masculine of term עֲשָׂרָה; from עָשַׂר; ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits); ten, (fif-, seven-) teen.
Transliteration:ʻeser
Pronunciation:eh'ser
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עֶשֶׂר (ʻeser, `{{H6235}}`) primarily denotes the cardinal number "ten." As the masculine form derived from the verb עָשַׂר (ʻāśar, `{{H6238}}`), which signifies "to be rich," "to tithe," or "to accumulate," עֶשֶׂר carries an underlying sense of accumulation to a full, foundational count. Its semantic range extends beyond mere enumeration to encompass concepts of completeness, totality, and a full measure within a decimal system. It is also used in compound numbers, such as "fifteen" or "seventeen," where it represents the "teen" component.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word עֶשֶׂר (or its related forms) appears frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible, often with significant theological implications:
* **The Decalogue:** Perhaps the most prominent usage is in "the Ten Words" (עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדְּבָרִים), commonly known as the Ten Commandments. Here, עֶשֶׂר signifies the complete and foundational set of divine laws given at Sinai, representing the full expression of God's covenant requirements for His people. [[Exodus 34:28]], [[Deuteronomy 4:13]].
* **Tithes:** The concept of the "tenth" or "tithe" (מַעֲשֵׂר, `{{H4643}}`), directly related to the root עָשַׂר, underscores the sacred and covenantal aspect of this number in the context of giving to God. It represents a proportional, complete offering. [[Genesis 28:22]], [[Leviticus 27:32]], [[Deuteronomy 14:22]].
* **Units of Measure and Enumeration:** עֶשֶׂר is widely used for simple counting of people, objects, or units of time, establishing a clear quantity. Examples include "ten days" in [[Genesis 24:55]] or "ten men" in [[Judges 7:6]].
* **Judgment and Divine Power:** The "ten plagues" inflicted upon Egypt, though not always explicitly numbered as "ten plagues" using עֶשֶׂר in a single verse, form a complete sequence demonstrating God's comprehensive power over creation and His definitive judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian deities.
* **Threshold of Righteousness:** In Abraham's intercession for Sodom, the negotiation descends to "if ten are found there." [[Genesis 18:32]]. Here, עֶשֶׂר represents a minimal, yet sufficient, number of righteous individuals that would have averted divine judgment, highlighting God's mercy and the power of a righteous remnant.
* **Prophetic Symbolism:** In prophetic visions, such as Daniel's depiction of "ten horns" on a beast, עֶשֶׂר often symbolizes a complete set of powers or kingdoms, indicating a full extent or definitive stage in historical or eschatological events. [[Daniel 7:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and significance of עֶשֶׂר are enriched by its connections to other Hebrew terms and biblical concepts:
* **עֲשָׂרָה (ʻasarâh, `{{H6237}}`):** The feminine form of "ten," often used in conjunction with feminine nouns or in specific grammatical constructions.
* **עָשַׂר (ʻāśar, `{{H6238}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to be rich," "to tithe," or "to accumulate." This root connects the number "ten" to the idea of a full measure, a collected sum, or a portion set aside.
* **מַעֲשֵׂר (maʻăśēr, `{{H4643}}`):** "Tithe" or "tenth part." This noun directly derives from the root, emphasizing the sacred and covenantal practice of giving a tenth of one's increase to God.
* **Numerical Symbolism:** In biblical numerology, "ten" often stands for completeness, divine order, or a full cycle, similar to how "seven" (`{{H7651}}`) denotes perfection or spiritual completeness, and "three" (`{{H7969}}`) often signifies divine completeness or emphasis. The Decalogue itself is a prime example of this symbolic completeness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עֶשֶׂר is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Law and Covenant:** The most prominent theological association is with the Ten Commandments. עֶשֶׂר here signifies the complete, foundational, and non-negotiable nature of God's moral law. It represents the full expression of God's will for humanity in covenant relationship, serving as the bedrock of ethical conduct and faithful living.
* **Completeness and Sufficiency:** The number ten often denotes a full or sufficient quantity. In Abraham's plea for Sodom, ten righteous people would have been enough to avert judgment, emphasizing divine mercy and the power of a righteous remnant to influence divine action. It highlights that even a small, complete group can have significant impact.
* **Stewardship and Worship:** The concept of the tithe (מַעֲשֵׂר) directly links the number ten to human responsibility in stewardship and worship. Giving a "tenth" acknowledges God's ultimate ownership and provision, representing a complete surrender or offering of one's increase. It is a tangible expression of faith, obedience, and dependence on the Creator.
* **Judgment and Sovereignty:** The ten plagues in Egypt demonstrate God's complete power over creation and His definitive judgment against Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods. This full, exhaustive display of divine might establishes God's absolute sovereignty and His ability to deliver His people.
* **Prophetic Fulfillment and Destiny:** In prophetic literature, the appearance of "ten" (e.g., ten horns/kings) often signifies a complete set of powers or a full extent of a kingdom, indicating a definitive stage in God's redemptive or judgmental plan for history.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֶשֶׂר (ʻeser, `{{H6235}}`) fundamentally denotes the number "ten," but its significance extends far beyond simple enumeration. Derived from a root meaning "to accumulate" or "to tithe," it carries connotations of completeness, sufficiency, and a full measure. Biblically, עֶשֶׂר is most powerfully associated with the "Ten Commandments," symbolizing the holistic and foundational nature of God's divine law and covenant. It also appears in contexts of divine judgment (the ten plagues), intercession (ten righteous in Sodom), and human responsibility (the tithe, מַעֲשֵׂר, `{{H4643}}`). Theologically, עֶשֶׂר underscores God's complete authority, the full expression of His will, and the human response of faithful stewardship and obedience. It consistently represents a full and definitive quantity, whether of divine revelation, human accountability, or prophetic unfolding.
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