Jump to: Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of borrowing was understood within the context of community, responsibility, and divine law. The act of borrowing and lending is addressed in various passages throughout the Scriptures, providing guidance on how these transactions should be conducted among God's people.Old Testament Context The Old Testament provides several laws and principles regarding borrowing and lending, emphasizing fairness, compassion, and the avoidance of exploitation. In Exodus 22:25, the Israelites are instructed, "If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you are not to charge him interest." This command underscores the importance of mercy and support for the needy, prohibiting the charging of interest to fellow Israelites, especially the poor. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 further elaborates on the attitude one should have towards lending: "If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." This passage highlights the expectation of generosity and open-handedness, reflecting God's provision and care for His people. The concept of the Sabbatical Year, as described in Deuteronomy 15:1-2, also plays a significant role in the understanding of borrowing: "At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite." This law ensured that debt would not become a perpetual burden, allowing for economic reset and social equity. New Testament Insights In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus and the apostles continue to address the principles of borrowing and lending, often focusing on the heart and attitude behind these actions. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matthew 5:42). This instruction encourages a spirit of generosity and willingness to help others, reflecting the love and grace of God. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, provides further guidance on financial obligations: "Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law" (Romans 13:8). This verse emphasizes the primacy of love over financial transactions, suggesting that the ultimate debt we owe is one of love and service to others. Moral and Ethical Considerations The biblical perspective on borrowing is deeply rooted in moral and ethical considerations. Borrowing is not inherently wrong, but it must be approached with integrity, responsibility, and a concern for the well-being of others. The Scriptures caution against the dangers of debt, as seen in Proverbs 22:7: "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender." This proverb warns of the potential loss of freedom and autonomy that can accompany excessive debt. Furthermore, the Bible encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to seek His wisdom in financial matters. The principles of stewardship, contentment, and reliance on God's faithfulness are central to a biblical understanding of borrowing and lending. In summary, the biblical teachings on borrowing emphasize compassion, fairness, and responsibility, urging believers to reflect God's character in their financial dealings and to prioritize love and generosity in their relationships with others. Easton's Bible Dictionary The Israelites "borrowed" from the Egyptians (Exodus 12:35, R.V., "asked") in accordance with a divine command (3:22; 11:2). But the word (sha'al) so rendered here means simply and always to "request" or "demand." The Hebrew had another word which is properly translated "borrow" in Deuteronomy 28:12; Psalm 37:21. It was well known that the parting was final. The Egyptians were so anxious to get the Israelites away out of their land that "they let them have what they asked" (Exodus 12:36, R.V.), or literally "made them to ask," urged them to take whatever they desired and depart. (see LOAN.) Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To receive from another as a loan, with the implied or expressed intention of returning the identical article or its equivalent in kind; -- the opposite of lend.2. (v. t.) To take (one or more) from the next higher denomination in order to add it to the next lower; -- a term of subtraction when the figure of the subtrahend is larger than the corresponding one of the minuend. 3. (v. t.) To copy or imitate; to adopt; as, to borrow the style, manner, or opinions of another. 4. (v. t.) To feign or counterfeit. 5. (v. t.) To receive; to take; to derive. 6. (n.) Something deposited as security; a pledge; a surety; a hostage. Greek 1155. danizo -- to lend, borrow ... to lend, borrow. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: danizo Phonetic Spelling: (dan-ide'-zo) Short Definition: I lend, borrow Definition: I lend; mid: I borrow ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1155.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 3867b. lavah -- to borrow... 3867a, 3867b. lavah. 3868 . to borrow. Transliteration: lavah Short Definition: lend. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to borrow ... /hebrew/3867b.htm - 5k 5670. abat -- to take or give a pledge 7592. shaal -- to ask, inquire 4591. maat -- to be or become small, diminished, or few 3867. lavah -- to join, be joined 5383. nashah -- to lend, become a creditor Library Letters of George Borrow Report of Mr. George Borrow Mr. G. Borrow's Report on Past and Future Operations in Spain ... Whether it is Lawful to Borrow Money under a Condition of Usury? Report of Mr. Geo. Borrow's Late Proceedings in Spain George Borrow George Borrow Letters of George Borrow George Borrow That if the Gods had Really Possessed any Regard for Righteousness ... Thesaurus Borrow (10 Occurrences)... sha'al) so rendered here means simply and always to "request" or "demand." The Hebrew had another word which is properly translated "borrow" in Deuteronomy 28 ... /b/borrow.htm - 11k Lend (21 Occurrences) Loan (9 Occurrences) Neighbours (34 Occurrences) Neighbors (40 Occurrences) Jars (28 Occurrences) Containers (5 Occurrences) Borrowing (1 Occurrence) Empty (84 Occurrences) Abroad (120 Occurrences) Resources What is Atenism? Did either Judaism or Christianity borrow from Atenism? | GotQuestions.orgAre the ideas of Jesus and Christianity borrowed from Mithra and Zoroastrianism? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible mean by "an eye for an eye"? | GotQuestions.org Borrow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Borrow (10 Occurrences)Matthew 5:42 Galatians 3:15 Exodus 3:22 Exodus 11:2 Exodus 22:14 Deuteronomy 15:6 Deuteronomy 28:12 2 Kings 4:3 Nehemiah 5:4 Psalms 37:21 Subtopics Related Terms |
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