Definition and Meaning:
The term "Phoros" is a Greek word (φόρος) that is translated as "tribute" or "tax" in English. It refers to a compulsory payment imposed by a governing authority. In the context of the New Testament, "Phoros" is often associated with the taxes levied by the Roman Empire on its subjects.

Biblical References:
The concept of "Phoros" is mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the context of discussions about the relationship between Christians and governing authorities. One of the key passages is found in the Book of Romans:

· Romans 13:6-7 : "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."

In this passage, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to fulfill their obligations to the governing authorities, including the payment of taxes. Paul emphasizes that the authorities are established by God and serve a divine purpose, thus legitimizing the payment of "Phoros" as a duty of the Christian life.

Historical Context:
During the time of the New Testament, the Roman Empire imposed various forms of taxes on its provinces, including Judea. These taxes were a source of tension and resentment among the Jewish population, who viewed them as a symbol of Roman oppression. The payment of taxes to a pagan government was a contentious issue, as it raised questions about loyalty and religious purity.

Theological Significance:
From a theological perspective, the instruction to pay "Phoros" underscores the Christian principle of submission to earthly authorities as part of one's duty to God. It reflects the belief that all authority is instituted by God and that Christians are called to live peaceably within the structures of society, fulfilling their civic responsibilities.

Related Concepts:
· Render unto Caesar: This phrase, derived from Jesus' teaching in the Gospels, complements the concept of "Phoros." In Matthew 22:21 , Jesus says, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s." This teaching highlights the distinction between civic duties and spiritual obligations.
· Submission to Authorities: The broader biblical theme of submission to governing authorities is closely related to the concept of "Phoros." Passages such as 1 Peter 2:13-17 emphasize the importance of respecting and honoring those in positions of power as a testimony of Christian conduct.

Practical Application:
For contemporary Christians, the principle of paying "Phoros" can be seen as an encouragement to engage responsibly with civic duties, including the payment of taxes. It serves as a reminder that faithfulness to God encompasses respect for the laws and structures of society, as long as they do not conflict with God's commandments.PHOROS

fo'-ros (Phoros; Codex Vaticanus (Swete) Phares (1 Esdras 8:30, where the King James Version Pharez)): Name of one of the families, part of whom went up from the exile with Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:9) and part with Ezra (8:30 the Revised Version (British and American)) equals "Parosh" of Ezra 2:3; Ezra 8:3, and some members of which had taken "strange wives" (1 Esdras 9:26).

5411. phoros -- tribute
... 5410, 5411. phoros. 5412 . ... see GREEK phero. see GREEK telos. (phoron) -- 3
Occurrences. (phorous) -- 2 Occurrences. 5410, 5411. phoros. 5412 . Strong's ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5411.htm - 6k

3683. Onesiphoros -- "bringing advantage," Onesiphorus, a ...
... Onespiphorus. From a derivative of oninemi and phoros; profit-bearer; Onesiphorus,
a Christian -- Onespiphorus. ... see GREEK phoros. (onesiphorou) -- 2 Occurrences. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3683.htm - 6k

5056. telos -- an end, a toll
... Compare phoros. see GREEK phoros. (tele) -- 2 Occurrences. (telos) -- 33 Occurrences.
(telous) -- 5 Occurrences. 5055, 5056. telos. 5057 . Strong's Numbers
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5056.htm - 7k

5409. phoreo -- to bear constantly, to wear
... bear, wear. From phoros; to have a burden, ie (by analogy) to wear as clothing
or a constant accompaniment -- bear, wear. see GREEK phoros. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5409.htm - 7k

[Endnotes]
The Ancient Church. <. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

Phoros
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia PHOROS. fo'-ros (Phoros; Codex Vaticanus
(Swete) Phares (1 Esdras 8:30, where the King James Version ...
/p/phoros.htm - 6k

Phrase (2 Occurrences)

/p/phrase.htm - 7k

Phoenix (2 Occurrences)

/p/phoenix.htm - 12k

Taxes (19 Occurrences)
... Mention is made of the tax (telos) on merchandise and travellers (Matthew 17:25);
the annual tax (phoros) on property (Luke 20:22; 23:2); the poll-tax (kensos ...
/t/taxes.htm - 14k

Tribute (67 Occurrences)
... kensos (Matthew 22:17 Mark 12:14) = "census," while phoros (Luke 20:22; Luke
23:2 Romans 13:6, 7), signifies an annual tax on persons, houses, lands, both ...
/t/tribute.htm - 32k

Parosh (6 Occurrences)
... In 1 Esdras 5:9; 8:30; 9:26, "Phoros.". Multi-Version Concordance Parosh (6 Occurrences).
Ezra 2:3 The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two. ...
/p/parosh.htm - 9k

Pharez (11 Occurrences)
... Henry Wallace. PHAREZ. fa'-rez (King James Version 1 Esdras 5:9; 8:30): The same
as Revised Version PHOROS (which see). Multi-Version Concordance ...
/p/pharez.htm - 11k

Sheresh (1 Occurrence)
... she'-resh, sharesh; Codex Vaticanus Souros; Codex Alexandrinus Soros, Lucian, Phares,
Phoros): A Machirite name in a genealogy of Manasseh (1 Chronicles 7:16). ...
/s/sheresh.htm - 7k

Taxing (3 Occurrences)
... see Quirinius, New Testament Chronology, etc.) was sent to Judea to take a census
(apographe) for the purpose of poll-tax (kensos, phoros, or epikephalaion ...
/t/taxing.htm - 35k

Tax (43 Occurrences)
... see Quirinius, New Testament Chronology, etc.) was sent to Judea to take a census
(apographe) for the purpose of poll-tax (kensos, phoros, or epikephalaion ...
/t/tax.htm - 47k

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