G1183
δεκατόω
to tithe, i.e. to give or take a tenth
Transliteration
dekatóōPronunciation
(dek-at-o'-o)Everything you need to know.
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to tithe, i.e. to give or take a tenth
δεκατόω(dekatóō)
Strong’s Definition
to tithe, i.e. to give or take a tenth
from G1181 (δεκάτη);
“But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
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
δεκατόω Morphology:
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
δεκατόω Translation Options:
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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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
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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.