Bible Dictionary
Custom
Custom can refer to a tax collected by Roman publicans on goods and transactions. Scripture also describes temple tribute, money-changing, and the abuses that made tax collectors objects of public hatred.
Biblical Usage
The Gospels mention the receipt of custom and the taxes collected by publicans. Publicans were disliked because they were tempted to exact more than the lawful amount. Scripture also mentions the annual half-shekel temple tribute and the money-changers who exchanged foreign coins for Jewish money.
Scripture References