Lexical Summary architelónés: Chief tax collector Original Word: ἀρχιτελώνης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chief among the publicans. From arche and telones; a principle tax-gatherer -- chief among the publicans. see GREEK arche see GREEK telones NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom archó and telónés Definition a chief tax collector NASB Translation chief tax collector (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 754: ἀρχιτελώνηςἀρχιτελώνης, ἀρχιτελωνου, ὁ, a chief of the tax-collectors, chief publican: Luke 19:2. (See τελώνης.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Narrative Placement Strong’s Greek number 754 designates the official who stood at the apex of a local tax-collecting enterprise. In the New Testament the office appears once, in Luke 19:2, where Zacchaeus is introduced as ἀρχιτελώνης. His rank places him above ordinary tax collectors, giving him supervisory authority and direct accountability to Roman contractors and, ultimately, to the provincial governors. Historical Background of Roman Tax Farming Rome financed its empire partly through indirect taxation. Wealthy equestrians bid for the right to collect taxes in a province; these “publicani” then subcontracted to regional managers—chief tax collectors—who hired local agents (τελῶναι). Chief tax collectors were responsible for meeting the quota promised to Rome and for turning a profit beyond that quota. Because they represented foreign rule, used Gentile methods, and often inflated assessments, they were branded traitors by their Jewish countrymen (see Matthew 18:17). Social Perception of the Chief Tax Collector While rank-and-file tax collectors were despised, the chief tax collector carried an even heavier social stigma. He was presumed to be the architect of exploitation and therefore the chief collaborator with Rome’s oppression. Rabbinic writings place tax gatherers in the same moral category as robbers, and their testimony was inadmissible in court. A chief tax collector would be shunned from synagogue life, effectively cutting him off from covenant fellowship. The Sole New Testament Occurrence: Zacchaeus (Luke 19:2-10) Luke’s Gospel singles out Zacchaeus: “There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was wealthy.” (Luke 19:2) Jericho, Zacchaeus’s base, sat astride lucrative customs routes. His wealth confirms the profitability of the position. Yet Christ’s initiative—“Zacchaeus, hurry down, for I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5)—demonstrates divine grace penetrating the most ostracized strata of society. Zacchaeus’s swift repentance, restitution, and generosity (“Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor” Luke 19:8) illustrate the power of genuine faith to transform economic practices and public reputation. Theological Themes Illustrated 1. Universal Reach of Salvation Luke positions Zacchaeus immediately after the healing of a blind beggar (Luke 18:35-43), contrasting social outcast groups and declaring that both the oppressed and the oppressor need redeeming grace. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) 2. Repentance with Tangible Fruit Zacchaeus goes beyond Mosaic restitution (Exodus 22:1) by volunteering fourfold repayment—a standard for theft—and adding a fifty-percent gift to the poor. Luke thereby underscores that saving faith produces visible ethical change (cf. Luke 3:12-13). 3. Reversal of Values The wealthy ruler in Luke 18:18-23 departs sorrowful, whereas the wealthy chief tax collector joyfully receives Christ. The narrative contrast exposes the heart orientation rather than net worth as the decisive factor in discipleship. Implications for Christian Ministry • Missional Priority Toward the Marginalized and the Marginalizing Jesus’s deliberate engagement with Zacchaeus urges believers to cross social, economic, and political barriers, extending hospitality even to those regarded as oppressors. • Stewardship and Economic Justice Zacchaeus models restitution and generosity, encouraging contemporary disciples to redress financial wrongs and channel resources toward the needy (see 1 Timothy 6:17-19). • Leadership Transformation The highest-ranking collector becomes a paradigm of kingdom reversal: authority leveraged for service rather than exploitation (Mark 10:42-45). Typological and Prophetic Echoes As chief tax collector, Zacchaeus stands as a miniature picture of the nations brought into covenant blessing (Isaiah 60:10-11). His climb into the sycamore tree evokes prophetic anticipation of Gentiles seeking the Messiah (Amos 9:11-12). Christ’s entry into his house previews the inclusion of those once “far off” (Ephesians 2:13). Practical Applications for the Church • Evangelism: Target influential societal spheres without discrimination. Thus the single biblical appearance of Strong’s 754 opens a window into first-century taxation, reveals the radical grace of Jesus Christ, and continues to shape the church’s mission to proclaim liberty, practice justice, and welcome every repentant sinner into the household of God. Forms and Transliterations αρχιτελωνης αρχιτελώνης ἀρχιτελώνης architelones architelōnēs architelṓnes architelṓnēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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