from δεκάτη; to tithe, i.e. to give or take a tenth:--pay (receive) tithes.
Transliteration:dekatóō
Pronunciation:dek-at-o'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb δεκατόω (dekatóō) is derived from the noun δεκάτη (dekatē) `{{G1181}}`, meaning "a tenth" or "tithe." Its core semantic range encompasses the act of dealing with a tenth part, specifically in the context of tithing. This includes both the active sense of "to pay tithes" and the passive or causative sense of "to receive tithes" or "to cause to pay tithes." The nuance of "receiving" is particularly prominent in its New Testament usage. The term signifies a transaction or obligation involving a tenth portion, often with religious or legal implications, rooted deeply in ancient Near Eastern customs and Israelite covenant law.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb δεκατόω (dekatóō) appears exclusively in the book of Hebrews within the New Testament, specifically in two key passages that are central to the author's argument concerning the priesthood of Melchizedek.
1. **[[Hebrews 7:6]]**: "But he whose genealogy is not traced from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises." Here, δεκατόω is used in the active voice, describing Melchizedek *receiving* tithes from Abraham. This act is presented as a demonstration of Melchizedek's superior status, as the one who receives a tithe from a person of Abraham's stature is implicitly greater than the one who gives. The context emphasizes Melchizedek's unique position outside the Levitical lineage, yet possessing a spiritual authority recognized even by Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelite nation.
2. **[[Hebrews 7:9]]**: "And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes." In this verse, δεκατόω appears in the perfect passive, δεδεκάτωται, which can be translated as "has been tithed" or "has paid tithes." The author makes a profound theological argument by asserting that Levi, the progenitor of the Levitical priesthood (which later *received* tithes from Israel), effectively *paid* tithes to Melchizedek through his ancestor Abraham. This is a rhetorical strategy to further underscore the preeminence of Melchizedek's priesthood, demonstrating that even the Levitical system, though divinely ordained, was implicitly subordinate to this earlier, greater priesthood represented by Melchizedek.
In both instances, the verb is pivotal for the author of Hebrews in establishing the theological superiority of the priesthood "after the order of Melchizedek" (to which Christ belongs) over the Aaronic/Levitical priesthood. The act of tithing is not merely an economic transaction but a symbolic recognition of authority and a hierarchical ordering of divine covenants.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of δεκατόω (dekatóō) is enriched by examining its relationship with other biblical terms and concepts:
* **δεκάτη (dekatē) `{{G1181}}`**: This is the direct noun form, meaning "a tenth part" or "tithe." It is frequently used in the New Testament to refer to the specific religious obligation of tithing, as seen in [[Matthew 23:23]], [[Luke 11:42]], [[Luke 18:12]], and multiple times in Hebrews (e.g., [[Hebrews 7:2]], [[Hebrews 7:4]], [[Hebrews 7:8]], [[Hebrews 7:9]]). The verb δεκατόω describes the *action* associated with this noun.
* **ἀποδεκατόω (apodekatóō) `{{G520}}`**: A related verb, also meaning "to pay tithes" or "to exact tithes." While δεκατόω in Hebrews often emphasizes the *receiving* of tithes by a superior figure, ἀποδεκατόω more frequently denotes the *act of paying* tithes by individuals, as exemplified by the Pharisees in the Gospels ([[Matthew 23:23]], [[Luke 11:42]]).
* **Old Testament Tithing**: The concept of tithing is foundational in the Hebrew Bible. The first instance is Abraham's voluntary tithe to Melchizedek in [[Genesis 14:20]]. Later, the Mosaic Law codified various tithes for the support of the Levites and priests, the maintenance of the Tabernacle/Temple, and provisions for the poor (e.g., [[Leviticus 27:30-33]], [[Numbers 18:21-28]], [[Deuteronomy 14:22-29]]). The author of Hebrews draws directly from the Abrahamic precedent to make his theological argument.
* **Priesthood**: The entire discussion surrounding δεκατόω in Hebrews is intrinsically linked to the concept of priesthood. The act of tithing serves as a tangible illustration of the authority and divine appointment recognized in both the Melchizedekian and Levitical priestly orders.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δεκατόω is profound and central to the Christology of Hebrews.
* **Superiority of Melchizedek's Priesthood**: The primary theological function of δεκατόω is to establish and underscore the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. The act of Abraham, the patriarch and recipient of God's promises, tithing to Melchizedek signifies Melchizedek's greater status and authority. This argument is crucial because Christ's priesthood is "after the order of Melchizedek" ([[Hebrews 5:6]], [[Hebrews 7:17]]).
* **Christ's Transcendent Priesthood**: By demonstrating Melchizedek's preeminence through the act of tithing, the author implicitly argues for the surpassing greatness of Christ's priesthood. Christ, as a priest like Melchizedek, does not derive his authority from the temporary, earthly Levitical lineage but from an eternal, unchangeable divine appointment. The fact that Levi (representing the Levitical priesthood) effectively "paid tithes" to Melchizedek through Abraham signifies the Levitical system's subordination and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.
* **Fulfillment and Supersession**: The use of δεκατόω illustrates the New Covenant's fulfillment and supersession of the Old. The Levitical priesthood, though divinely instituted, was provisional and pointed to a greater reality. The tithing narrative, particularly the implications for Levi, serves to show that the Old Covenant system, with its priests who *received* tithes from Israel, was itself implicitly subject to a higher order.
* **Divine Blessing and Authority**: The act of tithing, especially Abraham's to Melchizedek, is connected to divine blessing. Melchizedek blessed Abraham *after* receiving the tithes ([[Genesis 14:20]], [[Hebrews 7:1]]), indicating that the act of giving a tenth is an acknowledgement of divine authority, which in turn opens the way for divine favor and blessing from a superior figure.
### Summary
δεκατόω (dekatóō) is a Greek verb meaning "to give or receive a tenth" or "to tithe." Its limited but highly significant New Testament appearances are confined to the book of Hebrews, where it plays a critical role in the author's theological argument. In [[Hebrews 7:6]], it describes Melchizedek *receiving* tithes from Abraham, thereby establishing Melchizedek's superior status. In [[Hebrews 7:9]], it asserts that Levi, the progenitor of the Levitical priesthood, effectively *paid* tithes to Melchizedek through Abraham, demonstrating the subordination of the Levitical order. This verb is directly related to the noun δεκάτη (dekatē) `{{G1181}}`, "a tenth," and is deeply rooted in the Old Testament practice and theology of tithing. Theologically, δεκατόω serves as a linguistic cornerstone for the author of Hebrews to articulate the surpassing greatness of Christ's priesthood, which is "after the order of Melchizedek," over the temporary Aaronic priesthood. The act of tithing, in this context, transcends a mere financial transaction, becoming a profound statement about divine authority, spiritual lineage, and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ.
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