מִנְדָּה (mid.dah)
mid.dah
tribute
A:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-F
Word Overview
The noun minnah refers to a tribute or tax paid by subject peoples to their rulers. In the Hebrew Bible, this term appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of Ezra, where it describes the financial obligations imposed on the regions west of the Euphrates River. The word signals a formal economic relationship defined by submission and regular payment.
Its usage is tightly bound to political reality rather than religious worship. In Ezra 4:13, 20, and 5:4, officials use the term to explain how local populations supported the king’s administration. It underscores the tangible cost of imperial control, marking a clear distinction between voluntary gifts and compulsory levies required by law.
As an Aramaic form related to the Hebrew midah, it carries the weight of official decree. The sources note its occurrence only in these specific historical records within Ezra, highlighting its role in documenting the administrative structures of the Persian Empire. It serves as a linguistic marker for the tension between local autonomy and imperial demand.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about tribute in Ezra, we see a world defined by power and obligation. The people living under Persian rule had to pay regular taxes to keep their cities safe and their administration running. This wasn't a spiritual offering but a legal duty required by the empire. It reminds us that life often involves navigating complex systems of authority and responsibility.
Yet, the text also shows God’s care for His people within these structures. In Ezra 7:24, the king exempts temple workers from these payments. This highlights how God can provide relief and protection even in difficult political climates. We are not left to bear every burden alone; there is room for grace and specific provision.
This word helps us understand the historical context of restoration. It shows that rebuilding the community involved both civic duties and spiritual priorities. By seeing how God worked through these earthly systems, we can find encouragement in our own lives. We trust that He sees our obligations and provides for those who seek to honor Him faithfully.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- tribute2×
- and/ tribute1×
- [is] [the] tribute of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִנְדָּֽה\־1×
- מִנְדָּ֤ה1×
- מִדַּת֙1×
- וּ/מִדָּ֥ה1×
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 shows how political leaders used the threat of unpaid tribute to argue against rebuilding Jerusalem, linking civic duty directly to imperial stability.
-
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 term reminds readers that previous rulers also demanded these payments, establishing a historical pattern of submission to authority.
-
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 is significant because it explicitly exempts temple workers from paying tribute, showing divine provision within the legal framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word minnah mean?
How is minnah different from a voluntary gift?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
Ezra 4 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 6:8Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of…
Ezra 7:24Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll on any of the priests, Levites,…