### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word δεκάτη (dekátē), Strong's `{{G1181}}`, is a feminine noun derived from δέκατος (dékatos, `{{G1182}}`), meaning "tenth." Its core meaning is quite precise: "a tenth part." In its biblical usage, it almost exclusively refers to a "tithe," which is a specific offering of one-tenth of one's produce, income, or spoils, typically given for religious purposes. The semantic range is therefore narrow, centering on this proportional giving, whether as a customary practice or a divinely mandated offering.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word δεκάτη appears in the New Testament in two distinct contexts:
* **Luke 18:12**: In the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, the self-righteous Pharisee boasts, "I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get" (ἀποδεκατῶ πάντα ὅσα κτῶμαι - using the verb form related to δεκάτη). Here, δεκάτη represents a common, expected religious practice among devout Jews under the Mosaic Law. The Pharisee's emphasis on his tithing, however, highlights a legalistic approach to righteousness rather than humble dependence on God's grace.
* **Hebrews 7:2, 7:4, 7:5, 7:6, 7:8, 7:9**: The overwhelming majority of occurrences of δεκάτη are found in Hebrews 7, where the author constructs a complex theological argument for the superiority of the Melchizedekian priesthood over the Levitical priesthood.
* **Hebrews 7:2**: Abraham is said to have "divided a tenth part of everything" (δεκάτην ἀπὸ πάντων) to Melchizedek. This act of tithing by Abraham, the patriarch, to Melchizedek, is foundational to the argument.
* **Hebrews 7:4**: The author emphasizes the greatness of Melchizedek, to whom "even Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the spoils" (δεκάτην ἔδωκεν ἐκ τῶν ἀκροθινίων). This highlights the voluntary and significant nature of Abraham's offering.
* **Hebrews 7:5**: Contrasts this with the Levitical priests who, "according to the law, receive tithes from the people" (δεκάτας λαμβάνοντες ἀπὸ τοῦ λαοῦ κατὰ τὸν νόμον). This establishes the legal framework for tithing under the Mosaic Covenant.
* **Hebrews 7:6**: Further contrasts Melchizedek, who "received tithes from Abraham" (δεδεκάτωκεν τὸν Ἀβραάμ - a verb form meaning "to receive tithes from" or "to exact a tenth"), despite not being of the Levitical lineage, and blessed Abraham.
* **Hebrews 7:8**: The author states, "In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case by him of whom it is testified that he lives" (ὧδε μὲν δεκάτας ἀποθνῄσκοντες ἄνθρωποι λαμβάνουσιν, ἐκεῖ δὲ μαρτυρούμενος ὅτι ζῇ). This contrasts the temporary nature of the Levitical priesthood with the eternal nature of Melchizedek's priesthood (a type of Christ).
* **Hebrews 7:9**: In a profound rhetorical move, the author claims, "One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham" (διὰ Ἀβραὰμ δεδεκάτωται καὶ Λευὶς ὁ δεκάτας λαμβάνων). This argument asserts Levi's (and thus the entire Levitical priesthood's) subordination to Melchizedek by virtue of Abraham's act of tithing.
In Hebrews, δεκάτη is not used to prescribe tithing for New Covenant believers but rather to illustrate the theological preeminence of Christ's priesthood, which is after the order of Melchizedek, over the old covenant Levitical system.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Equivalent:** The primary Old Testament Hebrew word for "tithe" is `{{H4643}}` (maʿaśēr), meaning "tenth part." This word is central to the Mosaic Law's provisions for supporting the Levites and priests (e.g., [[Leviticus 27:30]], [[Numbers 18:21]], [[Deuteronomy 14:22]]). The concept of tithing existed even before the Law, as seen in Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek and Jacob's vow to God ([[Genesis 28:22]]).
* **Greek Cognates:**
* δέκατος (dékatos, `{{G1182}}`): The ordinal adjective "tenth," from which δεκάτη is derived.
* δεκατόω (dekatóō, `{{G1183}}`): A verb meaning "to exact a tenth" or "to pay a tenth," used in [[Hebrews 7:6]] and [[Hebrews 7:9]].
* **Related Concepts:**
* **Firstfruits:** (`{{H7225}}` - rē’šît; `{{G536}}` - aparxē) Similar to tithes, firstfruits represent a principle of giving a portion of one's initial produce or income to God, acknowledging His ownership and provision.
* **Offerings/Sacrifices:** (`{{H7133}}` - qorbān; `{{G1435}}` - dōron) Tithes were a specific category of offering, often mandated, distinct from other voluntary or sin offerings.
* **Priesthood:** The concept of δεκάτη is inextricably linked to the support and authority of the priesthood, both the Levitical and, more significantly in Hebrews, the Melchizedekian.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δεκάτη is multifaceted:
* **Recognition of Divine Sovereignty:** At its core, the act of giving a δεκάτη signifies the recognition that God is the ultimate owner and provider of all blessings and resources. It is an act of worship and submission, acknowledging His rightful claim over all that one possesses. Abraham's spontaneous tithe to Melchizedek exemplifies this principle prior to any legal command.
* **Support for Spiritual Ministry:** Under the Old Covenant, the tithe was the primary means by which the Levites and priests, who had no land inheritance, were supported in their dedicated service to God and the people. This established a divine principle for financially supporting those who minister spiritually.
* **Preeminence of Christ's Priesthood:** The most profound theological use of δεκάτη in the New Testament is in Hebrews 7. By demonstrating that Abraham, the father of the Israelite nation and the recipient of God's promises, gave a tithe to Melchizedek, the author establishes Melchizedek's superior authority. Since Christ's priesthood is "after the order of Melchizedek," this argument elevates Christ's eternal, unchangeable priesthood above the temporary, mortal Levitical priesthood. The fact that Levi "paid tithes" through Abraham underscores the passing away of the old covenant and the inauguration of a new, better covenant through Christ.
* **Motives for Giving:** While the Old Testament commanded tithing, the New Testament emphasizes cheerful, generous giving motivated by love and faith, rather than legalistic compulsion ([[2 Corinthians 9:7]]). The Pharisee in [[Luke 18:12]] illustrates the danger of tithing becoming a work of self-righteousness rather than an act of humble devotion. The New Testament's focus shifts from a fixed percentage under law to Spirit-led generosity under grace, though the underlying principle of proportional giving to God and His work remains.
### Summary
The word δεκάτη (dekátē, `{{G1181}}`) specifically denotes "a tenth part" or "tithe." While it appears in [[Luke 18:12]] as a descriptive term for a common Jewish practice, its theological weight is most profoundly felt in [[Hebrews 7]]. Here, the repeated reference to Abraham giving a δεκάτη to Melchizedek serves as a crucial linchpin in the argument for the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Levitical. This act of tithing, predating the Mosaic Law, signifies Melchizedek's greater authority, to whom even Abraham and, by extension, Levi, submitted. Thus, δεκάτη in the New Testament is less a prescriptive command for believers and more a powerful theological tool, illustrating the recognition of divine sovereignty, the principle of supporting spiritual ministry, and ultimately, the unparalleled preeminence of Jesus Christ as our eternal High Priest.
TRV