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G586 · Greek · New Testament
ἀποδεκατόω
Apodekatoō
Verb
To tithe, to give a tenth

Definition

The Greek verb apodekatoō means to pay or collect tithes — to give one-tenth of income or produce as an offering. It is a technical term for the tithe practice that Jesus references in his critiques of Pharisaic religion.

Usage & Theological Significance

Jesus uses apodekatoō in one of his most pointed critiques: 'You give a tenth (apodekatoō) of your spices — mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former' (Matthew 23:23). This is not an anti-tithing statement but an anti-substitution statement: meticulous tithing of herb gardens while ignoring justice is religious performance without covenant love. The tithe was meant to express the whole-life surrender that justice, mercy, and faithfulness embody — not replace it.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 23:23 Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth (apodekatoō) of your spices — mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness.
Luke 18:12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth (apodekatoō) of all I get.
Hebrews 7:5 Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth (apodekatoō) from the people.
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty.
Luke 11:42 Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God.

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External Resources

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