Taxation in the Bible is a significant theme that reflects the socio-political and economic structures of ancient societies, as well as the spiritual and moral teachings of Scripture. The concept of taxation is addressed in various contexts throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament laws given to Israel to the New Testament interactions with Roman authorities.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, taxation is primarily seen in the form of tithes and offerings. The Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their produce and livestock to support the Levitical priesthood and the functioning of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. 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." This system of tithing was both a religious duty and a form of taxation that supported the theocratic governance of Israel.

Additionally, during the monarchy, kings imposed taxes to support their administration and military endeavors. For example, Solomon's extensive building projects and lavish court required significant resources, leading to heavy taxation and labor demands on the people (1 Kings 4:7, 1 Kings 12:4).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, taxation is often associated with the Roman Empire's control over Judea. Tax collectors, or publicans, were generally despised by the Jewish population because they were seen as collaborators with the occupying Roman forces and were often guilty of extortion. Despite this, Jesus' teachings and actions provide a nuanced view of taxation.

One of the most notable passages is found in Matthew 22:17-21, where the Pharisees and Herodians attempt to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus responds, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s" . This statement acknowledges the legitimacy of governmental authority while emphasizing the ultimate sovereignty of God.

Furthermore, in Romans 13:6-7, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to pay taxes, stating, "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" . Paul underscores the principle that civil authorities are instituted by God and that paying taxes is part of fulfilling one's civic duties.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

The Bible also addresses the moral and ethical dimensions of taxation. Tax collectors who repented, such as Zacchaeus, demonstrated their transformation by making restitution for their dishonest practices (Luke 19:8). This highlights the biblical call for integrity and justice in financial dealings.

Moreover, the Bible warns against the abuse of power and the exploitation of the poor through unjust taxation. In the prophetic literature, there are strong denunciations of leaders who oppress the people through excessive demands (e.g., Amos 5:11).

In summary, taxation in the Bible is presented as a necessary aspect of societal governance, with an emphasis on fairness, justice, and the recognition of God's ultimate authority. The biblical narrative encourages believers to fulfill their obligations to earthly authorities while maintaining their primary allegiance to God.1. (n.) The act of laying a tax, or of imposing taxes, as on the subjects of a state, by government, or on the members of a corporation or company, by the proper authority; the raising of revenue; also, a system of raising revenue.

2. (n.) The act of taxing, or assessing a bill of cost.

3. (n.) Tax; sum imposed.

4. (n.) Charge; accusation.

6187. erek -- an order, row, estimate
... belongs (1). equal, estimation, things that are set in order, price, proportion,
set at, suit, taxation,. From arak; a pile, equipment ...
/hebrew/6187.htm - 6k

How Cyrenius was Sent by Caesar to Make a Taxation Of
... From The Banishment Of Archelus To The Departure From Babylon. CHAPTER
1. How Cyrenius Was Sent By Caesar To Make A Taxation Of. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how cyrenius was.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... Chapter 4 Travelling in Palestine"Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House
Officers, Taxation, Publicans. It was the very busiest ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

A Fifth Century Tract for the Times
... had ended Rome's claim to rule the world, while at the same time the fiscal
difficulties of the central administration had increased taxation beyond endurance. ...
/.../salvian/on the government of god/i a fifth century tract.htm

The Secular Clergy
... claims. These touched the two important matters of taxation and jurisdiction.
The ... [Sidenote: Immunity from lay taxation.]. In seeking ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter iv the secular clergy.htm

Enrollment by Households in Egypt
... 27. The latter operation was intended to form the basis on which the taxation
of the provinces of the empire should be regulated. ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 7 enrollment by households.htm

The Gathering Storm
... The ignorant impatience of taxation' is inherent in human nature, and there is no
monopoly of it either in modern times or in the British nation. ...
/.../chapter i the gathering storm.htm

A Sermon on a Text not Found in the Bible.
... PUBLIC- HOUSE. How can a man love his country, who supports that which is
increasing taxation and demoralising his countrymen? Should ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xli a sermon on a.htm

The Birth of Jesus.
... be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step in the process
of taxation.] 2 This was the first enrolment. [Publius ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/x the birth of jesus.htm

To Constantius the Prefect.
... the moneys demanded of them. Who indeed is ignorant of the severity of
the taxation of the acres among us? On this account most ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/xlii to constantius the prefect.htm

Letter cxlii. To the Prefects' Accountant.
... I am sure you will consent to look favourably upon the hospital of the poor which
is in his district, and exempt it altogether from taxation. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter cxlii to the prefects.htm

Taxation (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) The act of taxing, or assessing a bill of cost. 3. (n.) Tax; sum imposed.
4. (n.) Charge; accusation. Multi-Version Concordance Taxation (1 Occurrence). ...
/t/taxation.htm - 7k

Taxing (3 Occurrences)
... (Luke 2:2; RV, "enrolment"), "when Cyrenius was governor of Syria," is simply a
census of the people, or an enrolment of them with a view to their taxation. ...
/t/taxing.htm - 35k

Tax (43 Occurrences)
... 1. General Considerations: Taxation, in the sense of regular, graduated imposts
levied by authority upon wealth, whether in the form of flocks and herds ...
/t/tax.htm - 47k

Taxed (4 Occurrences)
... the money according to the commandment of Pharaoh: he exacted the silver and the
gold of the people of the land, of everyone according to his taxation, to give ...
/t/taxed.htm - 7k

Jehoiakim (37 Occurrences)
... Oriental. He raised the immense fine that Necoh imposed upon him by a direct
taxation, which he farmed out to unscrupulous officials. ...
/j/jehoiakim.htm - 33k

Valuation (22 Occurrences)
... The act of valuing, or of estimating value or worth; the act of setting a price;
estimation; appraisement; as, a valuation of lands for the purpose of taxation...
/v/valuation.htm - 14k

Zealot (4 Occurrences)
... headed by Judas of Galilee, who "in the days of the enrollment" (compare Acts
5:37 Luke 2:1, 2) bitterly opposed the threatened increase of taxation at the ...
/z/zealot.htm - 12k

Neco (9 Occurrences)
... the money according to the commandment of Pharaoh: he exacted the silver and the
gold of the people of the land, of everyone according to his taxation, to give ...
/n/neco.htm - 11k

Israel (27466 Occurrences)
... broke out anew, and Jeroboam was sent for from Egypt by the malcontents (12:2, 3).
Rehoboam insolently refused to lighten the burdensome taxation and services ...
/i/israel.htm - 101k

Tyrant (2 Occurrences)
... uses power to oppress his subjects; a person who exercises unlawful authority, or
lawful authority in an unlawful manner; one who by taxation, injustice, or ...
/t/tyrant.htm - 7k

What does the Bible say about social justice? | GotQuestions.org

Should a Christian pay into Social Security and/or accept Social Security payments? | GotQuestions.org

Who were the Pharisees? | GotQuestions.org

Taxation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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