Custom
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Customs were tolls or duties levied on merchandise and goods in transit within the Roman Empire. These taxes were collected by contractors known as publicans at city gates, highways, and designated customs houses.
What is the meaning of Custom in the Bible?
Customs were tolls or duties levied on merchandise and goods in transit within the Roman Empire. These taxes were collected by contractors known as publicans at city gates, highways, and designated customs houses.
SIGNIFICANCE
The role of the publican highlights the economic tension and social stratification between the Roman administration and the local populations in the New Testament.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Custom in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Custom clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.