty of sin.…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Exodus 22:25
If you lend money to one of My people among you who is poor, you must not act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest.

Leviticus 25:35-37
Now if your countryman becomes destitute and cannot support himself among you, then you are to help him as you would a foreigner or stranger, so that he can continue to live among you. / Do not take any interest or profit from him, but fear your God, that your countryman may live among you. / You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit.

Nehemiah 5:7-10
and after serious thought I rebuked the nobles and officials, saying, “You are exacting usury from your own brothers!” So I called a large assembly against them / and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers, that they may be sold back to us!” But they remained silent, for they could find nothing to say. / So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies? ...

Psalm 15:5
who lends his money without interest and refuses a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.

Proverbs 28:8
He who increases his wealth by interest and usury lays it up for one who is kind to the poor.

Ezekiel 18:8
He does not engage in usury or take excess interest, but he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between men.

Ezekiel 18:13
He engages in usury and takes excess interest. Will this son live? He will not! Since he has committed all these abominations, he will surely die; his blood will be on his own head.

Ezekiel 18:17
He withholds his hand from harming the poor and takes no interest or usury. He keeps My ordinances and follows My statutes. Such a man will not die for his father’s iniquity. He will surely live.

Matthew 5:42
Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Luke 6:34-35
And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. / But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Luke 19:23
Why then did you not deposit my money in the bank, and upon my return I could have collected it with interest?’

Romans 13:8
Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

1 Corinthians 6:10
nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

2 Corinthians 8:13-14
It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality. / At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. This way there will be equality.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. / Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Treasury of Scripture

To a stranger you may lend on usury; but to your brother you shall not lend on usury: that the LORD your God may bless you in all that you set your hand to in the land where you go to possess it.

a stranger

Deuteronomy 14:21
Ye shall not eatof any thing that dieth of itself: thou shalt give it unto the stranger thatis in thy gates, that he may eat it; or thou mayest sell it unto an alien: for thouart an holy people unto the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

Deuteronomy 15:3
Of a foreigner thou mayest exactit again: butthat which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;

Leviticus 19:33,34
And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him…

that the

Deuteronomy 15:10
Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto.

Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Isaiah 1:19
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:

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Deuteronomy 23

1.Who may or may not enter into the congregation
9.Uncleanness is to be avoided in the host
15.Of the fugitive servant
17.Of filthiness
18.Of abominable sacrifices
19.Of usury
20.Of vows
24.Of trespass

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

You may charge a foreigner interest
In ancient Israel, the distinction between Israelites and foreigners was significant in economic transactions. Charging interest to foreigners was permissible, reflecting the different covenantal relationships. Foreigners were not part of the covenant community, and thus, the economic laws applied differently. This practice was common in the ancient Near East, where lending to foreigners often involved commercial ventures. The allowance to charge interest to foreigners highlights the economic realities of trade and commerce in a diverse and interconnected world.

but not your brother
The term "brother" refers to fellow Israelites, emphasizing the familial and covenantal bond among God's people. This prohibition against charging interest to fellow Israelites underscores the principle of mutual support and compassion within the community. It reflects the broader biblical theme of caring for one another, as seen in passages likeLeviticus 25:35-37, which calls for helping a brother in need without seeking profit. This principle is rooted in the understanding that all Israelites are part of God's chosen people, bound by His laws and promises.

so that the LORD your God may bless you
The promise of divine blessing is contingent upon obedience to God's commandments. This reflects the covenantal relationship between God and Israel, where blessings are often linked to faithfulness and adherence to His laws. The idea of blessing is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy, emphasizing that God's favor is a result of living according to His will. This principle is echoed in the New Testament, where obedience and faith are seen as pathways to spiritual blessings (e.g.,James 1:25).

in everything to which you put your hand
This phrase suggests comprehensive prosperity and success in all endeavors. It implies that God's blessing extends to all aspects of life, including agriculture, trade, and personal relationships. The holistic nature of God's blessing is a reminder of His sovereignty and provision. This concept is mirrored inPsalm 1:3, where the righteous are described as prospering in whatever they do, highlighting the connection between obedience and divine favor.

in the land that you are entering to possess
The land of Canaan was central to God's promises to Israel, representing both a physical inheritance and a spiritual reality. The Israelites' possession of the land was contingent upon their faithfulness to God's commandments. This phrase underscores the importance of the land as a gift from God, a place where His people could live out their covenantal relationship with Him. The land is a type of the ultimate rest and inheritance promised to believers, as seen inHebrews 4:8-10, where the rest in Canaan foreshadows the eternal rest in Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1.Israelites
The primary audience of Deuteronomy, the Israelites are God's chosen people, receiving laws and instructions as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

2.Foreigners
Non-Israelites living among or interacting with the Israelites. They are subject to different regulations compared to the Israelites themselves.

3.Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which God promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Israelites are on the verge of entering and possessing this land.

4.Moses
The leader and prophet who delivers God's laws and instructions to the Israelites in Deuteronomy.

5.The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who provides laws and promises blessings for obedience.

Teaching Points

Principle of Brotherhood
The command to not charge interest to a fellow Israelite underscores the importance of treating fellow believers as family, fostering a community of support and care.

Economic Justice
This law promotes fairness and prevents exploitation within the community, ensuring that those in need are not further burdened by debt.

Blessings of Obedience
The promise of God's blessing for obedience serves as a reminder that following God's commands leads to prosperity and success in the land.

Distinction in Relationships
The allowance to charge interest to foreigners highlights the different expectations and relationships between the covenant community and outsiders.

