H6237 — Asar (To Tithe, Give a Tenth)

H6237 · Hebrew · Old Testament

עָשַׂר

Asar

Verb

To Tithe, Give a Tenth

Definition

The Hebrew verb asar means to tithe or to give a tenth. Occurring about 9 times in the OT, it is related to the number ten (eser). The practice of tithing predates the Mosaic law — Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20) and Jacob vowed a tenth to God (Genesis 28:22).

Usage & Theological Significance

Tithing (asar) in Scripture is fundamentally an act of worship and covenant loyalty — acknowledging that all belongs to God. The Mosaic tithe system (Leviticus 27:30–32; Deuteronomy 14:22–29) provided for Levites, the poor, and communal worship. Malachi 3:10 frames robbing God of tithes as covenant breaking. Jesus affirmed tithing while prioritizing justice and mercy (Matthew 23:23). The NT principle (2 Corinthians 9:7) expands from required tenths to cheerful proportional giving — the spirit behind asar fulfilled.

Key Bible Verses

Deuteronomy 14:22 Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.

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.

Genesis 28:22 and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.

Leviticus 27:30 A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD.

Numbers 18:26 Speak to the Levites and say to them: 'When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the LORD's offering.'

Related Words

External Resources

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