Topical Encyclopedia The concept of taxation in the Bible is a significant theme that appears in various contexts, reflecting both the socio-political realities of the times and the theological implications of authority and stewardship. Taxation is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating its longstanding role in governance and society.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, taxation is often associated with the obligations of the Israelites to support the religious and governmental structures of their society. The Mosaic Law included various forms of tithes and offerings, which can be seen as a form of taxation intended to support the Levitical priesthood and the functioning of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. For example, Leviticus 27:30 states, "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." During the monarchy, taxation became more structured. King Solomon, for instance, imposed heavy taxes to fund his extensive building projects, including the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 4:7, 1 Kings 9:15). This burden of taxation eventually contributed to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death (1 Kings 12:4). New Testament Context In the New Testament, taxation is prominently featured in the context of Roman rule over Judea. The Roman Empire imposed various taxes on its provinces, which were often collected by local tax collectors, known as publicans. These tax collectors were generally despised by the Jewish population, as they were seen as collaborators with the occupying forces and were often associated with corruption and extortion. One of the most notable references to taxation in the New Testament is the account of the census ordered by Caesar Augustus, which required everyone to return to their ancestral towns to be registered. This event is famously linked to the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, as recorded in Luke 2:1-5: "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register." Jesus Himself addressed the issue of taxation in His teachings. In a well-known encounter, the Pharisees and Herodians attempted to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus responded by saying, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s" (Mark 12:17). This statement highlights the distinction between earthly and divine obligations, emphasizing the believer's duty to fulfill civic responsibilities while maintaining ultimate allegiance to God. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, taxation in the Bible underscores the principle of stewardship and the believer's responsibility to support both religious and civil authorities. Romans 13:6-7 reinforces this idea: "This is also why you pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due." The biblical narrative on taxation serves as a reminder of the balance between fulfilling earthly duties and maintaining a focus on spiritual priorities. It calls believers to act with integrity and justice in their financial dealings, reflecting God's righteousness in all aspects of life. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (imp. & p. p.) of Tax.Strong's Hebrew 6186b. arak -- to value, tax... Word Origin denominative verb from erek Definition to value, tax NASB Word Usage taxed (1), value (4), values (1). 6186a, 6186b. arak. 6187 . ... /hebrew/6186b.htm - 5k Library Epistle Xliv. To Peter, Subdeacon of Sicily. The Incarnation and Birth of Christ A Statement of the Manner in which Luke's Procedure is Proved to ... Introduction The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Administration The Bishop at Work Semi-Parasitism. A Provision Ground Letter iv. On the Reading and Study of the Holy Scriptures Sec. Ii. What Facts in the History of Our Saviour Might be Taken ... Thesaurus Taxed (4 Occurrences)...Taxed (4 Occurrences). Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. ... /t/taxed.htm - 7k Taxation (1 Occurrence) Taxes (19 Occurrences) Neco (9 Occurrences) Espoused (7 Occurrences) Equally (21 Occurrences) Exacted (9 Occurrences) Precinct (1 Occurrence) Cesar (20 Occurrences) Assessments (1 Occurrence) Resources Will bitcoin / cryptocurrency be the one-world currency of the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened in the intertestamental period? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about paying taxes? | GotQuestions.org Taxed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Taxed (4 Occurrences)Luke 2:1 Luke 2:3 Luke 2:5 2 Kings 23:35 Subtopics Related Terms |
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