Generosity and Trust in God
By not charging interest, Israelites are encouraged to trust in God's provision and blessings rather than relying on financial gain from their brethren.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 23:20?

2.How does Deuteronomy 23:20 guide us in lending practices among fellow believers?

3.Why does Deuteronomy 23:20 differentiate between Israelites and foreigners regarding interest?

4.What New Testament teachings align with Deuteronomy 23:20's principles on lending?

5.How can we apply Deuteronomy 23:20 in modern financial dealings with Christians?

6.What does "so that the LORD your God may bless you" imply?

7.Why does Deuteronomy 23:20 permit charging interest to foreigners but not fellow Israelites?

8.How does Deuteronomy 23:20 align with the concept of loving your neighbor?

9.What historical context influenced the command in Deuteronomy 23:20?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 23?

11.Psalm 15:5 forbids charging interest; how does this align with other Old Testament passages that allow interest to foreigners (e.g., Deuteronomy 23:20)?

12.Deuteronomy 23:19-20 - Why is lending at interest allowed for foreigners but forbidden for fellow Israelites, and does this imply national favoritism?

13.Does Isaiah 56:3-5 contradict Deuteronomy 23:1 by allowing eunuchs into God's congregation?

14.Numbers 15:15-16: How does one law for both Israelites and foreigners reconcile with other passages that treat outsiders differently?

What Does Deuteronomy 23:20 Mean

You may charge a foreigner interest

• The verse begins by permitting Israel to add interest when lending to outsiders. This is a straightforward allowance, not a loophole. God distinguishes between commercial dealings with nations that do not share the covenant and family-style care inside the covenant.

• Foreigners were welcome to trade (Deuteronomy 14:21), but they were not part of the household of faith. Business with them operated under ordinary market practice—interest was acceptable, much like Paul later assumed normal commerce with unbelievers in1 Corinthians 5:12.

• The principle is protective, not predatory. Israel was never authorized to exploit foreigners; justice for the stranger is repeatedly commanded (Exodus 22:21;Leviticus 19:33-34). Yet the distinct status of covenant and non-covenant people meant lending rules differed, as echoed again inDeuteronomy 15:3.

but not your brother

• “Brother” points to any fellow Israelite. Within God’s family, loans were to be interest-free (Exodus 22:25;Leviticus 25:35-37). This preserved dignity and prevented cycles of poverty.

• The expectation was generosity that mirrors God’s own grace (Luke 6:34-35 reflects the same heartbeat).

• Nehemiah rebuked leaders who ignored this statute and burdened fellow Jews with interest (Nehemiah 5:7-11); revival began when they repented.

• The contrast to the previous clause is intentional: family care is sacrificial, commerce with outsiders is ordinary. Both situations remain under God’s moral eye.

so that the LORD your God may bless you in everything to which you put your hand

• Obedience to this financial boundary invited comprehensive blessing—“everything” echoes covenant promises inDeuteronomy 28:1-14.

• Blessing here is not a mechanical prosperity plan but a relational outcome: honoring God’s social order triggers His favor (Psalm 1:1-3;Malachi 3:10).

• The verse ties spiritual faithfulness to everyday work—fields, flocks, trades. When Israel refused to squeeze brothers for profit, God pledged to multiply their efforts (Proverbs 11:24-25).

in the land that you are entering to possess

• The command anticipates Israel’s settled life in Canaan, where wealth and opportunity could tempt them to forget the giver (Deuteronomy 8:11-18).

• Land possession was gift, not entitlement; therefore economic practice had to reflect covenant mercy.

• This land clause grounds the statute in real soil and borders, yet the principle travels. Wherever God’s people dwell, they model a kingdom ethic that values community over gain (Acts 2:44-45 shows the early church living the same spirit).

•Joshua 1:3 reminds Israel that the land was God’s, and they were stewards. An interest-free loan to a brother was one way to steward the inheritance faithfully.

summary

Deuteronomy 23:20 sets two clear lanes: interest may be charged to outsiders, never to covenant kin. By drawing that line, God shields family members from exploitation, cultivates generosity, and promises to reward such obedience with broad blessing in the promised land. The verse calls believers today to handle money in a way that protects the household of faith and showcases the kindness of the King we represent.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

You may charge a foreigner
לַנָּכְרִ֣י(lan·nā·ḵə·rî)
Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 5237:Foreign, alien

interest,
תַשִּׁ֔יךְ(ṯaš·šîḵ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5391:To strike with a, sting, to oppress with usury

but not
לֹ֣א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

your brother,
וּלְאָחִ֖יךָ(ū·lə·’ā·ḥî·ḵā)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 251:A brother, )

so that
לְמַ֨עַן(lə·ma·‘an)
Conjunction
Strong's 4616:Purpose -- intent

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

your God
אֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

may bless you
יְבָרֶכְךָ֜(yə·ḇā·reḵ·ḵā)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | second person masculine singular
Strong's 1288:To kneel, to bless God, man, to curse

in everything
בְּכֹל֙(bə·ḵōl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every

to which you put
מִשְׁלַ֣ח(miš·laḥ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4916:A sending out, presentation, seizure

your hand
יָדֶ֔ךָ(yā·ḏe·ḵā)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3027:A hand

in
עַל־(‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

the land
הָאָ֕רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land

you
אַתָּ֥ה(’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and you

are entering
בָא־(ḇā-)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, go

to possess.
לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ׃(lə·riš·tāh)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3423:To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin

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OT Law: Deuteronomy 23:20 To a foreigner you may lend (Deut. De Du)