עָשַׂר (a.sar)
a.sar
to tithe
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb asar means to separate or set apart a tenth part, serving as the linguistic root for the concept of tithing. It functions as a denominal verb, deriving from the word for "ten," and appears in Scripture to describe the act of giving or taking that specific portion. The text distinguishes between forms where one gives a tithe and those where one receives it, reflecting the reciprocal nature of this practice in ancient Israel.
This action is not merely financial but involves a deliberate division of resources. In Deuteronomy, the verb often accompanies instructions regarding the distribution of produce to Levites and the poor, establishing a rhythm of communal support. Similarly, in Genesis 14:20, Abraham gives a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek, marking an early biblical instance of this principle before formal law was given.
The word’s usage highlights a structured approach to stewardship, where a fixed percentage is recognized as belonging to God or His representatives. Translators typically render it as "to tithe," capturing the precise mathematical and spiritual commitment involved in setting aside one-tenth for sacred purposes.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word asar points to a specific act of setting apart one-tenth of what we have. In ancient Israel, this was not just a financial transaction but a way of acknowledging that everything comes from God. By separating this portion, people recognized God’s ownership over their land and labor.
This practice created a rhythm of care for the community. The tithes supported those who served in the temple and provided for the vulnerable, such as widows and foreigners. It was a structured way to ensure that resources were shared fairly among all members of society.
For us today, this concept invites reflection on how we manage our resources. It suggests that giving is not about losing something but about participating in a larger story of provision and justice. We can find peace in knowing that our gifts help sustain the work of faith and support those in need.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will take a tenth2×
- fully <tithe>2×
- you will tithe1×
- to/ tithe1×
- I will tithe/ it1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יַעְשֹׂ֑ר2×
- תְּעַשֵּׂ֔ר1×
- עַשֵּׂ֣ר1×
- עַשֵּׂ֖ר1×
- לַ֠/עְשֵׂר1×
- אֲעַשְּׂרֶ֥/נּוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 14:22
You shall surely tithe all the increase of your seed, that which comes out of the field year by year.
This verse establishes the regular annual obligation to set aside a tenth of agricultural produce, grounding the practice in consistent stewardship.
-
I Samuel 8:15
He will take one tenth of your seed and of your vineyards, and give it to his officers and to his servants.
Here the verb describes how a king will take a tenth, showing that the concept was known even when it became a burden under human rule.
-
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.
This occurrence highlights the social purpose of tithing, as the set-aside portion is given to Levites and the poor to ensure they are filled.