Lectionary Calendar
Monday, October 14th, 2024
the Week of Proper 23 / Ordinary 28
Attention!
Tired of seeing ads while studying? Now you can enjoy an "Ads Free" version of the site for as little as 10¢ a day and support a great cause!
Click here to learn more!

Bible Encyclopedias
Capitation or Poll-Tax

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Search for…
or
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
Prev Entry
Capitani
Next Entry
Capitein, Jacques Elise Jean
Resource Toolbox

among the Jews. Moses ordained (Exodus 30:13) that every Israelite should pay half a shekel for his soul, or person, as a redemption, "that there might be no plague among the people, when they were numbered." Many interpreters are of opinion that this payment was designed to take place as often as the people were numbered; and that this payment of the half shekel per head being evaded when David numbered his subjects, God punished the neglect with a pestilence (2 Samuel 24:1). But it is more generally thought that Moses laid this tax on all the people, payable yearly, for the maintenance of the tabernacle, for the sacrifices, wood, oil, wine, flour, habits, and subsistence of the priests and Levites. In our Savior's time the tribute was punctually paid. (See DIDRACHMA). The Israelites, when returned from Babylon, paid one third part of a shekel to the Temple, being disabled, probably, at that time, by poverty, from doing more (Nehemiah 10:32). The rabbins observe that the Jews in general, and even the priests, except women, children under thirteen years of age, and slaves, were liable to pay the half shekel. The collectors demanded it in the beginning of Nisan, but used no compulsion till the Passover, when they either constrained its payment or took security for it. After the destruction of the Temple, the Jews were compelled to pay the half shekel to the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus. (See ASSESSMENT).

Bibliography Information
McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Capitation or Poll-Tax'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​c/capitation-or-poll-tax.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
 
adsfree-icon
Ads FreeProfile