Tax collector — Meaning in the Bible
Someone who collected taxes for the Roman authorities or their rulers. Tax collectors were widely despised; Jesus ate with them and called one, Matthew (Levi), as a disciple.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
Jesus called Levi (Matthew), a tax collector, who left his tax office to follow him and held a feast for Jesus with many tax collectors and sinners. Luke 5:27–32Matthew 9:9
Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, promised to repay anyone he had cheated four times over. In a parable a tax collector prays humbly and goes home justified. Luke 19:1–10Luke 18:9–14
Key passages
- Luke 3:12–13 — John tells tax collectors to collect no more than appointed.
- Luke 5:27–32 — Levi follows Jesus.
- Luke 18:9–14 — The Pharisee and the tax collector.
- Luke 19:1–10 — Zacchaeus.
For children
A tax collector took money from people for the rulers. Zacchaeus was a tax collector who changed after meeting Jesus. Luke 19:2Luke 19:8
Study further
- Luke 5:27–32 A tax collector called.
- Luke 19:1–10 Zacchaeus.