τελώνης (telōnēs)
telōnēs
tax collector
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 20 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word telōnēs refers to a tax collector, specifically one who gathered tolls or customs for the Roman administration. In the first-century context, these individuals were often viewed with deep suspicion and hostility by their fellow Jews. This reputation stemmed not just from their role as agents of an occupying power, but from widespread practices of greed, deception, and harsh enforcement that characterized the profession.
Etymologically, the term combines words for "tax" and "to buy," reflecting a system where individuals or groups bid for the right to collect revenue. This often led to a two-tier structure: wealthy contractors who purchased the rights and subordinate collectors like Matthew, who worked in specific districts. The New Testament frequently pairs telōnēs with "sinners," highlighting how society marginalized these workers as morally compromised outcasts.
Jesus’ ministry notably included dining with and calling such men to discipleship, as seen when He invites Levi (Matthew) and associates with tax collectors in Matthew 9:10-11. This inclusion challenged social boundaries and redefined righteousness not by professional status or purity laws, but by response to divine grace. The term thus carries significant theological weight regarding inclusion and redemption.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word telōnēs points to tax collectors, individuals who collected revenue for the Roman government. In the first century, this job carried a heavy social stigma. Many viewed them as collaborators with an occupying force and often accused them of cheating their own neighbors to increase their profits. Because of this reputation, they were frequently grouped with "sinners" and treated as moral outcasts by the religious establishment.
Jesus’ interaction with these men offers a striking contrast to that cultural norm. He did not avoid them but dined with them, called one—Levi—to be an apostle, and used their example to show how God’s grace reaches those society rejects. This word reminds us that no professional label or past reputation defines your standing before God. His invitation extends to everyone, regardless of how the world judges their character.
When we encounter people who seem distant from faith or held in low regard, this term challenges us to look beyond social barriers. It invites a posture of welcome rather than exclusion, reflecting a love that seeks out the marginalized. The story of these collectors shows that divine mercy often meets human need in the most unexpected places.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 20 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- tax collectors11×
- of tax collectors3×
- tax collector.2×
- the tax collectors1×
- the tax collector1×
- tax collector,1×
- a tax collector.1×
- a tax collector1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τελῶναι8×
- τελωνῶν7×
- τελώνης.2×
- τελώνης.¶1×
- τελώνης,1×
- τελώνης1×
- τελώνην1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 9:10
As he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.
This verse highlights Jesus’ deliberate choice to share a meal with tax collectors, signaling acceptance into community rather than mere tolerance.
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Luke 5:27
After these things he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office, and said to him, “Follow me!”
Here the word identifies Levi at his workplace, showing that Jesus calls individuals directly from their daily labor and social identity.
-
Matthew 18:17
If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector.
Jesus uses this term to describe someone outside the covenant community, equating a persistent unrepentant member with a Gentile in terms of church discipline.
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Luke 18:13
But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his chest, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
In the parable, the tax collector’s humility and plea for mercy are presented as the model of true prayer that God justifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word telōnēs mean?
Why were tax collectors viewed negatively in biblical times?
How is telōnēs different from other words for sinner?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (20 verses across 3 books)
Matthew 8 verses
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?
Matthew 9:10As he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples.
Matthew 9:11When the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
Matthew 10:3Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, who was also called…
Matthew 11:19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax…
Matthew 18:17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as…
Matthew 21:31Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell…
Matthew 21:32For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn’t believe him; but the tax collectors and the…