"a census, assessment, enumeration of the people and a valuation of their property; in NT tribute, tax, Mt. 17:25; poll-tax, Mt. 22:17, 19; Mk. 12:14*"
Definition and meaning
a census, assessment, enumeration of the people and a valuation of their property; in NT tribute, tax, Mt. 17:25; poll-tax, Mt. 22:17, 19; Mk. 12:14*
In the original Greek the word is written: κῆνσος
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of kensos (G2778) across the King James Bible.
He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
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Common questions
Strong's G2778 (kensos) is a Greek word that means: a census, assessment, enumeration of the people and a valuation of their property; in NT tribute, tax, Mt. 17:25; poll-tax, Mt. 22:17, 19; Mk. 12:14* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word kensos (G2778) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2778 is kensos, a Greek word defined as: a census, assessment, enumeration of the people and a valuation of their property; in NT tribute, tax, Mt. 17:25; poll-tax, Mt. 22:17, 19; Mk. 12:14*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
kensos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.