Understanding δεκάτη (dekatē) Strong’s G1181: The Sacred Tenth that Reveals Ancient Worship and Messianic Priesthood

Pronunciation Guide: deh-KAH-tay

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1181: The Greek noun δεκάτη (dekatē) refers to a “tenth part” or “tithe,” specifically designating the practice of giving one-tenth of one’s income or possessions as an offering to God. In biblical contexts, it represents both a religious obligation and a sacred act of worship acknowledging God’s sovereignty and provision. The term carries significant theological weight as it connects to principles of stewardship, covenant faithfulness, and divine blessing.

Etymology and Morphology

• Feminine noun derived from the Greek adjective δέκατος (dekatos), meaning “tenth”
• Related to the cardinal number δέκα (deka), meaning “ten”
• Indo-European origin
• Primarily appears in teaching passages and narrative contexts
• Functions as the substantival form (noun) of the ordinal number

δεκάτη Morphology:

• δεκάτη (nominative singular) – a tenth, tithe
• δεκάτης (genitive singular) – of a tenth/tithe
• δεκάτῃ (dative singular) – in/with/by a tenth/tithe
• δεκάτην (accusative singular) – a tenth/tithe (direct object)

Origin & History

The concept of tithing (giving a tenth) predates Greek culture and appears across ancient Near Eastern civilizations as a form of tribute or religious offering. In classical Greek literature, the term δεκάτη appears in works like Herodotus’ Histories (5.77), where he mentions the Athenians dedicating a δεκάτη (tenth) of ransom money to create a bronze chariot as a thank-offering to their goddess.

The term gained significant religious importance in Hellenistic Judaism through the Septuagint (LXX), which used δεκάτη to translate the Hebrew מַעֲשֵׂר (ma’aser, “tenth part”). The Septuagint employs this term extensively in passages detailing the tithe system established in the Torah, particularly in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The early church fathers, including Clement of Alexandria in his Stromata and Origen in his Homilies on Numbers, discussed δεκάτη in their explorations of Christian giving and its relationship to the Mosaic Law.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A tenth part of something, especially produce or income, given as an offering to God
• A religious tax or contribution required under the Mosaic Law
• A voluntary gift representing acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and provision
• A sacred portion set apart for religious purposes or religious officials
• A symbolic representation of the whole being under divine ownership

δεκάτη Translation Options:

• Tithe – Most appropriate when emphasizing the religious obligation and systematic nature of giving a tenth (Hebrews 7:5)
• Tenth part – More literal translation that highlights the fractional value (Hebrews 7:2)
• Offering of a tenth – Useful when emphasizing the voluntary worship aspect rather than mere obligation
• Tenth portion – Helpful when distinguishing from other types of offerings in context
• Sacred tenth – Captures the holy, set-apart nature of this specific proportion

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δεκάτη appears exclusively in Hebrews chapter 7, where it serves a crucial theological purpose in establishing the superiority of Messiah Yeshua’s priesthood. The author of Hebrews uses Abraham’s giving of a δεκάτη to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20) as a pivotal theological argument. By receiving tithes, Melchizedek is shown to be greater than Abraham and, by extension, greater than the Levitical priesthood that would later descend from Abraham. This creates a typological framework that points to Yeshua as the ultimate high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

In the Septuagint, δεκάτη appears frequently in passages detailing the tithing laws that directed Israelites to give a tenth of their produce to support the Levites, who had no tribal inheritance of land (Numbers 18:21-32). Additional tithes were prescribed for festival celebrations (Deuteronomy 14:22-27) and for supporting the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29), creating a comprehensive system of giving that reflected covenant faithfulness.

• “To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part [δεκάτην] of all.” Hebrews 7:2
• “And here men that die receive tithes [δεκάτας]; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.” Hebrews 7:8
• “And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes [δεκάτας], payed tithes [δεδεκάτωται] in Abraham.” Hebrews 7:9
• “And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes [δεκατοῦν] of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham.” Hebrews 7:5
• “And I have given the children of Levi all the tenth [δεκάτην] in Israel for an inheritance.” Numbers 18:21 (LXX)
• “Thou shalt truly tithe [δεκάτην ἀποδεκατώσεις] all the increase of thy seed.” Deuteronomy 14:22 (LXX)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Hebrew culture, tithing wasn’t merely a religious tax but represented a profound theological principle woven into Israel’s covenant relationship with יהוה (Yahweh). The three-tithe system included the Levitical tithe (Ma’aser Rishon), the Festival tithe (Ma’aser Sheni), and the Poor tithe (Ma’aser Ani). This comprehensive giving system created regular rhythms of generosity that shaped Israel’s identity as a covenant people.

The encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek provides a fascinating historical backdrop for understanding δεκάτη in Hebrews. Melchizedek was both king of Salem (later Jerusalem) and “priest of God Most High” (El Elyon), making him an unusual figure who combined royal and priestly offices before the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. Abraham’s giving of a δεκάτη to Melchizedek represented a recognition of divine authority outside the traditional family blessing structure, foreshadowing a universal priesthood that would transcend hereditary lines—a concept fulfilled ultimately in the Messiah.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of δεκάτη extends far beyond the mere act of giving a percentage of one’s income. At its core, tithing represents the acknowledgment that everything belongs to God, and we are merely stewards of His resources. When Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, he was demonstrating submission to God’s authority and recognition of divine blessing. This principle reveals God’s character as both Provider and Rightful Owner of all creation.

In Hebrews 7, δεκάτη becomes a profound theological tool for establishing the superiority of Messiah Yeshua’s priesthood. The author constructs an elegant argument: if the Levitical priests (who themselves receive tithes) are descended from Abraham (who paid tithes to Melchizedek), then Melchizedek’s priesthood must be greater than the Levitical priesthood. This established, Yeshua is presented as a priest “after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 7:17), signifying a priesthood greater than the Levitical system. The use of δεκάτη in this argument reveals God’s wisdom in establishing patterns within history that point to the fulfillment of His redemptive plan in the Messiah.

Personal Application

Understanding δεκάτη invites us to examine our own approach to stewardship and giving. When we recognize that everything we possess ultimately belongs to God, giving becomes less about percentages and more about heart posture. The principle behind tithing—acknowledging God’s provision and sovereignty—remains relevant for believers today, though the New Covenant emphasizes cheerful, Spirit-led giving rather than legalistic adherence to percentages.

The connection between tithing and blessing reminds us that generosity opens spiritual channels for God’s provision in our lives. As Malachi 3:10 challenges us to “test” God in this area, we’re invited to experience the reality that we cannot outgive the Lord. By practicing regular, sacrificial giving, we position ourselves to witness God’s faithfulness in tangible ways while participating in His kingdom purposes through financial partnership.

Related Words

• ἀποδεκατόω (apodekatoō) – to give or pay a tenth, to tithe – This verb form emphasizes the action of tithing rather than the tithe itself, highlighting the obedient practice of regularly giving a tenth. See G586
• δέκατος (dekatos) – tenth – The ordinal number from which δεκάτη derives, referring to position in sequence rather than specifically to tithing, though it shares the same root. See G1182
• ἀπαρχή (aparchē) – firstfruits – While not directly related to tithing, this term refers to the first and best portion given to God, reflecting a similar principle of honoring God with the first and best of one’s resources. See G536
• προσφορά (prosphora) – offering, sacrifice – A broader term for gifts presented to God, encompassing various types of offerings beyond tithing, emphasizing the act of bringing something before God. See G4376
• δῶρον (dōron) – gift, present – Refers to gifts generally, including those given to God as offerings, but lacks the specific numerical proportion inherent in δεκάτη. See G1435

Did you Know?

• Did you know that the practice of giving a tenth predates the Mosaic Law? Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek occurred approximately 430 years before the Law was given at Mount Sinai, demonstrating that the principle of the sacred tenth was recognized as a way to honor God long before it became a formal requirement. This historical reality helps explain why many believers today still practice tithing as a timeless spiritual principle rather than merely a legal obligation.
• Did you know that in ancient agricultural societies, tithes were typically paid “in kind” rather than with currency? Israelites would bring a tenth of their crops, flocks, and herds to the designated location. This physical representation of their increase made tithing a tangible, visible act of worship and trust, as farmers and shepherds literally separated out animals or produce they could have used for themselves. The physical nature of these tithes also served as a powerful reminder that God’s provision comes in concrete, practical forms.
• Did you know that the modern English word “tithe” derives from the Old English word “teogotha,” meaning “tenth”? This linguistic connection across languages and millennia demonstrates how fundamental the concept of giving a tenth has been throughout Judeo-Christian history. While many other religious practices have evolved significantly, the basic principle of the sacred tenth has maintained remarkable consistency across cultures and centuries.

Remember This

The δεκάτη (tithe) reveals a profound spiritual principle that transcends mere religious taxation—it’s a sacred acknowledgment that everything we have comes from God’s hand, and our giving back the first portion symbolizes His rightful ownership over all.