בְּלוֹ
be.lo
tribute
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Hebrew word בְּלוֹ (be.lo) refers to a type of payment or tribute. Its definition falls within the semantic domain of Commerce & Wealth, indicating its relevance to economic transactions. The word occurs three times in the Bible, suggesting a limited but deliberate use in specific contexts. Given its restricted appearance, be.lo likely held a distinct or specialized connotation within ancient Hebrew culture. Its meaning as tribute implies a specific kind of payment, possibly indicating a formal or contractual obligation, rather than an arbitrary or arbitrary offering. The limited occurrences and specific definition of be.lo indicate it was a distinct concept in ancient Hebrew commerce and finance, one that may be closely tied to legal, social, or civic obligations.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
Be it known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings.
Ezra 4:20There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them.
Ezra 7:24Also we inform you that it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, or laborers of this house of God.