### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word δέκατος (dékatos, `{{G1182}}`) is an ordinal adjective derived from δέκα (déka, `{{G1176}}`), meaning "ten." Its fundamental meaning is "tenth," denoting either a position in a sequence or a fractional part of a whole. Semantically, it is straightforward, referring to the numerical concept of one-tenth or the item occupying the tenth place. While primarily a quantitative term, its biblical usage often carries significant qualitative and theological implications, particularly concerning covenant obligations and divine order.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δέκατος (dékatos) appears five times in the New Testament, with four occurrences concentrated in the Epistle to the Hebrews and one in the Book of Revelation.
1. **Hebrews 7:2**: "to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all." Here, δέκατος refers to the tithe (one-tenth) that Abraham gave to Melchizedek after his victory over the kings. This act is central to the author's argument for Melchizedek's preeminence.
2. **Hebrews 7:4**: "Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils." This reiterates the significance of Abraham's action, emphasizing the greatness of Melchizedek by virtue of Abraham's submission through the tithe.
3. **Hebrews 7:8**: "Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is testified that he lives." The contrast is drawn between the Levitical priests, who are mortal and receive tithes under the Mosaic Law, and Melchizedek, who receives tithes and whose life is presented as enduring, foreshadowing Christ.
4. **Hebrews 7:9**: "Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak." This verse further underlines the theological argument: even the tribe from which the Levitical priesthood would later arise effectively paid tithes to Melchizedek through their ancestor Abraham, thereby implicitly acknowledging Melchizedek's superior priestly order.
5. **Revelation 11:13**: "In that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell." In this apocalyptic context, δέκατος signifies a precise proportion of the city that is destroyed as a result of divine judgment. Unlike the passages in Hebrews, its usage here is purely numerical, indicating a measured, not total, devastation.
Across these contexts, δέκατος functions either to denote a specific fractional offering (the tithe) with profound theological implications regarding priesthood and covenant, or to describe a precise numerical proportion within a prophetic judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct lexical relation is to δέκα (déka, `{{G1176}}`), the cardinal number "ten," from which δέκατος is derived. Conceptually, δέκατος is intrinsically linked to:
* **Tithing (ἀποδεκατόω, apodekatoō, `{{G582}}`)**: The practice of giving a tenth, deeply rooted in Old Testament law ([[Leviticus 27:30-32]], [[Numbers 18:21]], [[Deuteronomy 14:22]]). The giving of the tenth was a fundamental act of worship, acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, and support for the priesthood.
* **Melchizedek**: The enigmatic priest-king of Salem ([[Genesis 14:18-20]]), to whom Abraham paid tithes. His priesthood is presented in Hebrews as superior to the Levitical priesthood and a type of Christ's eternal priesthood ([[Hebrews 7:1-10]]).
* **Priesthood**: The concept of the tenth is inextricably linked to the support and authority of the priesthood, both the Mosaic Levitical order and the superior order of Melchizedek, which Christ fulfills.
* **Covenant**: The giving of the tenth is an act within a covenant relationship, signifying allegiance and participation.
* **Firstfruits**: While distinct, the concept of giving a "first" portion to God (ἀπαρχή, aparchē, `{{G536}}`) shares a theological kinship with the tithe, both being expressions of honoring God with one's increase.
* **Divine Judgment**: In Revelation, the "tenth" falling demonstrates a specific, divinely ordained measure of judgment, contrasting with total destruction, implying a precise execution of God's will.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δέκατος primarily stems from its use in Hebrews concerning Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek. This event serves as a foundational argument for the superiority of Christ's priesthood after the order of Melchizedek over the Levitical priesthood.
1. **Superiority of Christ's Priesthood**: The author of Hebrews argues that Abraham, the patriarch and recipient of God's covenant promises, paid a tenth to Melchizedek. Consequently, Levi, who was still in Abraham's loins, also effectively paid tithes to Melchizedek. This act signifies that the Levitical priesthood, which later received tithes, was subordinate to Melchizedek's priesthood. Since Christ is a priest "after the order of Melchizedek," His priesthood is inherently superior to the Levitical, establishing a new and better covenant ([[Hebrews 7:11-28]]). The "tenth" thus becomes a quantitative measure that undergirds a profound qualitative theological truth about Christ's eternal and effective mediation.
2. **Acknowledgment of Divine Authority**: Abraham's tithe was an act of worship and submission, acknowledging Melchizedek's divine authority and blessing. This sets a precedent for recognizing and honoring God's chosen representatives and, by extension, God Himself, through a portion of one's possessions.
3. **Divine Proportion in Judgment**: In Revelation, the "tenth" of the city falling is not arbitrary but a divinely determined proportion of judgment. It signifies that God's judgments are precise, measured, and purposeful, often leaving a remnant or demonstrating a partial, yet significant, display of His power and justice.
### Summary
The Greek word δέκατος (dékatos, `{{G1182}}`) literally means "tenth." Its primary New Testament usage in Hebrews is profoundly theological, underscoring the superiority of Christ's priesthood by drawing on Abraham's act of giving a tenth to Melchizedek, thereby demonstrating Melchizedek's preeminence over the Levitical order. This numerical detail serves to establish a pivotal Christological argument. In Revelation, δέκατος functions as a precise numerical indicator of divine judgment, signifying a measured proportion of destruction. In both contexts, whether illustrating the profound theological truth of Christ's high priesthood or the exactness of God's eschatological judgments, δέkaτος highlights divine order and purpose.
TRV