Understanding δέκα (deka) Strong’s G1176: The Divine Number of Completeness and Order in Biblical Testimony

Pronunciation Guide: DEH-kah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1176: δέκα (deka) is the Greek cardinal number ten, representing completeness and entirety in biblical numerology. It signifies a complete count, a full measure, or divine order in both the literal sense of quantity and the symbolic realm of biblical numbers. In Scripture, ten often represents testimony, law, responsibility, and the completeness of divine order.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Cardinal Numeral
• Origin: Proto-Indo-European *dekm-
• Language Family: Common to all Indo-European languages
• Usage Context: Appears in narrative, teaching, and apocalyptic literature
• Related Form: δέκατος (dekatos) – tenth (ordinal number)
• Derived Term: δεκάτη (dekatē) – a tenth part, tithe

δέκα Morphology:

• δέκα – indeclinable cardinal number ten
• δέκατος, δεκάτη, δέκατον – tenth (adjective forms: masculine, feminine, neuter)

Origin & History

The Greek δέκα derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *dekm-, which gave rise to similar forms across numerous languages (Latin decem, Sanskrit daśa, Gothic taihun). This widespread linguistic consistency points to the fundamental importance of the decimal system in human counting and organization throughout history.

In classical Greek literature, δέκα appears frequently as a simple cardinal number, but it gained additional significance in the Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, where it carried over Hebrew numerological symbolism. The number ten (עֶשֶׂר, eser in Hebrew) was already associated with completeness, testimony, and divine order in Hebrew thought, particularly through the Ten Commandments (עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים, aseret ha-devarim). When the Septuagint translators rendered עֶשֶׂר as δέκα, they transferred these symbolic associations into Greek, which later influenced New Testament usage.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A literal count of ten items, people, or entities
• A symbolic representation of completeness or fullness in divine order
• A number associated with testimony and responsibility
• A number signifying testing or judgment in apocalyptic contexts
• A representation of the entirety of something

δέκα Translation Options:

• Ten – The most direct and literal translation, appropriate in contexts of simple counting (Matthew 25:1 – “ten virgins”)
• Tenth – When translating δέκατος, the ordinal form (Revelation 21:20 – “the tenth foundation”)
• Complete set – When the emphasis is on the symbolism of completeness rather than the precise number (appropriate in some apocalyptic passages)
• Tithe – When translating the derived noun δεκάτη (Hebrews 7:2)
• Entirety – When the number represents the whole of something, especially in symbolic contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δέκα appears 25 times, often carrying both literal and symbolic significance. Its first appearance in Matthew 20:24 refers to “the ten” disciples who became indignant with James and John, representing the complete remainder of the Twelve minus the two brothers. The number ten is particularly prominent in Jesus’ parables (ten virgins, ten talents) and in Revelation, where it symbolizes completeness in divine judgment.

The Septuagint established important precedents for New Testament usage, particularly through the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), which represented the complete moral law. This foundation influenced how early Christians understood the number, seeing it as a symbol of God’s complete revelation and perfect order.

• “And when the ten [δέκα] heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brethren.” Matthew 20:24
• “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten [δέκα] virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.” Matthew 25:1
• “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey… And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more… After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five ten [δέκα] talents more.” Matthew 25:14-20
• “And he called his ten [δέκα] servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” Luke 19:13
• “And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten [δέκα] cleansed? but where are the nine?” Luke 17:17
• “And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten [δέκα] kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.” Daniel 7:25-24 (Septuagint)
• “And the ten [δέκα] horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.” Revelation 17:12

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the number ten held significant administrative and organizational value. The decimal system was widely used for commerce, taxation, and governance. In ancient Israel, ten men constituted a minyan, the minimum number required for certain communal prayers and functions. This practice reflected the belief that ten represented a complete community unit, a concept that continued into the Second Temple period when Yeshua (Jesus) walked the earth.

The Ten Commandments (עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים, aseret ha-devarim, literally “ten words”) formed the cornerstone of Israel’s covenant relationship with יהוה (Yahweh). They were not merely random precepts but were understood as the complete foundation of divine instruction – covering relationships with both God and fellow humans. When Yeshua was asked about the greatest commandment, He summarized the law in terms of love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40), effectively distilling the essence of the Ten Commandments into their core principles.

