Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, the concept of being "exempt" often relates to being free from an obligation, duty, or consequence that others are subject to. This idea can be seen in various contexts throughout Scripture, where certain individuals or groups are set apart or relieved from specific requirements or penalties.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the Levites were exempt from military service and certain civic duties that were required of the other tribes of Israel. This exemption was due to their special role in religious duties and temple service. Numbers 1:47-53 outlines this distinction: "The Levites, however, were not registered with the other tribes. For the LORD had told Moses: 'Do not count the tribe of Levi or include them in the census of the other Israelites. Instead, appoint the Levites over the Tabernacle of the Testimony—over all its furnishings and everything that belongs to it.'" The concept of exemption also appears in the context of the Sabbath laws. While the Sabbath was a day of rest for all, certain works related to temple service were exempt from this restriction. This is seen in the allowances made for priests who performed sacrifices and other necessary duties on the Sabbath (Leviticus 24:8-9). New Testament Context In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the concept of exemption in the context of paying the temple tax. In Matthew 17:24-27 , when questioned about paying the temple tax, Jesus uses the opportunity to teach about His divine sonship and the freedom it entails: "'From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes—from their own sons or from others?' 'From others,' Peter answered. 'Then the sons are exempt,' Jesus declared. 'But so that we may not offend them, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open its mouth, you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for My tax and yours.'" This passage highlights the principle that, as the Son of God, Jesus was exempt from the temple tax, yet He chose to pay it to avoid causing offense, demonstrating humility and submission to earthly authorities. Spiritual Exemption Theologically, the concept of exemption can also be understood in terms of spiritual freedom. Believers in Christ are considered exempt from the ultimate penalty of sin, which is death, through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. Romans 8:1-2 states, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death." This spiritual exemption is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, emphasizing that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are freed from the eternal consequences of sin and are granted the promise of eternal life. Practical Implications The principle of exemption in Scripture often carries practical implications for believers. It encourages a life of gratitude and responsibility, recognizing that while certain burdens have been lifted through Christ, there remains a call to live in obedience and service. Galatians 5:13 reminds believers, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." In summary, the biblical concept of being exempt encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, highlighting God's provision, grace, and the responsibilities that accompany the freedoms granted to His people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Free, or released, from some obligation to which others are subject; excepted from the operation or burden of some law; released; free; clear; privileged; -- (with from): not subject to; not liable to; as, goods exempt from execution; a person exempt from jury service.2. (a.) Cut off; set apart. 3. (a.) Extraordinary; exceptional. 4. (n.) One exempted or freed from duty; one not subject. 5. (n.) One of four officers of the Yeomen of the Royal Guard, having the rank of corporal; an Exon. 6. (v.) To remove; to set apart. 7. (v.) To release or deliver from some liability which others are subject to; to except or excuse from he operation of a law; to grant immunity to; to free from obligation; to release; as, to exempt from military duty, or from jury service; to exempt from fear or pain. Greek 1659. eleutheroo -- to make free, fig. to exempt (from liability) ... to exempt (from liability). Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: eleutheroo Phonetic Spelling: (el-yoo-ther-o'-o) Short Definition: I free, set free, liberate ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1659.htm - 7k 1658. eleutheros -- free, ie not a slave or not under restraint 373. anapauo -- to give rest, give intermission from labor, by ... Strong's Hebrew 5355a. naqi -- clean, free from, exempt... 5355, 5355a. naqi. 5355b . clean, free from, exempt. Transliteration: naqi Short Definition: innocent. Word Origin from naqah Definition ... /hebrew/5355a.htm - 5k 5355. naqiy -- clean, free from, exempt 2670. chophshi -- free Library No Soul Naturally Exempt from Dreams. They who Ask this have not as yet Known the Eternity of God, which ... Who are the Select Gods, and Whether they are Held to be Exempt ... Whether a Man Can Justly Judge one who is not Subject to his ... Whether all are Subject to the Law? Whether the Punishment of Christians is Brought to an End by the ... Who is the Greatest? Whether Religious are Bound to Manual Labor? Of Religion. Several Other Things Turned against the Same Mathematicians. Thesaurus Exempt (4 Occurrences)... from the operation or burden of some law; released; free; clear; privileged; -- (with from): not subject to; not liable to; as, goods exempt from execution; a ... /e/exempt.htm - 8k Immortal (3 Occurrences) Free (454 Occurrences) Epicureans (1 Occurrence) Unimpeachable (1 Occurrence) Infallible (1 Occurrence) Immune (1 Occurrence) Troas (6 Occurrences) Release (61 Occurrences) Exempted (1 Occurrence) Resources Why do governments allow churches to be tax-exempt? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the temple tax? | GotQuestions.org What items should be included in a church constitution? | GotQuestions.org Exempt: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Exempt (4 Occurrences)Matthew 17:26 1 Samuel 17:25 1 Kings 15:22 1 Chronicles 9:33 Subtopics Related Terms |
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