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עָשַׂר

𐤏𐤔𐤓

ʻâsar

H6237 verb

SILEX Entry

Root עשר to make ten, to take a tenth, to tithe

Definition

to take or give a tenth, specifically to impose or allocate a tithe; to perform the act of tithing. The verb describes the action of separating out one-tenth of produce, livestock, or possessions either for dedication to a religious purpose or for administrative distribution, according to Israelite law and custom.

Semantic Range

to set aside a tenth, to give a tithe, to take a tithe, to impose a tithe, to dedicate a tenth portion to a religious or administrative purpose

Root / Etymology

The root עשר (ʿ-š-r) primarily relates to the concept of 'ten' or groups of ten. The verb עָשַׂר derives directly from this root, functioning as a denominative, i.e., it is formed from the noun עֶשֶׂר ('ten'). The verb form expresses the action of 'making ten' or more specifically 'taking or giving a tenth.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb עָשַׂר occurs primarily in legal and ritual contexts concerning the practice of tithing, as prescribed in certain Torah passages (e.g., Lev 27:30-32; Num 18:21-28; Deut 14:22-29; 2 Chr 31:5-6). In monarchic Israelite society, tithing functioned as an economic and cultic institution for supporting the Levites, religious functionaries, the poor, and sanctuary maintenance. This verb is distinct from the related root עָשַׁר H6238 ('to be or become rich'), though the two roots are homographic. English translations often render the verb simply as 'to tithe,' but this may obscure underlying nuances in specific passages—such as whether the act is compulsory, voluntary, agricultural, or livestock-based. Later biblical and post-biblical sources sometimes expand the practice beyond its original ritual function, but in the contexts of the Torah and early monarchy, it is closely tied to sanctuary and Israelite community obligations. The verb does not refer to abstract 'generosity' or general giving but specifically to the act of calculating and setting aside a tenth. In post-exilic literature and later tradition, associated noun forms give rise to the role of 'tithers' and administrative processes, but the verb itself remains anchored in the specific legal/ritual act outlined in Pentateuchal sources.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root (identical with עָשַׁר); to accumulate; but used only as denominative from עֶשֶׂר; to tithe, i.e. to take or give atenth; [idiom] surely, give (take) the tenth, (have, take) tithe(-ing, -s), [idiom] truly.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

עשר (ʿ-š-r) — ten, tenth, tithe, make ten

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4643 מַעֲשֵׂר the tenth-portion
H6218 עָשׂוֹר group of ten
H6223 עָשִׁיר wealthy man
H6224 עֲשִׂירִי tenth
H6235 עֶשֶׂר ten

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6237-02 עַשֵּׂ֖ר aser HVpa surely give a tenth surely tithe 2
H6237-07 יַעְשֹׂ֑ר yaesor HVqi3ms he will take a tenth he will tithe 2
H6237-03 בַּ/עְשֵׂ֣ר baeser HR/Vpc in the tenth in tithing 1
H6237-05 לַ֠/עְשֵׂר laeser HR/Vpc to tithe to take a tenth 1
H6237-04 הַֽ/מְעַשְּׂרִ֔ים hameaserim HTd/Vprmpa the tithe-collectors the ones who tithe 1
H6237-06 תְּעַשֵּׂ֔ר teaser HVpi2ms you shall tithe you will tithe 1
H6237-01 אֲעַשְּׂרֶ֥/נּוּ aaserenu HVpi1cs/Sp3ms I will give it I will tithe it 1

Occurrences in Scripture

9 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6237-02 Genesis 28:22 עַשֵּׂ֖ר aser HVpa surely give a tenth surely tithe
H6237-01 Genesis 28:22 אֲעַשְּׂרֶ֥/נּוּ aaserenu HVpi1cs/Sp3ms I will give it I will tithe it
H6237-02 Deuteronomy 14:22 עַשֵּׂ֣ר aser HVpa surely tithe surely tithe
H6237-06 Deuteronomy 14:22 תְּעַשֵּׂ֔ר teaser HVpi2ms you shall tithe you will tithe
H6237-05 Deuteronomy 26:12 לַ֠/עְשֵׂר laeser HR/Vpc to tithe to take a tenth
H6237-07 1 Samuel 8:15 יַעְשֹׂ֑ר yaesor HVqi3ms he will take a tenth he will tithe
H6237-07 1 Samuel 8:17 יַעְשֹׂ֑ר yaesor HVqi3ms he will take a tenth he will tithe
H6237-04 Nehemiah 10:38 הַֽ/מְעַשְּׂרִ֔ים hameaserim HTd/Vprmpa the tithe-collectors the ones who tithe
H6237-03 Nehemiah 10:39 בַּ/עְשֵׂ֣ר baeser HR/Vpc in the tenth in tithing
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