Psalm 15 5

Psalm 15:5 kjv

He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 15:5 nkjv

He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 15:5 niv

who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.

Psalm 15:5 esv

who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 15:5 nlt

Those who lend money without charging interest,
and who cannot be bribed to lie about the innocent.
Such people will stand firm forever.

Psalm 15 verses

Psalm 15 5 Meaning

Psalm 15:5 concludes a list of virtuous characteristics, declaring that the one who exhibits financial and judicial integrity will be steadfastly secure in the presence of God. It highlights that true righteousness involves ethical dealings, specifically avoiding the exploitation of the poor through excessive interest and the corruption of justice through bribery, especially when it harms the innocent. Such a person is stable and spiritually unwavering.

Psalm 15 5 Context

Psalm 15 is a "Torah Psalm," presenting an ethical and moral entrance requirement for drawing near to God. It answers the crucial question posed in verse 1: "O Lord, who shall sojourn in Your tent? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill?" The Psalm then proceeds to list characteristics, primarily moral and ethical ones, describing the kind of person who is welcome in God's sacred presence. The preceding verses (vv. 2-4) lay out various aspects of a blameless life: integrity in word and deed, avoiding slander, doing no evil to a neighbor, not reproaching, despising the vile, honoring the God-fearing, and keeping oaths. Verse 5 culminates this list, specifically focusing on financial ethics and the purity of justice, before proclaiming the unwavering stability granted to those who embody these virtues. Historically, in ancient Israelite society, justice and fair dealing, especially towards the poor and vulnerable, were paramount as they reflected God's own character and covenant demands. Exploitation through usury and corruption through bribery directly contravened the spirit of the Mosaic Law and the principles of the covenant community.

Psalm 15 5 Word analysis

• He who does not put out his money at interest:
  • money: (Hebrew: kesep - כֶּסֶף), meaning silver or money. In the ancient world, silver was a primary form of currency and a measure of wealth.
  • interest: (Hebrew: neshekh - נֶשֶׁךְ), meaning "usury" or a "bite." This term carries a strong connotation of oppressive, predatory lending, especially to the poor. The imagery suggests that such interest "bites" or "gnaws" away at the borrower's substance, debilitating them. The Torah forbade charging interest to fellow Israelites (Ex 22:25, Lev 25:36-37, Deut 23:19-20), particularly when they were in distress, emphasizing communal solidarity over financial gain within the covenant. This prohibition underscored God's compassion for the vulnerable and commanded His people to mirror that compassion.
• and does not take a bribe:
  • take: (Hebrew: laqach - לָקַח), simply "to take" or "receive."
  • bribe: (Hebrew: shochad - שֹׁחַד), referring to a gift or payment given to influence someone unfairly, especially in a judicial or authoritative capacity, to pervert justice.
  • significance: This practice was repeatedly condemned in the Torah and Prophets (Ex 23:8, Deut 16:19, Isa 1:23, Mic 3:11) because it fundamentally undermined the rule of law and truth, making the innocent suffer and allowing the guilty to escape punishment. It represents a deep corruption of ethical order.
• against the innocent:
  • innocent: (Hebrew: naqi - נָקִי), meaning "clean," "guiltless," or "blameless."
  • significance: Emphasizes the severe ethical breach. Taking a bribe in general is evil, but doing so specifically against the innocent multiplies the offense, causing harm to those who are blameless and perverting the very foundation of justice that should protect them.
• He who does these things:
  • This phrase serves as a summary, reiterating and confirming the adherence to all the ethical stipulations listed in Psalm 15 (vv. 2-5a). It means that it is not enough to possess just one or two of these qualities, but a consistent practice of all of them that marks the righteous individual.
• will never be moved:
  • moved: (Hebrew: mot - מוֹט), "to totter," "shake," "stumble," or "fall." It denotes instability or being dislodged from one's position.
  • never be moved: (Hebrew: lo' yimmōṭ lə'ōlām - לֹא יִמּוֹט לְעוֹלָם), a strong double negative that emphasizes enduring stability, permanence, and security "forever."
  • significance: This is the divine promise and the ultimate blessing. It signifies spiritual steadfastness, a firm and secure foundation in their relationship with God, and divine protection from ultimate downfall. It does not promise a life free of trials or hardship, but rather an unshakeable inner stability and an enduring place within God's covenant favor and presence, akin to building a house upon an unmoving rock.

Psalm 15 5 Bonus section

The qualities listed in Psalm 15, and specifically summarized in verse 5, serve as a mirror reflecting the character of God Himself, who is just, truthful, and unwavering. The psalm suggests that dwelling in God's presence requires embodying these divine attributes. The promise "will never be moved" implies more than mere earthly security; it speaks to an eternal security and a lasting inheritance in God's kingdom, resonating with the New Testament concept of being established in Christ and partaking in His unshakeable kingdom. This verse, therefore, bridges ethical behavior with eschatological assurance, linking righteous living in the present with permanent blessedness.

Psalm 15 5 Commentary

Psalm 15:5 succinctly captures critical ethical principles demanded of those who would draw near to God. The prohibitions against lending at interest (usury) to a fellow Israelite and taking bribes against the innocent speak to core values of justice, compassion, and communal solidarity that permeated the Law. The proscription on usury reflected an ethic of care, especially for the poor who borrowed out of necessity rather than for investment; exploiting their need was an act of unkindness contrary to covenant love. Similarly, condemning bribes, particularly against the innocent, underscored the absolute necessity of an uncorrupted justice system where truth and equity prevail, reflecting God's own perfect righteousness and impartiality. This verse illustrates that true spiritual access and blessing are not found merely in ritual adherence, but are intrinsically linked to one's conduct in the marketplace and the courts—areas of daily life where character is truly tested. The culminating promise, "He who does these things will never be moved," signifies an unshakable security and divine stability. This is not a physical invincibility but a profound spiritual steadfastness and an assured dwelling in God's enduring favor, implying a secure identity and an unassailable relationship with the Almighty amidst any worldly circumstances.