The term "exactress" is derived from the concept of exacting or demanding payment, tribute, or service. In biblical contexts, it often refers to a person or entity that enforces the collection of dues or obligations. The role of an exactress can be understood within the broader framework of justice, authority, and the fulfillment of legal or moral obligations.

Biblical References:

The concept of exacting is present in various forms throughout the Bible, though the specific term "exactress" is not directly used in most English translations. The idea is often associated with tax collectors, creditors, or those in positions of authority who demand what is owed.

1. Old Testament Context:
· In the Old Testament, the practice of exacting tribute or taxes was common among rulers and conquerors. For instance, in 2 Kings 23:35, Jehoiakim exacted silver and gold from the people of Judah to pay tribute to Pharaoh Neco: "Jehoiakim paid the silver and gold to Pharaoh, but he taxed the land to meet Pharaoh’s demand. He exacted the silver and gold from the people of the land, each according to his assessment, to give it to Pharaoh Neco" .

2. New Testament Context:
· In the New Testament, tax collectors, often viewed negatively by the Jewish populace, were seen as exactors of Roman taxes. Jesus' interaction with tax collectors, such as Matthew and Zacchaeus, highlights the tension between societal disdain for these figures and the call to redemption and transformation. In Luke 19:8, Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, demonstrates repentance by saying, "Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold" .

Theological Implications:

The role of an exactress or exactor in biblical times can be seen as a reflection of divine justice and human responsibility. The Bible often juxtaposes the harshness of human exactors with the mercy and grace of God. While human authorities may demand strict adherence to laws and payments, God offers forgiveness and restoration to those who repent and seek His ways.

1. Justice and Mercy:
· The Bible emphasizes that while justice is necessary, it must be tempered with mercy. In Micah 6:8, the prophet declares, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" . This balance is crucial in understanding the role of exactors within a biblical framework.

2. Redemption and Transformation:
· The New Testament narrative of tax collectors who encounter Jesus serves as a powerful illustration of transformation. The willingness of figures like Zacchaeus to make restitution and change their ways underscores the potential for redemption, even for those who were once seen as oppressors or unjust exactors.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Near Eastern societies, the role of an exactress or tax collector was often fraught with corruption and abuse. The Roman Empire, which ruled over Judea during the New Testament period, employed local Jews to collect taxes, leading to widespread resentment. This historical backdrop provides insight into the social dynamics and the radical nature of Jesus' ministry, which reached out to those marginalized by society, including tax collectors.

Conclusion:

The concept of an exactress in the Bible, while not explicitly named, is woven into the broader themes of justice, authority, and redemption. Through the lens of biblical teaching, the role of exactors serves as a reminder of the need for justice tempered with mercy and the transformative power of God's grace.(n.) A woman who is an exactor.

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... the golden city, (or the exactress of gold) ceased! The Lord hath broken
the staff of the wicked, and the sceptre of the rulers. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Exactress (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A woman who is an exactor. Multi-Version
Concordance Exactress (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 14:4 that thou ...
/e/exactress.htm - 6k

Exactors (8 Occurrences)
... In Isaiah 14:4 the American Revised Version, margin, Babylon is called an "exactress
of gold.". Multi-Version Concordance Exactors (8 Occurrences). ...
/e/exactors.htm - 9k

Gold (429 Occurrences)
... is spoken of as a "head of gold" because of its great riches; and Babylon was called
by Isaiah (14:4) the "golden city" (RV marg., "exactress, " adopting the ...
/g/gold.htm - 57k

Insolent (16 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 14:4 that thou shalt take up this parable against the king of Babylon, and
say: How hath the oppressor ceased! the exactress of gold ceased! (See RSV). ...
/i/insolent.htm - 11k

Exacts (3 Occurrences)

/e/exacts.htm - 7k

Exactress: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus