עָשַׂר

ʻâsar /aw-sar'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root (identical with עָשַׁר)
Meaningto accumulate; but used only as denominative from עֶשֶׂר; to tithe, i.e. to take or give atenth
KJV usagegive (take) the tenth, (have, take) tithe(-ing, -s)
Idioms & phrasesidiom surely · idiom truly.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word ʻâsar, represented by H6237, is a primitive root used to describe the act of tithing. Though its base meaning relates to accumulation, it is used only as a denominative action of setting aside a tenth part. It appears 9 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible, signifying the action to to tithe, i.e. to take or give a tenth.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The use of H6237 appears in three primary contexts. It is first seen as a personal vow, when Jacob promises God, "of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth" Genesis 28:22. Later, it is codified as a law for the nation of Israel, commanding them to "truly tithe all the increase of thy seed" Deuteronomy 14:22. Finally, it is used to describe a form of civil tax, where Samuel warns that a king will take the tenth of their seed, vineyards, and sheep for his own servants and officers (1 Samuel 8:15, 17).

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the act of tithing:

  • H4643 maʻăsêr (a tenth; especially a tithe): This is the noun form directly related to ʻâsar, representing the thing being given. It is used for "all the tithes of thine increase" which were to be set aside Deuteronomy 26:12.
  • H8393 tᵉbûwʼâh (income, i.e. produce): This word defines the source from which the tithe is taken, specifically the agricultural increase of the field that God provides Deuteronomy 14:22.
  • H3881 Lêvîyîy (a Levite or descendant of Levi): This identifies the primary recipients of the tithe under the Law. The Levites were to "have the tithes" to support them in their service to God Nehemiah 10:37.

Theological Significance

The theological and civil weight of H6237 is significant in the Old Testament.

  • An Act of Worship: Jacob's vow establishes tithing as an act of worship and gratitude in response to God's blessing and presence, directly connecting it to "God's house" Genesis 28:22.
  • Provision for Ministry and the Poor: The Law institutionalizes this act to provide for the Levites and priests who had no land inheritance. The instruction to finish tithing includes giving to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow so they may eat and be filled Deuteronomy 26:12.
  • A Model for Taxation: The word is also used to describe a king's right to take the tenth, establishing a precedent for a form of governmental tax to sustain the king's household and administration 1 Samuel 8:15.

Summary

In summary, H6237 is a specific verb that denotes the separation of a tenth part for a higher purpose. Its application ranges from a personal, voluntary act of worship to a mandated religious requirement for the support of the ministry and the poor, and even extends to a model for civil taxation by a ruler. The word encapsulates a principle of acknowledging a source of provision—whether God or a king—by returning a portion.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 9 occurrences, inflected in 6 grammatical forms.

  • Hiphil Infinitive Construct 2×
  • Piel Infinitive Construct 2×
  • Qal Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Piel Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Piel Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Piel Participle Plural Masculine Absolute 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Qal
The simple, basic stem — plain action in the active voice.
Piel
The intensive stem — strengthened or emphatic action.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 7 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Deuteronomy (2 verses).

1
Genesis
2
Deuteronomy
2
1 Samuel
2
Nehemiah

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