Exodus 22:24 kjv

And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

Exodus 22:24 nkjv

and My wrath will become hot, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

Exodus 22:24 niv

My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.

Exodus 22:24 esv

and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.

Exodus 22:24 nlt

My anger will blaze against you, and I will kill you with the sword. Then your wives will be widows and your children fatherless.

Exodus 22 verses

Exodus 22 24 Meaning

Exodus 22:24 establishes a fundamental principle of economic justice within God's covenant community: Israelites are forbidden from exploiting their poor fellow citizens by charging interest on loans. This command emphasizes compassion and prohibits predatory lending practices against those in vulnerable financial situations. It reflects God’s own character as one who cares deeply for the afflicted and commands His people to extend similar kindness and justice, preventing the systemic impoverishment of the needy through debt.

Exodus 22 24 Context

Exodus 22:24 is part of the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 20:22–23:33), which provides detailed laws expanding upon the foundational Ten Commandments. Following regulations about capital offenses and personal injury, this section addresses social and ethical responsibilities concerning vulnerable members of society. Chapter 22 specifically includes directives about protecting property, respecting authorities, and treating the needy, foreigners, widows, and orphans with justice. Historically, ancient Near Eastern societies commonly practiced interest-bearing loans, sometimes with very high rates. However, these laws uniquely set Israel apart by forbidding the exploitation of its poor citizens. This divine directive ensured a form of social safety net and justice within the community, aiming to prevent destitution and maintain social equity among God's chosen people. It demonstrates that economic dealings were not merely secular but held profound spiritual and moral implications, reflecting God's character and His desire for a just society.

Exodus 22 24 Word analysis

• If you lend money: This conditional phrase implies that lending is a permissible and often necessary act within a community, but the specific conduct and expectations related to such lending are what come under divine regulation.

• to any of my people: This immediately defines the specific scope of the law: it applies to transactions within the covenant community, among fellow Israelites. This highlights a distinct communal and familial responsibility.

• with you who is poor: This further specifies the beneficiaries of this protective law. The Hebrew word עָנִי (ani) denotes someone who is afflicted, humble, or severely needy—indicating a state of genuine vulnerability and economic distress, not merely a temporary lack.

• you shall not be to him as a moneylender: The Hebrew term for "moneylender" here, נֹשֶׁה (noshe), carries the strong connotation of an oppressive or exacting creditor who presses harshly for payment. This clause forbids adopting an exploitative stance or commercial attitude when dealing with a needy fellow Israelite.

• and you shall not exact interest from him: This directly prohibits charging any "interest" or "usury." The Hebrew word נֶשֶׁךְ (neshek) literally means "a bite," powerfully illustrating the way interest metaphorically gnaws away at or consumes the already limited resources of the poor. This explicitly bans any form of profit derived from a benevolent loan to the poor.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "lend money to any of my people with you who is poor": This segment precisely delineates the target demographic for the prohibition. It underscores that the law is specifically designed for acts of benevolence and support to the most vulnerable within the community, emphasizing that poverty does not negate one's dignity or divine protection.
  • "you shall not be to him as a moneylender, and you shall not exact interest from him": These two interconnected clauses create a strong prohibition. The first clause targets the behavior and attitude of a predatory creditor, while the second directly forbids the practice of charging interest. Together, they form a robust, divinely ordained safeguard against financial exploitation, rooted in a higher ethic of care and compassion for the needy.

Exodus 22 24 Bonus section

The profound theological significance of Exodus 22:24 lies in God identifying Himself with the oppressed ("my people who is poor") and commanding His covenant partners to reflect His character in their dealings. This divine solidarity with the poor provides the ethical framework for Israel's conduct. This specific law anticipates New Testament teachings that emphasize radical generosity, selfless love, and active care for the needy within the body of Christ, often exceeding the Old Testament standard by encouraging generosity even without expectation of repayment from anyone (Lk 6:35). The underlying principle is to ensure that those who are struggling do not fall deeper into poverty due to their reliance on aid, preserving their dignity and preventing economic disenfranchisement within the Lord’s own flock. This commitment to socio-economic justice is intricately woven throughout the entire fabric of Scripture, affirming God's desire for a compassionate and just society among His people.

Exodus 22 24 Commentary

Exodus 22:24 is a cornerstone of biblical social ethics, revealing God's profound concern for the economically vulnerable within His people. It directly challenges the prevailing financial norms of the ancient world where interest-bearing loans were common and often exploitative. By prohibiting interest from "my people who is poor," God establishes a distinctive moral standard for Israel. This was not a general ban on all interest, but a specific directive rooted in compassion for those in genuine need. Charging interest to the poor would only exacerbate their suffering, potentially trapping them in perpetual debt, leading to their further impoverishment or even servitude, undermining the very communal solidarity and equity God sought to establish.

The law implicitly understands that a loan to the poor is fundamentally an act of charity and support, functioning as a safety net, rather than a commercial investment for personal profit. To gain from another's misfortune or desperate necessity was an abomination to God. This principle fosters a community where individuals genuinely bear one another's burdens (Gal 6:2), embodying a selfless love that mirrors God’s gracious provision for His people. It’s a profound call to reflect God’s character of justice and generosity in daily economic practices, prioritizing human well-being and communal welfare over individual financial gain.

Examples:

• A farmer who experiences an exceptionally good harvest might loan a portion of his surplus grain to a struggling neighbor for seed, with the understanding that the same amount of grain will be repaid at the next harvest, not more.
• During a lean season, a skilled weaver lends thread to a less fortunate fellow weaver to continue working, expecting only the equivalent amount of thread to be returned, without additional charges.
• A prosperous merchant, encountering a needy family facing a medical crisis, provides a monetary loan to cover costs, firmly refusing any additional amount beyond the original sum to be repaid.