Brief Overview of δεκάτη (G1181: dekátē)

Dekátē (pronounced deh-KAH-teh) is a Greek term derived from the root δέκα (déka), meaning “ten.” It functions as a feminine noun and specifically refers to the number “tenth” in both literal and figurative contexts. In various uses, δεκάτη denotes a fraction or portion that is one-tenth of a whole.

Primary Meanings:

• Tenth: The primary meaning of δεκάτη is “tenth,” representing one out of ten equal parts of a whole.
• Tithe: In a more specific context, it can denote a tithe or a tenth part, particularly in financial or agricultural contexts, where it refers to a portion set aside for religious or community purposes.

Scripture References

1. Matthew 23:23: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe (δεκάτην) of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” In this verse, δεκάτη refers to the act of giving a tenth part of one’s produce as a tithe, highlighting its role in religious observance.
2. Luke 18:12: “I fast twice a week; I give tithes (δεκάτην) of all that I get.” Here, δεκάτη is used to describe the practice of giving a tenth of one’s income, underscoring its significance in personal piety and religious practice.

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Early Christian Literature) defines δεκάτη as “the tenth part” or “tithe.” It is commonly used to denote a portion equal to one-tenth, especially in religious contexts where tithing is a practice. BDAG notes that it is derived from δέκα (ten) and is used both in financial contexts and as a general term for a fractional part.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon confirms this definition, emphasizing that δεκάτη refers to a “tithe” or “tenth part.” It reflects its use in religious and economic contexts where a portion of income or produce is allocated for specific purposes.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary also supports this meaning, noting that δεκάτη is used in the New Testament to indicate a portion or tithe, reinforcing its role in the practice of giving a tenth.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance adds that δεκάτη is synonymous with “tithe” and is used to describe a tenth part of something, particularly in the context of religious offerings.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Aristotle’s “Politics”: Aristotle discusses various forms of taxation and contribution, including the concept of tithing. Although not using δεκάτη explicitly, his discussions on financial obligations reflect the practical use of such numerical fractions in governance and economy.
2. Plato’s “Laws”: Plato explores social and religious regulations, where numerical fractions, including tenths, are used in the context of civic duties and contributions. While δεκάτη itself is not used, the principle of dividing contributions into tenths is evident.
3. Homer’s “Odyssey”: In the ancient epics of Homer, the concept of portions and distributions is frequently discussed, though δεκάτη itself is not directly mentioned. The practice of allocating shares or portions is a common theme in classical literature.

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Summary

Dekátē (G1181) is a Greek noun meaning “tenth” or “tithe,” derived from δέκα (ten). It represents one-tenth of a whole and is used primarily in financial or religious contexts to denote a portion set aside for specific purposes. In the New Testament, it appears in references to tithing practices, emphasizing its significance in religious observance. Classical Greek literature reflects the concept of dividing into fractions, though the specific term δεκάτη may not always be used explicitly. The term highlights the practice of allocating one-tenth of income or produce, reinforcing its importance in both ancient and religious contexts.