### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **telṓnion**, represented by `{{G5058}}`, refers to a **tax-gatherer's place of business** or the **receipt of custom**. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. This term specifically denotes the physical station or booth where a publican would collect revenue.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5058}}` is exclusively used as the setting for Jesus calling a future disciple. In each of its occurrences, Jesus passes by and sees a man "sitting at the **receipt of custom**" ([[Matthew 9:9]], [[Mark 2:14]], [[Luke 5:27]]). This location serves as the backdrop for a pivotal moment of vocation, where a man's ordinary work life is interrupted by a divine invitation to follow Christ. The individuals named in these accounts are Matthew and Levi.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide crucial context for the events occurring at the `telṓnion`:
* `{{G5057}}` **telṓnēs** (a tax-farmer, i.e. collector of public revenue:--publican.): This is the occupation of the men called from the **receipt of custom**. Luke explicitly identifies Levi as a **publican** sitting at this location [[Luke 5:27]], and Matthew is also identified as a **publican** [[Matthew 10:3]].
* `{{G190}}` **akolouthéō** (to be in the same way with, i.e. to accompany (specially, as a disciple):--follow, reach.): This is the direct command Jesus issues at the `{{G5058}}`. He tells both Matthew and Levi, "**Follow** me," and the text notes that they immediately arose and **followed** him ([[Matthew 9:9]], [[Mark 2:14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5058}}` is centered on its role as a place of transition and calling.
* **A Site of Divine Summons:** The **receipt of custom** is portrayed as a place where Jesus actively seeks out his followers. It highlights that the call to discipleship can occur in any setting, including a secular place of business [[Matthew 9:9]].
* **Leaving a Former Life:** The act of rising from the **receipt of custom** symbolizes the abandonment of a previous way of life to answer Jesus's call. For Matthew and Levi, this was a tangible and immediate decision to leave their profession behind ([[Mark 2:14]], [[Luke 5:27]]).
* **Ministry to the Outcast:** The `telṓnion` was the workplace of a publican, a profession often associated with sinners [[Matthew 11:19]]. Jesus's presence and call at this location demonstrates his ministry's reach to those on the margins of society.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5058}}` is a specific term for a **tax-gatherer's place of business**, but its importance in Scripture is defined by the events that transpire there. It is consistently the location where Jesus calls a publican to become a disciple. This place represents the intersection of the secular world and the divine call, symbolizing the moment a person is summoned to leave their past behind and follow a new path with Christ.
TRV