φόρος (G5411) — Greek Lexicon

φόρος

phóros

G5411 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A tax or tribute imposed by an authority, typically on individuals or populations under foreign rule. The term denotes a compulsory monetary payment exacted as a form of subjugation or administrative control, especially in the context of subject peoples within an empire or kingdom. While its core meaning is an assessed levy, in context it often refers to a poll tax or head tax required by a ruling power.

Semantic Range

tribute, tax, individual assessment, head tax, compulsory levy, fiscal obligation under foreign rule

Root / Etymology

Derived from the verb φέρω (to bear, to carry). Originally relating to something borne or carried, the term developed into a noun for 'that which is borne,' i.e., a load or burden, and in administrative or political contexts, 'that which is imposed,' specifically a tax or tribute.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, φόρος was commonly used for a tribute paid by a subject city or people to a dominant power, such as the payments made by allies of Athens to the Delian League. In Hellenistic and Roman periods (as in the New Testament, e.g. Luke 20:22; Romans 13:6-7), φόρος specifically denotes a tax levied directly by a government authority, often as a symbol of submission by subject populations. In juridical documents and administrative contexts, it signifies a direct, recurring fiscal obligation, distinguished from other forms of taxes such as τέλος (toll or customs duty on goods) or δασμός (customs duty, often more variable or trade-related). The term is rendered in English translation as 'tribute' or 'tax,' but these words may not convey the full weight of subjection implied in Greek usage, especially under foreign rule. In the Septuagint, φόρος often translates Hebrew מַס (mas), indicating forced tribute or labor, but in Roman administrative language it aligns closely to the Latin 'tributum capitis' (head tax). The use of φόρος may carry a negative connotation of subjugation in Judean and other subject populations of the empire.

Translation Consistency

primary "tax" 5 occurrences

Phóros denotes a compulsory monetary levy (often a poll/head tax) imposed by a ruling power. 'Tax' is the most natural, broadly understood English word that covers compulsory levy, tribute, and poll-tax senses and will read naturally across contexts; it therefore provides the best consistent base term.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from φέρω; a load (as borne), i.e. (figuratively) a tax (properly, an individual assessment on persons or property; whereas τέλος is usually a general toll on goods or travel):--tribute.

Root Family

φόρος (phoros) — load, burden, tribute, tax, compulsory levy

Root φορ- to bear, to bring, to carry

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5411-01`	φόρον	phoron	`N ACC M SG`	tax	compulsory tribute	tax	3
`G5411-02`	φόρους	phorous	`N ACC M PL`	taxes	compulsory tributes	compulsory taxes	2

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5411-01`	Luke 20:22	φόρον	phoron	`N ACC M SG`	tribute	compulsory tribute	tax
`G5411-02`	Luke 23:2	φόρους	phorous	`N ACC M PL`	taxes	compulsory tributes	compulsory taxes
`G5411-02`	Romans 13:6	φόρους	phorous	`N ACC M PL`	taxes	compulsory tributes	compulsory taxes
`G5411-01`	Romans 13:7	φόρον	phoron	`N ACC M SG`	tax	compulsory tribute	tax
`G5411-01`	Romans 13:7	φόρον	phoron-2	`N ACC M SG`	tax	compulsory tribute	tax

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