The prohibition of interest applies not only to the creditor but also to the debtor. In other words, it is prohibited to borrow money with an agreement to repay the debt plus interest. Likewise, a third party may not help others violate the prohibition of interest by, for example, serving as a guarantor or a witness to such a loan.

There is no difference between a loan with interest given to a poor person and a loan of this type given to a rich person. The severity of the prohibition is the same in both cases.

The prohibition of interest applies specifically to loans between Jews. One is permitted to collect interest from non-Jews or pay interest to a non-Jew. The explanation for this is that taking interest is not inherently immoral, and therefore in transactions with gentiles it is permitted. The prohibition is in force only between Jews, and it expresses the extraordinary solidarity which the Torah seeks to nurture and preserve among our people.