2778. kensos
Lexicon
kensos: Tax, Tribute

Original Word: κῆνσος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: kensos
Pronunciation: KANE-sos
Phonetic Spelling: (kane'-sos)
Definition: Tax, Tribute
Meaning: a poll-tax.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
tribute, poll tax

Of Latin origin; properly, an enrollment ("census"), i.e. (by implication) a tax -- tribute.

HELPS Word-studies

2778 kḗnsos – poll-tax; tribute-money; "literally, 'the current coin of tribute,' which was not paid in Jewish, but rather in Roman money" (WS, 71).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2778: κῆνσος

κῆνσος, κήνσου, , the Latin wordcensus (among the Romans, denoting a register and valuation of property in accordance with which taxes were paid), in the N. T. (as in Cod. Just. 4, 47) the tax or tribute levied on individuals and to be paid yearly (Hesychius κῆνσος. εἶδος νομισματος, ἐπικεφάλαιον, our capitation or poll tax): Matthew 17:25; Matthew 22:17; Mark 12:14; τό νόμισμα τοῦ κήνσου, the coin with which the tax is paid, tribute money, Matthew 22:19.

Topical Lexicon
Word Origin: Derived from Latin "census," which refers to a registration or assessment of property and individuals for taxation purposes.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for κῆνσος, as it is a term specific to the Roman taxation system. However, the concept of tribute or tax can be related to Hebrew terms such as מַס (mas, Strong's Hebrew 4522), which refers to forced labor or tribute, and מִכְסָה (mikseh, Strong's Hebrew 4371), which refers to a tax or levy. These terms reflect the broader biblical theme of taxation and tribute within the context of governance and authority.

Usage: The term κῆνσος is used in the New Testament to refer to the tax that was required to be paid to the Roman authorities. It is mentioned in contexts where the payment of taxes to the ruling government is discussed.

Context: The term κῆνσος appears in the New Testament in the context of discussions about the obligations of the Jewish people under Roman rule. It is notably used in the Gospels when the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with a question about the legality of paying taxes to Caesar. In Matthew 22:17, they ask, "Tell us then, what is Your opinion? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" Jesus responds by asking for a denarius and inquires about the image and inscription on the coin, leading to His famous reply in Matthew 22:21, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." This passage highlights the tension between religious obligations and civic duties, illustrating the broader theme of the relationship between God's kingdom and earthly authorities.

The κῆνσος was a specific type of tax that was particularly burdensome and unpopular among the Jewish people, as it symbolized their subjugation to Roman rule. The payment of this tax was a constant reminder of their lack of political autonomy. The question posed to Jesus was a deliberate attempt to force Him into a politically charged position, either alienating Him from the Jewish populace or putting Him at odds with the Roman authorities. Jesus' response skillfully navigates this trap, emphasizing the distinct yet overlapping responsibilities to both earthly and divine authorities.

Forms and Transliterations
κηνσον κήνσον κῆνσον κηνσου κήνσου kenson kênson kēnson kē̂nson kensou kēnsou kḗnsou
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 17:25 N-AMS
GRK: τέλη ἢ κῆνσον ἀπὸ τῶν
NAS: or poll-tax, from their sons
KJV: custom or tribute? of their own
INT: custom or tribute from the

Matthew 22:17 N-AMS
GRK: ἔξεστιν δοῦναι κῆνσον Καίσαρι ἢ
NAS: to give a poll-tax to Caesar,
KJV: to give tribute unto Caesar,
INT: Is it lawful to give tribute to Ceasar or

Matthew 22:19 N-GMS
GRK: νόμισμα τοῦ κήνσου οἱ δὲ
NAS: Me the coin [used] for the poll-tax. And they brought
KJV: Shew me the tribute money. And
INT: coin of the tribute and

Mark 12:14 N-AMS
GRK: ἔξεστιν δοῦναι κῆνσον Καίσαρι ἢ
NAS: to pay a poll-tax to Caesar,
KJV: to give tribute to Caesar,
INT: Is it lawful to give tribute to Ceasar or

Strong's Greek 2778
4 Occurrences


κῆνσον — 3 Occ.
κήνσου — 1 Occ.















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