Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Tithe”
The biblical word “Tithe” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (maaser (Hebrew), dekatē (Greek)), where it meant “A tenth part of produce or income given to God or the temple”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “A tenth part of annual produce or income, traditionally given to support the church”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekmaaser (Hebrew), dekatē (Greek)A tenth part of produce or income given to God or the temple
Hebrew maaser (H4643) = a tenth. Mandated in Torah for support of Levites and the poor (Leviticus 27:30). Greek dekatē (dekas, 'ten') = a tenth, used in LXX and NT (Matthew 23:23).
Medieval Latin / Church
LatindecimaA tenth part of agricultural produce or income due to the Church; ecclesiastical tax
Latin decima (from decem, 'ten') was the canonical term. Church law (canon law) formalized tithes as obligatory support for clergy and church institutions from 8c onward.
Modern English
EnglishtitheA tenth part of annual produce or income, traditionally given to support the church
From Old English teotha (tenth), from Proto-Germanic *tehundaz. The -the suffix retains the ordinal sense. Still used in religious and charitable giving contexts.