Original Word: עָשָׂר
Part of Speech: Noun
Transliteration: `asar
Pronunciation: ah-SAR or es-REH
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-sawr')
KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-)teen(-th), + eleven(-th), + sixscore thousand, + twelve(-th)
Word Origin: [for H6235 (עֶשֶׂר עֲשָׂרָה - ten)]

1. ten
2. (only in combination), i.e. -teen
3. (ordinal) -teenth

ten, teen, tenth

For eser; ten (only in combination), i.e. -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth -- (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-)teen(-th), + eleven(-th), + sixscore thousand, + twelve(-th).

see HEBREW eser

Word Origin
from the same as eser
Definition
ten
NASB Translation
1,017* (2), 112* (3), 12* (2), 12,000* (8), 120,000* (1), 13* (1), 14,000* (1), 14,700* (1), 15* (1), 15,000* (1), 16,000* (2), 16,750* (1), 17,200* (1), 18* (2), 18,000* (6), 2,812* (1), 2,818* (1), 212* (1), 218* (1), eighteen* (8), eighteenth* (11), eleven* (15), eleventh* (17), fifteen* (14), fifteenth* (17), fourteen* (17), fourteenth* (23), nineteen* (3), nineteenth* (4), seventeen* (5), seventeenth* (6), sixteen* (18), sixteenth* (3), thirteen* (12), thirteenth* (11), twelfth* (22), twelve* (93).

עָשָׂר₂₀₃, עֶשְׂרֵה₁₄₄

noun ten, only after units to make numbers 11-19, both cardinal and ordinal; עֶשְׂרֵה with

noun feminine, עָשָׂר with

noun masculine, thus:

1 eleven:

a. אַחַד עָשָׂר (with masculine noun) Genesis 32:23 2t.

b. אַחַת עֶשְׂרֵה (with feminine noun) 2 Kings 23:36 7t.; also = eleventh 1 Kings 6:38; 2 Kings 9:29.

c. עַשְׁתֵּי עָשָׂר (with masculine noun) Numbers 29:20; ordinal Deuteronomy 1:3 7t.

d. עַשְׁתֵּי עֶשְׂרֵה (with feminine noun) Exodus 26:7 4t.; ordinal Jeremiah 1:3 4t.

2 twelve:

a. שְׁנֵי (ם) עָשָׂר (with masculine noun) Genesis 35:22 80t. ordinal 1 Kings 19:19 12t.

b. שְׁתֵּי(ם) עֶשְׂרֵה (with feminine noun) Exodus 24:4 31t.; ordinal 2 Kings 8:25 6t.

3 thirteen:

a. שְׁלשָׁה עָשָׂר (with masculine noun) Numbers 29:14 2t.; ordinal Esther 3:12 7t.

b. שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה (with feminine noun) 1 Kings 7:1 9t.; ordinal Genesis 14:4 2t.

4 fourteen:

a. אַרְכָּעָה עָשָׂר Genesis 46:22 13t.; ordinal Exodus 12:6 17t.

b. אַרְבַּע עֶשְׂרֵה Genesis 31:41 5t.; ordinal 2 Kings 18:13 3t.

5 fifteen:

a. חֲמִשָּׁה עָשָׂר Hosea 3:2 3t.; ordinal Exodus 16:1 14t.

b. חֲמֵשֶׁת עָשָׂר Judges 8:10; 2 Samuel 19:18.

c. חֲמֵשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה 2 Kings 14:17 9t.; ordinal 2 Kings 14:23; 2Chronicles 15:10. — See also עֶשֶׂר

2d. 6. sixteen:

a. שִׁשָּׁה עָשָׂר Exodus 26:25 6t.; ordinal 1 Chronicles 24:14 2t.

b. שֵׁשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה Genesis 46:18 13t.

7 seventeen:

a. שִׁבְעָה עָשָׂר 1 Chronicles 7:11 2t.; ordinal Genesis 7:11 3t.

b. שְׁבַע עֶשְׂרֵה Genesis 37:2 4t.; ordinal 1 Kings 22:52; 2 Kings 16:1. — See also עֶשֶׂר

3d. 8. eighteen:

a. שְׁמֹנָה (שְׂמֹנַת) עָשָׂר Genesis 14:4 10t.; ordinal 1 Chronicles 24:15; 1 Chronicles 25:25.

b. שְׁמֹנֶה עֶשְׂרֵה Judges 3:14 6t.; ordinal 1 Kings 15:1 8t.

