# tax, taxes #

## Definition: ##

The terms "tax" and "taxes" refer to money or goods that people pay to a government that is in authority over them.

* The amount of money that is paid for tax is usually based on the value of an item or on how much a person's property is worth.
* If taxes are not paid, the government can take legal action against a person to get the money that is owed.
* Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to be counted in the census that was for the purpose of taxing everyone living in the Roman empire.
* There was also a "temple tax" which was money that people put in the temple offering box. Some of this money was used for taking care of the temple building.
* The term "tax" could also be translated as, "required payment" or "government money" or "temple money," depending on the context.
* Phrases such as, "collect taxes" and "pay taxes" could also be translated as, "pay money to the government" or "receive money for the government" or "make the required payment."
* A "tax collector" is someone who works for the government to receive the money that people are required to pay them.

(See also: [[../other/bethlehem.md]], [[../other/census.md]], [[../other/citizen.md]], [[../other/rome.md]], [[../other/taxcollector.md]])

## Bible References: ##

* [Luke 20:21-22](en/tn/luk/help/20/21)
* [Mark 02:13-14](en/tn/mrk/help/02/13)
* [Matthew 09:7-9](en/tn/mat/help/09/07)
* [Numbers 31:28-29](en/tn/num/help/31/28)
* [Romans 13:6-7](en/tn/rom/help/13/06)