φόρος (phoros)
phoros
tax
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phoros refers to a tax or tribute, specifically one paid by a subject people to a ruling power. In the New Testament, it appears in Luke’s Gospel and Romans to describe the financial obligations imposed on occupied territories. The term carries the weight of political subjection, marking the relationship between a conquered nation and its imperial master.
Its meaning is concrete and legal rather than emotional. It denotes the regular payment of money or goods required by law. In Luke 20:22 and 23:2, Jesus addresses the question of paying this tax to Caesar, highlighting the tension between civic duty and religious allegiance. Similarly, Romans 13:7 uses it to instruct believers to render what is owed to governing authorities, framing such payments as a matter of justice.
The word derives from a root meaning "to carry" or "bear," emphasizing the burden placed on the payer. This etymology underscores the heavy nature of tribute in the ancient world, where it often signaled loss of independence. Translators consistently use "tax" or "tribute," preserving the sense of an enforced contribution rather than a voluntary gift.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phoros refers to a tax or tribute paid by a subject people to a ruling power. In the ancient world, this payment marked political subjection and carried the weight of legal obligation rather than voluntary generosity. It was a concrete financial duty imposed on occupied territories, reflecting the tension between civic responsibility and religious allegiance.
Jesus addressed this reality in Luke 20:22 when asked if it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. He did not dismiss the duty but navigated the complex relationship between earthly authority and divine loyalty. Later, Paul expanded on this in Romans 13:7, instructing believers to give everyone what they owe, including taxes. This teaching frames such payments as a matter of justice and order.
For your faith life, this word reminds us that Christians are called to be faithful citizens while keeping their ultimate allegiance to God. Paying taxes is not just a legal requirement but an act of honoring the structures God allows for societal order. It invites us to consider how our daily actions reflect respect for authority and justice in our communities.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- tribute2×
- taxes1×
- tax,1×
- tax1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φόρους2×
- φόρον2×
- φόρον,1×
Key Verses
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Luke 20:22
Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
This verse captures the direct question Jesus faced about the lawfulness of paying taxes to Caesar, highlighting the tension between civic duty and religious loyalty.
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Romans 13:7
Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Paul uses this word to instruct believers to render what is owed to governing authorities, framing tax payment as a specific instance of giving everyone their due.
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Luke 23:2
They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.”
Accusers falsely claimed Jesus forbade paying taxes to Caesar, showing how this financial obligation was central to political accusations against him.