δεκάτη
dekátē
G1181
SILEX Entry
Definition
A tenth part; specifically, an amount constituting one-tenth of something, often used in reference to the 'tithe,' the portion set aside or given (typically as an offering). In different contexts, denotes a proportional share or division of something measured in tenths; in particular, refers to the religious or civic custom of dedicating one-tenth of produce, income, or goods as an obligatory or voluntary contribution.
Semantic Range
a tenth part, one-tenth portion, tithe (religious tenth), periodic or dedicated tenth (proportion set aside), arithmetical tenth (sequence or amount), tithe as an institution or required practice
Root / Etymology
From the root δέκα (ten), with the feminine ending -τη forming an ordinal or fractional noun indicating 'tenth.' Cognate with Latin decima, Hebrew עֲשִׂירִית (‘ăśîrîṯ, tenth part/tithe).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, δεκάτη denoted the tenth part of any whole and could refer to a tithe paid to the gods or a civic authority, particularly from agricultural produce, spoils of war, or other resources. In the Septuagint, δεκάτη regularly renders the Hebrew עשר ('eser, tenth) or מַעֲשֵׂר (maʿăśēr, tithe), relating to the Israelite practice of dedicating a tenth of harvests, animals, or income, usually to support religious officials (Levites, priests) or the temple. In the New Testament and Hellenistic Judaism, the term largely retains the association with the religious obligation of tithing, but can also appear with secularized usage for any tenth part. English translations often use 'tithe' for δεκάτη, but this carries culturally specific associations; the Greek term itself is neutral, signifying any tenth, with tithe as a specialized contextual sense. The masculine/feminine forms (δέκατος/δεκάτη) appear in both arithmetical and religious texts, the feminine being the standard term for the 'tenth part' or tithe. Related terms include δεκά- (ten) and ἀπαρχή (first fruits), with which it often appears in LXX and New Testament contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine of δέκατος; a tenth, i.e. as a percentage or (technically) tithe:--tenth (part), tithe.
Root Family
δεκά- (dekátē) — ten, tenth
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.