δέκατος (dekatos)
dekatos
tenth
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective dekatos means "tenth," functioning as an ordinal number that designates a specific fraction of a whole. In the New Testament, it appears seven times, primarily within the Epistle to the Hebrews and the Revelation of John. Its usage is tightly bound to the concept of proportion, most famously in the context of tithing.
The word derives from deka, meaning "ten," establishing its root in simple numerical order. In Hebrews 7:4-5 and 7:8, it describes the tithe given by Abraham to Melchizedek and the Levitical tithes collected from the people. This usage highlights a structural relationship where one part is set apart from nine others, reflecting an established pattern of provision and honor.
In Revelation 11:13 and 21:20, the term shifts slightly to describe spatial or quantitative divisions, such as a tenth of a city falling in judgment or precious stones arranged in specific counts. While the word itself carries no inherent moral weight, its biblical application consistently points to order, division, and the recognition of a portion distinct from the remainder.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dekatos simply means "tenth." It is an ordinal number that marks a specific portion of a whole. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from the time Jesus met his first disciples to the detailed descriptions of heavenly Jerusalem. While it is often linked to the Old Testament practice of tithing, its meaning extends beyond finance to include order and proportion.
In Hebrews, this term highlights the significance of Abraham giving a tenth of his plunder to Melchizedek. This act established a pattern of honor and provision that early Christians reflected upon. It reminds us that acknowledging God’s portion in our lives is a way of recognizing His sovereignty over all things, whether in time, resources, or space.
Whether referring to the tenth hour of the day or the tenth stone in a foundation, this word points to a structured reality. It suggests that God values order and that every part has its place. For your faith, this can be a gentle reminder that even small, specific portions of your life are seen and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a tenth3×
- tithes2×
- tenth1×
- [the] tenth.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δεκάτην2×
- δεκάτας2×
- δέκατος1×
- δέκατον1×
- δεκάτη.1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 7:2
to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, “king of righteousness”, and then also “king of Salem”, which means “king of peace”,
This verse records Abraham giving a tenth to Melchizedek, establishing a precedent for honoring God through proportion before the Law of Moses existed.
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Hebrews 7:4
Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth out of the best plunder.
Here the term emphasizes that Abraham gave a tenth specifically from the 'best plunder,' showing that the quality of what is offered matters alongside the quantity.
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John 1:39
He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about the tenth hour.
The reference to the 'tenth hour' anchors the narrative in a specific time of day, helping readers visualize the exact moment Jesus invited his followers to stay with Him.