The Bible acknowledges taxation as a legitimate function of government and instructs believers to pay taxes as part of their duty to civil authorities. While taxation may be burdensome or even unjust at times, Scripture emphasizes obedience and integrity in dealing with governing powers.
In the Old Testament, taxation was a regular part of Israel’s national life. Kings collected tribute, and even God’s laws included provisions for tithes, which were a kind of religious taxation (Leviticus 27:30–32). Under Solomon’s reign, taxes became heavy and led to discontent (1 Kings 12:4), showing that while taxation is necessary, excessive burdens can cause strife.
In the New Testament, Jesus directly addressed the issue. When asked whether it was lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, He answered:
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
(Matthew 22:21)
This statement affirmed that believers have obligations both to earthly governments and to God, and those obligations should not conflict when rightly understood.
Paul also teaches this in Romans 13:6–7:
“For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing… render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs…”
Even under the oppressive Roman Empire, Paul instructed Christians to pay their dues faithfully.
However, the Bible also warns against corrupt use of power. Tax collectors in Jesus’ day were often despised for greed and extortion. When Zacchaeus repented, he said:
“If I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
(Luke 19:8)
Thus, while Scripture supports the legitimacy of taxation, it calls for fairness from those who collect it and integrity from those who pay it.
