Maimonides
To lend to a poor person, as it is said, “If thou lend money to any of my people” (Ex. 22:24). The word “If” here is not to be taken as permissive, but obligatory, as it is said, “And thou shalt surely lend him (sufficient for his need)” (Deut. 15:8).
Exodus 22:25 · Hebrew 22:24
- KJV
- If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.
- ASV
- If thou lend money to any of my people with thee that is poor, thou shalt not be to him as a creditor; neither shall ye lay upon him interest.
- WEB
- “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to him as a creditor. You shall not charge him interest.
- JPS
- If thou lend money to any of My people, even to the poor with thee, thou shalt not be to him as a creditor; neither shall ye lay upon him interest.
Deuteronomy 15:8
- KJV
- But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.
- ASV
- but thou shalt surely open thy hand unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need in that which he wanteth.
- WEB
- but you shall surely open your hand to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, which he lacks.
- JPS
- but thou shalt surely open thy hand unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need in that which he wanteth.