The Jewish practice of tithing (giving a tenth) further reinforced the concept that ten represented wholeness. By giving a tenth to God, one symbolically acknowledged that all ten parts (the complete whole) belonged to Him, while practically demonstrating faithfulness with a representative portion.

Theological Significance

The number δέκα in Scripture often points to God’s perfect order and complete testimony. The Ten Commandments represent not merely arbitrary rules but God’s perfect moral standard – a complete testimony of His righteous character expressed in covenantal form. They encompass the entirety of human responsibility before God and neighbor, demonstrating יהוה’s wisdom in providing a comprehensive yet concise moral framework.

In apocalyptic literature, particularly Revelation, the number ten signifies completeness in divine judgment. The ten horns in Revelation 17 represent the fullness of worldly power arrayed against God, yet ultimately subject to His sovereignty. This usage reminds us that God’s judgment is never partial or incomplete – it encompasses the entirety of human rebellion while remaining perfectly just.

Jesus’ parables featuring ten (ten virgins, ten talents, ten servants with ten pounds) often emphasize complete accountability before God. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the number represents the complete body of those professing faith, divided between genuine and superficial followers. This teaches us that God’s assessment of our hearts is comprehensive – nothing remains hidden from His perfect discernment.

Personal Application

The biblical significance of δέκα invites us to examine our lives for completeness in our devotion to God. Just as the Ten Commandments cover our complete duty, we should assess whether our obedience is partial or complete. Are we giving God fragments of our lives while withholding other areas from His lordship? The number ten challenges us to surrender all aspects of our lives to His perfect will.

The symbolic completeness of δέκα also reminds us that God’s provision for our needs is never lacking. When Yeshua healed ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19), the healing was complete for each person. Yet only one returned to give thanks, teaching us that while God’s grace is complete toward us, our gratitude often remains incomplete. This challenges us to develop hearts that recognize and acknowledge the completeness of God’s goodness in our lives.

Related Words

• ἑπτά (hepta) – seven (HEP-tah): Another number of completeness in Scripture, often signifying spiritual perfection or divine completion as opposed to the completeness of order represented by ten. See G2033
• δώδεκα (dōdeka) – twelve (DOH-deh-kah): Often representing perfect governmental foundation or divine administration, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and twelve apostles. See G1427
• χίλιοι (chilioi) – thousand (KHEE-lee-oy): Represents vast numerical completeness, often used in apocalyptic literature to symbolize a complete age or period. See G5507
• δεκάτη (dekatē) – tithe, tenth part (deh-KAH-tay): The practice of giving a tenth, acknowledging God’s ownership of everything. See G1181
• τέλειος (teleios) – complete, perfect, mature (TEH-lay-os): Though not numerically related to δέκα, both concepts relate to completeness. While δέκα represents quantitative completeness, τέλειος represents qualitative completeness or perfection. See G5046

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the ancient Israelites used a decimal counting system based on ten fingers, but their monetary system in the Second Temple period was based on multiples of δέκα? The denarius (δηνάριον, dēnarion) was a day’s wage for a laborer, and it would take ten denarii to equal a basic living wage for a small family for a week, reflecting how the number ten structured everyday economic life.
• Did you know that in Rabbinic tradition, ten men (a minyan) is required for certain prayers because of the principle derived from Genesis 18:32, where Abraham ceased his intercession for Sodom when he reached ten righteous people? This tradition suggests that ten represents the minimum numerical threshold for a community in God’s eyes, a concept that helps us understand why Yeshua so often used the number ten in His parables about the Kingdom community.
• Did you know that while most ancient cultures developed decimal (base-10) numbering systems, the Babylonians used a sexagesimal (base-60) system that still influences our measurement of time (60 seconds, 60 minutes) and angular degrees (360° in a circle)? The prevalence of base-10 systems across most cultures, including Hebrew and Greek, points to a natural human inclination to organize by tens, which the Scriptures then infuse with spiritual significance through the number δέκα.

Remember This

δέκα reminds us that God’s revelation, commandments, and judgments are never fragmentary or incomplete—they represent the perfect fullness of His character and will, calling us to respond with complete devotion rather than partial obedience.