בְּלוֹ (be.lo)
be.lo
tribute
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The noun belo refers to a tribute or tax paid by subject peoples to a ruling power. In the Hebrew Bible, it specifically denotes the financial obligations imposed on foreign populations, rather than voluntary gifts or religious tithes. The term appears only three times in Scripture, consistently within the book of Ezra.
Its usage highlights the political reality of the Persian Empire’s administration over Judah. In Ezra 4:13, 20, and 24, the word describes the regular payments extracted from the people living beyond the River to support the royal court. This context underscores the economic burden placed on the community during the rebuilding efforts, framing their struggle not just as spiritual but as a matter of imperial compliance and financial survival.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word belo describes a mandatory payment imposed by a foreign government on its subjects. In the book of Ezra, it refers to the taxes paid by people living beyond the Euphrates River to support the Persian king’s administration. This was not a voluntary offering but a political obligation that weighed heavily on the community.
When the rebuilding of Jerusalem stalled, officials argued that completing the walls would mean losing this revenue. Yet later, King Artaxerxes explicitly exempted the temple workers from these burdens. This shift shows how God can move the hearts of rulers to protect His work, even in a foreign land.
For you, this word reminds us that our spiritual mission may face practical obstacles. Sometimes external pressures try to hinder what God has called us to do. But history shows that when we trust in His timing, He provides the resources and protection needed to finish the task.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- tax3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְלוֹ֙1×
- בְל֤וֹ1×
- בְל֛וֹ1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 4:13
Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings.
This verse highlights the political fear that rebuilding the city would reduce royal income through lost tribute.
-
Ezra 4:20
There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll was paid to them.
Here the word establishes the historical precedent of heavy financial obligations imposed on the region by previous kings.
-
Ezra 7:24
Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, or laborers of this house of God.
This occurrence marks a crucial change, as the king formally exempts temple servants from paying this specific tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does belo mean in the Bible?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
How is belo different from a gift or offering?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 3 verses
Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or…
Ezra 4:20There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute,…
Ezra 7:24Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites,…