Tenth
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Tenth in the Bible?
The tenth refers to the tithe, a portion of one's income or produce given to God as an offering.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the tithe clarifies the economic structure of ancient Israelite society and the material support system that sustained the Levitical priesthood and temple worship.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Tenth. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Tenth in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Tenth clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Tenth." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/tenth/