מַעֲשֵׂר (ma.a.ser)
ma.a.ser
tithe
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ma’aser denotes a tenth part, specifically referring to the tithe or payment of one-tenth. Derived from the root for "ten," it appears twenty-three times in the Old Testament, with significant usage in Deuteronomy, Numbers, and 2 Chronicles. The term functions as both a general measure of fraction and a specific religious obligation involving agricultural produce or livestock.
Scripture details how this tenth was allocated to support the Levites, who received no land inheritance (Numbers 18:21). A further layer of responsibility is noted in Nehemiah 10:39, where the phrase "tithes of tithes" describes a portion given by the Levites to the priests. The law also regulated consumption, designating specific years for communal feasting with these resources (Deuteronomy 26:12), thereby linking economic provision with social hospitality and worship.
Translators consistently render ma’aser as "tithe" or "tenth part," preserving the precise mathematical ratio inherent in the word. This consistency highlights the structured nature of ancient Israelite stewardship, where a fixed percentage was recognized as belonging to God before being distributed for religious and communal needs.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ma'aser points to a tenth part, originally serving as a practical measure for sharing resources within ancient Israel. This concept moved beyond simple arithmetic to become a structured way of caring for those who served in the Tabernacle and for vulnerable members of the community. By setting aside one-tenth of their produce or livestock, people acknowledged that their provisions came from God.
For believers today, this term highlights the principle of stewardship rather than prescribing a specific percentage for modern giving. It invites reflection on how we manage our resources to support ministry and help those in need. The focus remains on generosity and trust, ensuring that others have what they need to live with dignity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] tithe of8×
- the/ tithe5×
- tithes/ your4×
- and/ [the] tithe of2×
- tithe1×
- any of/ tithe/ his1×
- and/ the/ tithe1×
- and/ for the/ tithes1×
- and/ a tithe of1×
- a tithe of1×
- a tithe1×
- a tenth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַעְשַׂ֤ר4×
- מַעֲשֵׂ֖ר2×
- מַעְשַׂ֧ר2×
- מַעְשְׂרֹ֣תֵי/כֶ֔ם2×
- מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ר1×
- מַעְשַׂר֙1×
- מַעְשַׂ֨ר1×
- מַעְשַׂ֣ר1×
- מַעְשְׂרֹֽתֵי/כֶם֙1×
- מַעְשְׂרֹֽתֵי/כֶֽם\׃1×
- מִ/מַּֽעַשְׂר֑/וֹ1×
- וּ/מַעְשַׂ֥ר1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 14:20
Blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all.
This verse shows Abram giving a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek before the Mosaic law was given, indicating an early recognition of this practice.
-
Leviticus 27:30
“‘All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is Yahweh’s. It is holy to Yahweh.
Here the tithe is explicitly defined as belonging to Yahweh and declared holy, establishing its sacred status in the covenant community.
-
Numbers 18:21
“To the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the Tent of Meeting.
This passage explains that the tithe served as the inheritance for the Levites, who received no land allotment like the other tribes.
-
Deuteronomy 26:12
When you have finished tithing all the tithe of your increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widow, that they may eat within your gates and be filled.
The third-year tithe was specifically designated for the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow to ensure they were filled.
-
Malachi 3:8
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings.
This verse confronts the people by asking if they are robbing God by withholding the tithes and offerings commanded for His house.