δεκάτη

a tenth part, a tithe

Definition

The Greek word δεκάτη (dekatē) specifically means 'a tenth part' or 'a tithe,' referring to the practice of giving one-tenth of one's income or produce. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in the Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 7:2, 4, 8, 9) to discuss the tithes given to Melchizedek and the Levitical priesthood. The term carries both a literal, mathematical sense of a tenth and a religious sense of a sacred offering or obligation. Its usage in Hebrews is theological, contrasting the old covenant practice with the new covenant in Christ.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only four times in the New Testament, all within Hebrews 7, where the author discusses the patriarch Abraham giving a tithe to Melchizedek. The usage is consistent, focusing on the act of tithing as a historical and theological example to argue for the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood (and by extension, Christ's) over the Levitical priesthood. For instance, Hebrews 7:4 notes Abraham gave 'a tenth part (δεκάτη) of everything' to Melchizedek.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word δέκα (deka), meaning 'ten,' δεκάτη is the feminine form meaning 'a tenth' or 'tithe.' It is a straightforward numerical derivative, similar to how 'tithe' in English comes from Old English for 'tenth.' The word was used in secular Greek for a tenth part, and in Jewish and Christian contexts, it took on the specific religious meaning of an offering to God.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it is central to the argument in Hebrews 7 about priesthood and covenant. The author uses the tithe (δεκάτη) given by Abraham to Melchizedek to demonstrate that Melchizedek's priesthood is superior to the later Levitical priesthood, which received tithes from the people. This supports the book's overarching theme of Christ's superior, eternal priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek, surpassing the old covenant system. Understanding this Greek term highlights the precision of the biblical argument about continuity and fulfillment in Christ.

In the ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman world, tithing was a well-established practice. A tithe (δεκάτη) represented not just a tax but a religious duty, often given to support priests and temples. In the Old Testament, tithes were commanded for the Levites and for festivals (e.g., Leviticus 27:30-33). The New Testament audience would have understood tithing as a standard part of Jewish religious life, making the argument in Hebrews about its payment to Melchizedek particularly striking, as it predated the Mosaic Law.

ἀποδεκατόω (apodekatoō, G586) — to tithe or give a tenth, emphasizing the action of tithing rather than the portion itself.

Word Details

Scripture References