Original Word: מֶכֶס
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: mekes
Pronunciation: meh'-kes
Phonetic Spelling: (meh'-kes)
Definition: Tax, tribute, levy
Meaning: an assessment

Word Origin: Derived from the root verb כָּסַס (kasas), meaning "to estimate" or "to assess."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek equivalent often associated with the concept of taxation is τελώνης (telōnēs), which refers to a tax collector, as seen in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 9:9).

Usage: The term "mekes" refers to a form of tax or tribute that was imposed on individuals or groups. It is often associated with a levy or duty collected by authorities, typically for the purpose of supporting the governing body or ruler. In the biblical context, it is used to describe the financial obligations placed upon the people by their leaders or foreign powers.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israel and surrounding regions, taxation was a common practice used to fund the operations of the state, including the maintenance of the king's court, military expenses, and public works. Taxes could be levied on produce, livestock, and other goods, and were often collected by appointed officials. The concept of taxation was not only a financial obligation but also a symbol of subjugation, especially when imposed by foreign rulers.

Word Origin
from kasas
Definition
computation, proportion to be paid, tax
NASB Translation
levy (5), tax (1).

מֶ֫כֶס noun masculine computation, proportion to be paid, tax (Palmyrene מכסא Reckend^{ZMG 1885, 379 ff.}; Late Hebrew מֶכֶס, Aramaic מִכְסָא, tax (hence Arabic as loan-word Frä²⁸³); Assyrian miksu, Dl^{HWB 407} (√ מכס); Late Hebrew מוֺכֵס tax-collector; so Assyrian makkasu, compare Arabic ) — Numbers 31:28 ׳לי ׳זַהֲרֵמֹתָ֫ מ and thou shalt separate a tax (duty levied on the spoil) for ׳י, Numbers 31:37; Numbers 31:38; Numbers 31:39; Numbers 31:40; Numbers 31:41 (all P).

tribute

Probably from an unused root meaning to enumerate; an assessment (as based upon a census) -- tribute.

הַמֶּ֥כֶס המכס וּמִכְסָ֥ם וּמִכְסָם֙ ומכסם מֶ֙כֶס֙ מֶ֜כֶס מכס ham·me·ḵes hamMeches hammeḵes me·ḵes Meches meḵes ū·miḵ·sām umichSam ūmiḵsāmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts