(Aramaic) or מִנְדָּה; (Aramaic), corresponding to מִדָּה; tribute in money; toll, tribute.
Transliteration:middâh
Pronunciation:mid-daw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term מִדָּה (transliterated as *middâh*) or its variant מִנְדָּה (*mindâh*), Strong's number `{{H4061}}`, primarily denotes "tribute," "toll," or "tax," specifically in the context of monetary payments. This word is crucial to distinguish from its Hebrew homograph, מִדָּה (Strong's number `{{H4060}}`), which means "measure," "size," or "garment." While the Aramaic form shares the same root as the Hebrew word for "measure" (perhaps implying a "measured" payment), its semantic range is strictly confined to financial levies imposed by a ruling authority. It signifies a compulsory payment, typically in money, exacted by a king or empire from subjugated peoples or provinces.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *middâh* (`{{H4061}}`) appears exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the book of Ezra, where it describes the financial obligations imposed by Persian kings on their subjects.
* In [[Ezra 4:13]], the adversaries of Judah warn King Artaxerxes that if Jerusalem is rebuilt, the Jews will "not pay tribute (מִדָּה), custom (בְּלוֹ `{{H1093}}`), or toll (הֲלָךְ `{{H1971}}`)." Here, *middâh* is listed alongside other forms of imperial taxation, emphasizing the financial loss to the empire if the city were to regain autonomy.
* [[Ezra 4:20]] recounts how powerful kings ruled over Jerusalem and exacted "tribute (מִדָּה), custom (בְּלוֹ `{{H1093}}`), and toll (הֲלָךְ `{{H1971}}`)" from the regions beyond the Euphrates. This verse highlights the historical precedent of Jerusalem as a significant center of revenue for various empires, underscoring its strategic and economic importance.
* In [[Ezra 6:8]], King Darius issues a decree to provide funds for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem "from the royal treasury, from the tribute (מִדָּה) of the region beyond the River." This demonstrates how imperial taxation, including *middâh*, was a primary source of revenue that could be redirected by royal decree, even for religious purposes favorable to the Jews.
* Perhaps most significantly, [[Ezra 7:24]] states that "it is not lawful to impose tribute (מִדָּה), custom (בְּלוֹ `{{H1093}}`), or toll (הֲלָךְ `{{H1971}}`)" on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, or other servants of the house of God. This royal exemption underscores the special status granted to those dedicated to Temple service, recognizing their sacred role and perhaps aiming to ensure the unimpeded functioning of religious life without the burden of imperial taxes.
Across these contexts, *middâh* consistently refers to a financial obligation, a sign of imperial control and a source of royal income. Its presence in these Aramaic texts illuminates the administrative and economic realities of the Persian Empire's rule over its provinces.
### Related Words & Concepts
The term *middâh* (`{{H4061}}`) is often found alongside other Aramaic words for taxation, forming a semantic cluster that describes various forms of imperial levy:
* **בְּלוֹ (*belô'*) `{{H1093}}`**: "custom" or "consumption tax," often appearing with *middâh* (e.g., [[Ezra 4:13]], [[Ezra 7:24]]).
* **הֲלָךְ (*halāk*) `{{H1971}}`**: "toll" or "road tax," also frequently paired with *middâh* (e.g., [[Ezra 4:13]], [[Ezra 7:24]]).
Together, these three terms paint a comprehensive picture of the Persian tax system.
In Hebrew, related concepts include:
* **מַס (*mas*) `{{H4522}}`**: Often translated as "tribute" or "forced labor," but typically implies corvée labor or a general levy, not exclusively monetary.
* **מִנְחָה (*minḥāh*) `{{H4503}}`**: While primarily "offering" or "gift," it can sometimes refer to tribute paid to a superior, though with a nuance of presentation rather than strict imposition.
The concept of *middâh* highlights the economic and political realities of subjugation under foreign rule, where the payment of tribute signifies the acknowledgment of a superior earthly authority and the transfer of wealth from the governed to the governor.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *middâh* (`{{H4061}}`) lies in its portrayal of earthly sovereignty and the burdens it imposes, often contrasting implicitly with the nature of God's reign.
1. **Earthly vs. Divine Sovereignty:** The payment of *middâh* is a concrete symbol of submission to an earthly king or empire. It underscores the reality of human power structures and the financial demands they place on people. In contrast, God's sovereignty, while absolute, does not demand tribute in the same oppressive manner. Rather, His people are called to offer voluntary worship, obedience, and tithes, which are expressions of devotion and stewardship, not economic subjugation.
2. **The Burden of Empire:** The repeated mention of *middâh* alongside other taxes (`{{H1093}}`, `{{H1971}}`) in contexts of imperial control (e.g., [[Ezra 4:13]], [[Ezra 4:20]]) conveys the significant economic burden placed upon the people. This burden highlights the often-oppressive nature of human empires, which extract resources for their own maintenance and expansion. This stands in stark contrast to God's desire for the flourishing and provision of His people.
3. **Divine Provision and Exemption:** The exemption from *middâh* granted to the Temple workers in [[Ezra 7:24]] is profoundly significant. It demonstrates a divine providence working through an earthly king to protect and enable the sacred work of the Temple. This exemption suggests that those dedicated to God's service should not be hindered by worldly financial burdens, emphasizing the priority of spiritual duties and God's care for His servants. It can be seen as an act of divine grace, ensuring the vitality of worship and the preservation of the sacred community.
### Summary
The Aramaic term מִדָּה (*middâh* or *mindâh*, `{{H4061}}`) precisely defines a monetary "tribute," "toll," or "tax" imposed by imperial powers. Its occurrences in Ezra illustrate the financial demands of the Persian Empire, signifying political subjugation and providing royal revenue. Theologically, *middâh* highlights the nature of earthly sovereignty and its financial burdens, implicitly contrasting it with God's reign. The exemption from *middâh* for Temple workers in [[Ezra 7:24]] stands as a powerful testament to divine provision and the special status accorded to sacred service, ensuring that the work of God's house would not be hampered by worldly levies.
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