from עֶשֶׂר; tenth; by abbreviation, tenth month or (feminine) part; tenth (part).
Transliteration:ʻăsîyrîy
Pronunciation:as-ee-ree'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6224 (ʻăsîyrîy) is an ordinal numeral derived directly from the cardinal number עֶשֶׂר (ʻeser, `{{H6235}}`), meaning "ten." Its fundamental meaning is "tenth." Beyond this primary numerical designation, its semantic range extends to specific contextual applications. It can function as an abbreviation for the "tenth month" within the Hebrew calendar system. Furthermore, in its feminine form, it frequently denotes a "tenth part" or, more specifically, a "tithe," which carries significant theological and ritualistic weight in the Old Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H6224 in the Hebrew Bible reflect its diverse applications:
* **As a Numerical Ordinal:** It marks the tenth position in sequences, highlighting divine order or specific chronological points. Examples include the selection of the Passover lamb on the tenth day of the first month ([[Exodus 12:3]]), the Day of Atonement on the tenth day of the seventh month ([[Leviticus 16:29]], [[Leviticus 23:27]]), and the tenth generation in a genealogical or communal context ([[Deuteronomy 23:2]]).
* **Referring to the Tenth Month:** This abbreviation is common in historical and prophetic texts, often marking significant events. Examples include the sighting of mountain tops in the tenth month during the flood narrative ([[Genesis 8:5]]), the start of the siege of Jerusalem in the tenth month ([[Jeremiah 39:1]]), and various prophetic pronouncements dated to the tenth month ([[Ezekiel 29:1]], [[Haggai 2:10]]).
* **Denoting a Tenth Part or Tithe:** This is perhaps the most theologically significant usage. The concept of giving a "tenth part" was foundational to Israelite worship and economic life. It appears in contexts outlining the laws of tithing, such as the tithe of all produce of the land and fruit of the trees ([[Leviticus 27:30]]), and the tithe of the herd or flock ([[Leviticus 27:32]]). Crucially, the Levites were commanded to receive a "tenth" from the Israelites, and in turn, they were to offer a "tenth" of that tithe to the priests ([[Numbers 18:26]], [[Numbers 18:28]]). Post-exilic texts like Nehemiah also emphasize the renewed commitment to bringing the "tenth" of produce to the temple treasuries ([[Nehemiah 10:37]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of H6224 is enriched by examining its relationship to other key Hebrew terms and concepts:
* עֶשֶׂר (ʻeser, `{{H6235}}`): The cardinal number "ten," which serves as the direct root and conceptual basis for H6224. The concept of "ten" often signifies completeness or a full cycle in biblical numerology.
* מַעֲשֵׂר (maʻăśēr, `{{H4643}}`): This noun specifically means "tithe" or "tenth part." While H6224 can function adjectivally to describe a tenth, `{{H4643}}` is the noun form for the offering itself, underscoring the deep connection.
* **Covenant Obligations:** The giving of the tithe, represented by the "tenth part," was a direct covenantal obligation for Israel, demonstrating their allegiance and obedience to Yahweh.
* **Firstfruits:** While distinct, the concept of firstfruits (בִּכּוּרִים, *bikkurim*) shares the principle of offering a portion of one's produce to God as an act of worship and acknowledgment of His sovereignty over all provision.
* **Holiness and Consecration:** The tithe, particularly of livestock, was declared "holy to the Lord" ([[Leviticus 27:32]]), signifying its separation for sacred purposes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H6224 is profound, particularly in its association with the "tenth part" or tithe:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Ownership:** The command to give a tenth acknowledges God's ultimate ownership of all things. By offering a portion, Israel declared that their prosperity and possessions were gifts from the Lord, not earned solely by their own efforts. It is a tangible expression of recognizing God as the source of all blessings.
* **Covenant Fidelity and Obedience:** Tithing was a fundamental expression of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. It was not merely a financial transaction but an act of worship and obedience, demonstrating trust in God's provision. Disregard for tithing was considered robbing God ([[Malachi 3:8]]).
* **Support for the Priesthood and Sanctuary:** The tithes were divinely ordained as the means of support for the Levites and priests who served in the tabernacle and later the Temple ([[Numbers 18:21-24]]). This ensured the continuation of sacrificial worship and the teaching of God's law among the people.
* **Testing and Blessing:** The prophet Malachi presents tithing as a test of faith, with the promise of extraordinary divine blessing for those who faithfully bring "the whole tithe into the storehouse" ([[Malachi 3:10]]). This highlights a reciprocal relationship where human obedience unlocks divine favor.
* **Holiness and Set-Apartness:** The "tenth" was considered holy to the Lord, indicating a principle of consecration. A portion of what God provided was to be set apart for Him, reflecting the holiness of the covenant community itself.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6224 (ʻăsîyrîy) primarily means "tenth," derived from the cardinal number `{{H6235}}` ("ten"). Its usage spans chronological markers, such as the "tenth month," and numerical sequencing, but its most significant theological application is in denoting a "tenth part" or "tithe." This concept of the tithe is central to Old Testament worship, embodying the acknowledgment of God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating covenant fidelity, providing for the Levitical priesthood, and serving as a conduit for divine blessing. The "tenth" is thus more than a mere fraction; it is a profound symbol of Israel's relationship with Yahweh, reflecting principles of ownership, obedience, and consecrated living.
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