Pronunciation Guide: dek-at-ó-o (δεκατόω)

Basic Definition

Strong's G1183: The Greek verb δεκατόω (dekatoō) means "to collect or pay tithes" or more literally "to take a tenth." In biblical contexts, it refers to the practice of giving or receiving a tenth portion of one's goods or income as an act of worship and acknowledgment of God's provision. This term carries significant theological weight as it connects to the ancient practice of tithing established in Torah and points prophetically to Messianic authority.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (present active indicative)
• Derived from δέκατος (dekatos, "tenth")
• Ultimately from δέκα (deka, "ten")
• Koine Greek origin
• Primary usage in teaching sections of Scripture
• Only appears in Hebrews (chapter 7)

δεκατόω Morphology:

• δεκατόω (present active indicative) – to collect a tithe
• δεκατῶσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to have collected a tithe
• δεκατούμενος (present passive participle) – being tithed
• δεδεκάτωκεν (perfect active indicative) – has collected tithes
• δεδεκάτωται (perfect passive indicative) – has been tithed

Origin & History

The word δεκατόω originates from the decimal system in ancient Greek mathematics and commerce, specifically from δέκατος (dekatos), meaning "tenth." In classical Greek literature, we find references to δεκάτη (dekatē, "a tenth part") in Herodotus' Histories (9.81), where he describes the practice of giving a tenth of war spoils to the gods. This concept of dedicating a tenth portion appears throughout ancient Near Eastern cultures.

The Septuagint (LXX) uses related forms like ἀποδεκατόω or δεκατεύω when translating Hebrew tithing passages from the Torah. For example, in Genesis 14:20, where Abraham gives a tenth to Melchizedek, and in Malachi 3:10, regarding the commandment to bring tithes into the storehouse. However, the specific form δεκατόω is rare outside of the New Testament, making its appearance in Hebrews particularly significant as it establishes a connection between ancient tithing practices and their messianic fulfillment.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To collect or receive a tenth part from someone
• To pay a tenth part (tithe) as an act of worship
• To acknowledge superiority or authority through giving a tenth
• To fulfill a religious obligation established in Torah

δεκατόω Translation Options:

• "To collect tithes" – Emphasizes the receiver's right or authority to collect the tenth portion
• "To exact a tithe" – Stresses the systematic or legal nature of the collection process
• "To tithe" – General term that can apply to either giving or receiving the tithe, depending on context
• "To decimate" – Originally meant "to take a tenth" but has shifted meaning in English to "destroy" (not recommended for translation)
• "To tenth" – A literal but less common rendering that preserves the numerical emphasis of the original

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δεκατόω appears exclusively in Hebrews chapter 7, where the author develops a profound theological argument comparing the priesthood of Melchizedek with that of the Messiah Jesus. The word first appears in Hebrews 7:6, where Melchizedek, who was not of Levitical descent, received tithes from Abraham. This established a precedent of tithing that predated the Mosaic Law and the Levitical priesthood.

The author of Hebrews uses this word to demonstrate the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. By receiving tithes from Abraham, Melchizedek was acknowledged as greater, and since Levi (the ancestor of all priests) was still "in the loins of Abraham" when this occurred, in a sense, even the Levitical priests paid tithes to Melchizedek, thus acknowledging his greater priesthood. This relationship becomes the foundation for explaining how the Messiah Jesus, as a priest after the order of Melchizedek, supersedes the Levitical priesthood.

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• "But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth [δεδεκάτωκεν] from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises." Hebrews 7:6
• "Here mortal men receive tithes [δεκάτας], but there one receives them [δεκατούμενος], of whom it is witnessed that he lives on." Hebrews 7:8
• "And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes [δεδεκάτωται]." Hebrews 7:9

Cultural Insights

In ancient Hebrew culture, tithing was not merely a religious tax but a profound act of worship that acknowledged God's ownership of everything. The practice had deep roots in Near Eastern traditions but took on special significance in Israel's covenant relationship with יהוה (Yahweh). Three types of tithes existed in ancient Israel: the Levitical tithe (Numbers 18:21-24), the festival tithe (Deuteronomy 14:22-27), and the charity tithe given every third year (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).

What makes the Melchizedek-Abraham tithing encounter particularly remarkable is that it occurred before the giving of the Torah at Sinai, demonstrating that tithing was recognized as a universal principle of acknowledging divine authority. In ancient Near Eastern culture, giving a tenth to a king or priest was a way of pledging allegiance and recognizing their position. Abraham's act of giving a tenth to Melchizedek was, therefore, not simply a generous gift but a profound acknowledgment of Melchizedek's unique priestly and kingly status, prefiguring the dual role that the Messiah would later fulfill.

