Understanding ἀποδεκατόω (apodekatoo) Strong’s G586: The Ancient Practice of Tithing That Reveals Divine Provision and Heart Motives

Pronunciation Guide: ah-po-dek-at-OH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G586: To give or pay a tenth of something, specifically referring to the practice of tithing where one separates a tenth portion for sacred purposes. In biblical usage, it particularly denotes the formal act of tithing according to Mosaic Law, both in its practical application and its deeper spiritual implications.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (present active indicative)
• Compound word from ἀπό (apo, “from”) + δεκατόω (dekatoo, “to collect/pay tithes”)
• Primary usage in teaching passages and legal contexts
• Frequently appears in discussions of religious obligations

ἀποδεκατόω Morphology:

• ἀποδεκατόω (present active indicative) – I tithe
• ἀποδεκατοῖς (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you tithe
• ἀποδεκατοῦτε (present active indicative, 2nd person plural) – you all tithe
• ἀποδεκατοῦν (present active infinitive) – to tithe

Origin & History

The term ἀποδεκατόω emerged from ancient Greek economic and religious practices, where the giving of a tenth portion was a widespread custom among various cultures. In classical Greek literature, Xenophon mentions similar practices in his “Oeconomicus,” describing how agricultural proceeds were divided, including portions set aside for religious purposes.

The Septuagint translators chose this term to render Hebrew words related to tithing (מעשר, ma’aser), particularly in passages dealing with Levitical law. This translation choice appears consistently in texts like Genesis 28:22 and Deuteronomy 14:22, establishing it as the standard term for sacred tithing practices.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The formal act of calculating and setting aside a tenth portion
• The religious practice of giving tithes to support Temple worship
• The process of separating sacred portions from regular resources

ἀποδεκατόω Translation Options:

• “to tithe” – Most common translation, emphasizing the religious duty
• “to give a tenth” – More literal translation focusing on the mathematical portion
• “to pay tithes” – Emphasizing the obligatory nature of the action
• “to set aside a tenth” – Highlighting the separating aspect of the practice

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀποδεκατόω appears primarily in contexts discussing religious obligations and their proper spiritual understanding. The Messiah Jesus uses this term when addressing the precise but spiritually misguided tithing practices of the Pharisees, highlighting how they maintained technical accuracy while missing weightier matters of the Law.

The word carries particular significance in Hebrews, where it’s used to discuss Melchizedek’s priesthood and its relationship to the Levitical system, demonstrating the continuity and transformation of tithing principles from the Old to New Covenant.

• “[You] pay tithe [ἀποδεκατοῦτε] of mint and anise and cummin” Matthew 23:23
• “For whom also Abraham gave a tenth [ἀποδεκατόω] part of all” Hebrews 7:2
• “I give tithes [ἀποδεκατῶ] of all that I possess” Luke 18:12

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, tithing was not merely a religious tax but a complex system that supported the Temple, sustained the Levitical priesthood, and provided for the poor. The practice involved multiple tithes: the Levitical tithe (ma’aser rishon), the festival tithe (ma’aser sheni), and the poor tithe (ma’aser ani), each serving distinct purposes in the community.

The Mishnah (Tractate Ma’aserot) provides detailed guidelines about what items required tithing, revealing how seriously the Jewish community took this command. Even small herb gardens were subject to tithing, which explains why the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23 were tithing mint, dill, and cumin.

Theological Significance

The practice of ἀποδεκατόω points to fundamental truths about God’s provision and human stewardship. It acknowledges that all resources ultimately belong to יהוה (Yahweh), and the act of tithing serves as a tangible expression of this truth. This understanding transforms tithing from a mere religious obligation into an act of worship and trust.

The Messiah’s teaching about tithing reveals God’s heart for balanced spirituality – one that honors both ceremonial obligations and moral imperatives. His critique in Matthew 23:23 doesn’t abolish tithing but places it within the broader context of justice, mercy, and faithfulness.

The connection between ἀποδεκατόω and the Melchizedek priesthood in Hebrews suggests that the principle of giving a portion to God transcends the Mosaic Law, pointing to an eternal principle of honoring God with our resources.

Personal Application

When we understand ἀποδεκατόω in its full biblical context, it challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward giving. The practice isn’t about mathematical precision but about heart orientation – recognizing God’s ownership and responding with grateful stewardship.

This understanding invites us to move beyond asking “How much must I give?” to “How can my resources best honor God and serve His purposes?” It reminds us that true biblical giving combines careful stewardship with generous hearts motivated by love for God and others.

Related Words

• δεκατόω (dekatoo) – to collect tithes, focusing on the receiving aspect of tithing See G1183
• προσφέρω (prosphero) – to bring, offer, present; often used for sacrificial offerings See G4374
• λειτουργέω (leitourgeo) – to perform religious service, emphasizing the worship aspect of giving See G3008
• δίδωμι (didomi) – to give, grant, supply; the general act of giving See G1325

Did you Know?

• Archaeological evidence from ancient Near Eastern cultures shows that the practice of giving a tenth portion to deity was widespread, suggesting it was a recognized way of honoring divine authority across various civilizations.
• The Dead Sea Scrolls contain detailed discussions about tithing practices, including debates about whether new agricultural techniques affected tithing obligations, showing how seriously the Jewish community took this command.
• Modern Jewish communities still practice forms of charitable giving called ma’aser kesafim (money tithe), adapting the ancient agricultural tithing system to contemporary financial realities.

Remember This

ἀποδεκατόω reminds us that true worship involves both careful stewardship and generous hearts, acknowledging God’s ownership of all we possess while expressing our trust in His provision.