INTEREST
In Old Testament Hebrew the word “interest” is called “nesek,” which literally translates to “morsel.”
Sometimes another word is used, “tarbit”, which means “surcharge” or also “supplement”. In the use of these two words there is no big difference.
In several passages there is a specific prohibition against charging any interest on money or other property lent to others (Ex. 22:24; Deut. 23:20; Lev. 25:35-38). This prohibition was also incorporated into the jubilee years.
The prophets are even more demanding, saying that anyone who lends money at interest is evil (Ez. 18:17). The book of Proverbs, while recognizing the institution of lending at a certain interest, calls attention to the disastrous consequences that could follow from it (Prov. 28:8).