Bible Dictionary
Toll
A toll was a tax or tribute paid to a governing power, often associated with roads, bridges, fords, or commercial transport. Persian and Roman authorities collected such charges in biblical times.
Definition
A toll was a tax, tribute, or way charge imposed by governing authorities. It could refer to payment by a subject nation, a road tax, or other required public revenue.
Biblical Usage
The Old Testament uses the term for tribute and imposed payments. In New Testament times, toll stations stood in Palestine; Levi was stationed at one. The temple half-shekel and Roman taxes are also associated with related terms.
Historical Background
Persian authorities collected tolls or tribute, probably including charges connected with bridges, fords, and highways. Roman tax stations were called telonia, and their collectors were publicans.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
One of the branches of the king of Persia’s revenues (Ezra 4:13; 7:24), probably a tax levied from those who used the bridges and fords and highways.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>tol: (1) Aramaic middah, "toll" or "tribute" paid by a vassal nation to its conqueror (Ezr 4:20; 6:8; Ne 5:4); written also mindah (Ezr 4:13; 7:24). More accurately for halakh, "toll," or "way tax" (Ezr 4:13,10; 7:24). In New Testament times the Romans had placed throughout Palestine many toll stations (telonion). Levi the publican was stationed at such a tax office (Mt 9:9; Mr 2:14; Lu 5:27); compare telones, a "tax collector" or "publican." The tax which the Jews paid toward the support of the temple, a didrachma, is called telos, "toll" (Mt 17:25), the same as the word rendered "tribute" (Ro 13:7).</p><p>Edward Bagby Pollard</p>