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An impost, in historical and biblical contexts, refers to a tax, duty, or levy imposed by a governing authority. In the Bible, the concept of imposts is often associated with the broader theme of taxation and the obligations of individuals to governing authorities. The term itself may not appear explicitly in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept is evident in various passages that discuss taxes and tributes.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were subject to various forms of taxation, both religious and civil. The Mosaic Law prescribed certain offerings and tithes that served as religious imposts. For example, the Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their produce and livestock as a tithe to support the Levites, who had no inheritance of land (Leviticus 27:30-33;Numbers 18:21-24).

Civil imposts were also present, particularly during the monarchy. King Solomon, for instance, imposed heavy taxes and labor on the people to support his extensive building projects, including the construction of the Temple (1 Kings 5:13-18;1 Kings 9:15). This burden eventually contributed to the division of the kingdom after Solomon's death (1 Kings 12:4).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the issue of imposts is addressed in the context of Roman rule over Judea. The Roman Empire imposed various taxes on its provinces, which were often collected by local tax collectors. These tax collectors, or publicans, were generally despised by the Jewish population for their association with the occupying power and their reputation for extortion.

Jesus addressed the issue of paying taxes in several instances. InMatthew 22:17-21, the Pharisees and Herodians attempted to trap Jesus with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus responded, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s" . This statement affirmed the legitimacy of civil imposts while also emphasizing the higher duty to God.

The Apostle Paul also spoke on the subject of taxes inRomans 13:6-7, where he instructed believers to pay taxes as a matter of conscience and respect for governing authorities: "This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who devote themselves to their work. Pay everyone what you owe him: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due" .

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of imposts in the Bible underscores the principle of submission to authority, as long as such submission does not conflict with obedience to God. The Bible acknowledges the role of government in maintaining order and providing services, which are funded through taxes. However, it also warns against the abuse of power and the exploitation of the people through excessive or unjust taxation.

The biblical teaching on imposts encourages believers to fulfill their civic duties while maintaining a primary allegiance to God's kingdom. This balance reflects the dual citizenship of Christians, who are called to live responsibly in the world while anticipating the ultimate reign of Christ.1. (n.) That which is imposed or levied; a tax, tribute, or duty; especially, a duty or tax laid by government on goods imported into a country.

2. (n.) The top member of a pillar, pier, wall, etc., upon which the weight of an arch rests.

5056. telos -- an end, a toll
... of an act or state (termination (literally, figuratively or indefinitely), result
(immediate, ultimate or prophetic), purpose); specially, animpost or levy...

The Coin in the Fish's Mouth
... Son. The whole point of the story depends upon the fact that this
tribute-money was not a civil, but an ecclesiasticalimpost. It...

Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution
... one hand and to Massachusetts' sense of impoverishment on the other; and thus, for
every article imported through either state, Connecticut paid animpost tax....

Alcuin on True Missionary Labours.
... whether or no it is wise to impose on these savage tribes, in the commencement of
their faith, the yoke of tithes, (the ecclesiasticalimpost, so hateful to...

To what Profit the Romans Carried on Wars, and How Much they...
... of a few, with this one condition, that the humbler class who had no lands of their
own should live at the public expense"an alimentaryimpost, which would...

Due Measure must be Observed in Liberality, that it May not be...
... He fixed theimpost at a fifth of their whole produce, and thus showed himself
clear-sighted in making provision for the future, and liberal in the tax he laid...

Additional Notes
... From the document quoted above we learn that in Oriel, under Donough
O'Carroll, "tithes were received""evidently a newimpost....

Preface to the Benedictine Edition.
... The people of Antioch, that is to say, the superior class of the citizens, dismayed
at the burden of thisimpost, first approached the prefect, and with tears...

Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of...
... [6351] Complaints had long been made that this heavyimpost was not paid by the
majority of the common people, and it was deemed better to devote the...

Impost (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The top member of a pillar, pier, wall, etc., upon which the weight of
an arch rests. Multi-Version ConcordanceImpost (2 Occurrences)....

Taxing (3 Occurrences)
... 2. Under the Theocracy; in the Period of the Judges: The only fixedimpost under
theocracy which has a semi-civil character was the so-called "atonement money...

Tax (43 Occurrences)
... 2. Under the Theocracy; in the Period of the Judges: The only fixedimpost under
theocracy which has a semi-civil character was the so-called "atonement money...

Impossible (31 Occurrences)

Impaired (1 Occurrence)
... Ezra 4:13 Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the
walls finished, they will not pay tribute,impost, or toll, and so thou wilt...

Imposters (1 Occurrence)

Revenues (7 Occurrences)
... Ezra 4:13 Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the
walls finished, they will not pay tribute,impost, or toll, and so thou wilt...

Duty (90 Occurrences)
... 7. (n.) Tax, toll,impost, or customs; excise; any sum of money required by government
to be paid on the importation, exportation, or consumption of goods....

Joash (49 Occurrences)
... To enforce thisimpost would have involved a new census, and the memory of the
judgments which attended David's former attempt of this kind may well have had a...

Jehoash (28 Occurrences)
... To enforce thisimpost would have involved a new census, and the memory of the
judgments which attended David's former attempt of this kind may well have had a...

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