Theological Significance

The theological implications of δεκατόω in Hebrews 7 are profound and far-reaching. By highlighting the interaction between Abraham and Melchizedek, the author establishes a priesthood that predates and supersedes the Levitical priesthood. This becomes the foundation for explaining how Jesus, who came from the tribe of Judah (not Levi), could legitimately serve as our High Priest. The Messiah is a priest "according to the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 7:17), a priesthood that was confirmed by God's oath, not by ancestral descent.

The use of δεκατόω in this context reveals God's sovereign plan across salvation history. What might have seemed like a minor historical detail—Abraham giving a tenth to Melchizedek—becomes a pivotal theological hinge that opens the door to understanding the Messiah's eternal priesthood. This illustrates how יהוה (Yahweh) weaves prophetic patterns throughout Scripture, with earlier events foreshadowing greater fulfillments to come. The act of tithing, therefore, is not simply a financial transaction but a prophetic acknowledgment of divine authority and an act of worship that points to the Messiah's supreme role as our eternal High Priest.

Personal Application

Understanding δεκατόω challenges us to reconsider our view of giving to God. When we tithe, we're not merely following a religious obligation but participating in an ancient spiritual principle that acknowledges God's sovereignty and provision in our lives. Just as Abraham recognized Melchizedek's authority through his tithe, our giving becomes an act of worship that recognizes the Messiah's ultimate authority.

Beyond financial giving, the principle behind δεκατόω invites us to consider what it means to acknowledge the Messiah's priesthood in our daily lives. If Jesus is our High Priest "according to the order of Melchizedek," then He has authority to bless us, intercede for us, and represent us before the Father in ways that far exceed what the Levitical priests could do. This should inspire both confidence in approaching God through Him and reverence for His superior ministry on our behalf.

Related Words

• δεκάτη (dekatē, dek-AH-tay) – a tenth part, tithe; the noun form referring to the actual portion given. This term appears in passages discussing the practice of tithing itself rather than the act of collecting tithes. See G1181
• ἀποδεκατόω (apodekatoō, ap-od-ek-at-OH-o) – to give or pay a tenth of anything; a compound word that emphasizes the action of giving tithes rather than receiving them. This word appears in the Gospels when Jesus addresses the meticulous tithing practices of the Pharisees. See G586
• προσφέρω (prospherō, pros-FER-o) – to bring to, to offer; a more general term for presenting offerings or gifts, which includes but is not limited to tithes. This broader concept encompasses all forms of sacrificial giving. See G4374
• λειτουργία (leitourgia, lay-toorg-EE-ah) – public service, ministry; while not directly related to tithing, this term connects to the broader concept of service to God, which was supported by tithes in the Levitical system. See G3009
• δῶρον (dōron, DOH-ron) – a gift, present; used for offerings presented to God, including but not limited to tithes. This term emphasizes the voluntary and relational aspect of giving. See G1435

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the concept behind δεκατόω actually appears in cultures far beyond ancient Israel? Archaeological evidence from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Ugarit reveals that giving a tenth portion to deities or kings was a widespread practice throughout the ancient Near East. This suggests that the principle of tithing might be considered part of the universal moral understanding that God placed within humanity, similar to how many cultures independently developed concepts of sacrifice and prayer.
• Did you know that while our English word "decimate" comes from the same root as δεκατόω, its meaning has dramatically shifted over time? Originally, in Roman military practice, decimation meant executing one soldier in ten as punishment for mutiny or cowardice. This reflects the fundamental meaning of "taking a tenth," but with a drastically different application than the biblical concept of tithing. Today, "decimate" has further evolved to mean "to destroy a large portion of something," having lost its precise "one-tenth" meaning entirely.
• Did you know that the rabbinic tradition developed extensive guidelines around tithing, called ma'aserot (מעשרות)? The Mishnah devotes an entire tractate to the subject, detailing which products required tithing, how to calculate tithes for different types of produce, and when the obligation began. These discussions show how central the concept was to Jewish religious practice and help us understand the cultural context in which the Messiah Jesus and the early believers operated when discussing tithing principles.

Remember This

The word δεκατόω reminds us that acknowledging the Messiah's authority through our giving is not just a religious duty but a profound spiritual privilege that connects us to an eternal priesthood far superior to any earthly system.