Bible Dictionary · U
Usury
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 (Lev 25:36, Lev 25:37), only, however, in their dealings with each other (Deut 23:19, Deut 23:20). The violation of this law was viewed as a great crime (Ps 15:5; Prov 28:8; Jer 15:10). After the Return, and later, this law was much neglected (Neh 5:7, Neh 5:10).
From Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897), by Matthew George Easton.
