ἀποδεκατόω

I take off a tenth part, pay tithe

Definition

The verb ἀποδεκατόω means to pay or give a tenth, specifically to tithe. It describes the act of setting aside one-tenth of one's income or produce, typically for religious or sacred purposes. In the New Testament, it is used both literally, as in Hebrews 7:5 where the Levites collect tithes from the people, and figuratively, as in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42, where Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for meticulously tithing garden herbs while neglecting weightier matters of justice and love. The action implies a formal, religious obligation.

Biblical Usage

This word appears four times in the New Testament, used exclusively in contexts discussing Jewish religious practice. In the Gospels (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, Luke 18:12), it is used by Jesus and a Pharisee to critique or boast about meticulous adherence to tithing laws on minor items. In Hebrews 7:5, it is used historically to describe the Levitical priesthood's right to collect tithes from their fellow Israelites according to the Law.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἀπό (apo, 'from, away from') and the adjective δέκατος (dekatos, 'tenth'). It literally means 'to take from the tenth' or 'to set apart a tenth.' It is a compound verb built directly on the concept of the decimal fraction, emphasizing the separation of a specific portion.

Semantic Range

This word is central to discussions of law, grace, and religious hypocrisy. Jesus's use in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 highlights that meticulous external obedience (tithing) is worthless without internal justice, mercy, and faithfulness. It shows the Law's requirements but also their insufficiency for true righteousness. In Hebrews 7:5-10, the act of tithing establishes the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood (through Abraham) over the Levitical priesthood, a key argument for Christ's superior priesthood.

Tithing was a well-established religious and economic practice in the ancient Near East and Second Temple Judaism. It was not merely charitable giving but a mandatory offering to God, primarily of agricultural produce (Deuteronomy 14:22-29). The tithe supported the Levitical priesthood, who had no land inheritance. Jesus's mention of tithing 'mint, dill, and cumin' (Matthew 23:23) reflects a scrupulous, legalistic extension of the law to the smallest garden herbs, a practice debated among Jewish teachers.

δεκατόω (dekatoō, G1183) — a simpler, less common verb meaning 'to tithe' or 'to collect tithes,' used in Hebrews 7:6, 9.

Word Details

Scripture References