Saying 95

English

Jesus said, ‘If you have money, do not give it at interest. Instead, give it to someone from whom you will not get it back.’

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Interpretation

Saying 95 suddenly shifts to an ethical command. The Torah already prohibits loaning money at interest (Exo 22.25; Lev 25.36–37; Deut 23.19–20), but Jesus instructs his followers to simply give money to people whom they do not even expect to repay them.

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Parallels

Didache

1.4–5 If someone robs you of your coat, give him your shirt as well. If someone deprives you of your property, do not ask for it back. You could not get it back anyway. Give to everybody who begs from you, and ask for no return. For the Father wants his own gifts to be universally shared.

4.7–8 Do not hesitate to give and do not grumble when you give, for you will discover who the good one is that pays you back a reward. Do not turn your back on the needy, but share everything with your brother and call nothing your own. For if you have what is eternal in common, how much more should you have what is transient.

Matthew

5.42 ‘Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.’

Luke

6.30, 34–35 ‘Give to everyone who begs from you, and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. […] If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.’