The sum paid for the use of money, hence interest; not, as in the modern sense, exorbitant interest. The Jews were forbidden to exact usury ( Leviticus 25:36,37 ), only, however, in their dealings with each other ( Deuteronomy 23:19,20 ). The violation of this law was viewed as a great crime ( Psalm 15:5 ; Proverbs 28:8 ; Jeremiah 15:10 ). After the Return, and later, this law was much neglected ( Nehemiah 5:7,10 ).
Source
- part_of
source-manifest/easton— Easton's Bible Dictionary (PD)