9 nineteen:

a. תִּשְׁעָה עָשָׂר 2 Samuel 2:30; ordinal 1 Chronicles 24:16; 1 Chronicles 25:26.

b. תְּשַׁע עֶשְׂרֵה Genesis 11:25; Joshua 19:38; ordinal 2 Kings 25:8 = Jeremiah 52:12. These numbers usually take singular of the nouns most often used, שָׁנָה, יוֺם, חֹדֶשׁ, compare (sometimes) אִישׁ, אַמָּךְ, etc.; otherwise plural; rarely (late usage) they follow noun, which is then usually plural, e.g. Numbers 29:30; Joshua 15:51 (P), Ezra 8:35 (twice in verse); Esther 3:13; Esther 8:5, etc. (even שָׁנִים שְׁתֵּים עֶשְׂרֵה Nah Esther 5:14), but שָׁנָה precedes ordinal 1 Kings 6:38, שְׁנַת 1 Kings 15:1 8t., so יוֺם (c. ordinal) 2 Chronicles 29:17 5t. Esther 9; also יוֺם and (שְׁנַת) שָׁנָה both precede and following ordinal Numbers 7:72,78; 2 Kings 8:25; 2 Kings 9:29; 2 Kings 14:23; 2 Kings 16:1; Jeremiah 32:1; 2 Kings 25:8 = Jeremiah 52:12. — See also Kö^{ii. 1. 211 ff.} Da^{Synt. § 37 a}, also R. 1, 2. Ges^{§§ 92d, e}, 134, and especially Herner^{Synt. d. Zahlw-rter im AT {1893}}; on form in הֵ֯ (prob for יַ֯), Ol^{§ 110} Kö^{ii. 1, 427} W^{SG 138}.

Linguistic and Distribution Overview

The numeral עָשָׂר occurs approximately three-hundred-thirty-eight times in the Hebrew Scriptures. It serves as the cardinal “ten” and, in compound form, produces the “-teen” numbers (eleven through nineteen). The usage permeates narrative, legal, poetic, and prophetic texts, giving the term a wide theological and practical reach.

Frequency by Canonical Division

• Torah: more than 140 uses, especially in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers.
• Former Prophets: around 60 occurrences, notably in Joshua and 2 Samuel.
• Writings: roughly 80 instances, dominated by Psalms, Job, and Chronicles.
• Latter Prophets: about 60 uses, with concentrations in Ezekiel, Daniel, and Zechariah.

Covenantal Significance: The Ten Commandments

Exodus 34:28 declares, “And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments.” The numeral marks the foundational moral code given to Israel. The “ten words” form the ethical core that shapes subsequent law and prophetic admonition, underscoring the completeness and sufficiency of divine revelation for ordering covenant life.

Tithes and Sacred Portions

While the ordinal “tenth” employs a cognate, the cardinal ten undergirds the concept of giving a tenth to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30). The repeated emphasis on ten as a unit of dedication fosters a culture of worshipful stewardship. In ministry settings, teaching on the tithe draws upon the symbolic fullness of ten—acknowledging God’s ownership of all while cultivating habitual generosity.

Psalm 33:2: “Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make music to Him with a ten-stringed harp.” The ten-stringed instrument showcases artistic completeness in praise. Later references (Psalm 92:3) employ the same imagery, encouraging congregations to pursue excellence and fullness in musical worship.

Tribal and Military Organization

Numbers 11:16 records administrative groupings: “Gather for Me seventy men… officers over the people.” Parallel passages reveal subdivisions down to groups of tens (e.g., Exodus 18:21). The decimal structure facilitates order, accountability, and rapid mobilization—principles still valuable for church leadership and small-group ministry.

Divine Judgment and Restraint

Genesis 18:32: “Then he said, ‘May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there.’ And He answered, ‘For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.’” Ten becomes the minimal righteous remnant necessary to avert judgment on Sodom. The passage highlights both God’s justice and His mercy, offering a sobering reminder of corporate responsibility in intercession.

Tenfold Plagues and Testing

Although Exodus does not list the total explicitly, tradition counts ten plagues, each confronting an Egyptian deity and culminating in Israel’s deliverance. Numbers 14:22 later notes Israel’s tenfold testing of the LORD in the wilderness, contrasting His faithfulness with human unbelief. In teaching, these patterns emphasize that persistent rebellion invites discipline, while covenant faithfulness secures blessing.

Prophetic and Eschatological Images

Daniel 1:12 speaks of a “ten-day” test of fidelity to dietary convictions, foreshadowing future trials. Daniel 7:24 describes “ten kings” symbolized by horns, echoed in Revelation. Zechariah 8:23 foretells a universal pilgrimage: “In those days ten men from every language and nation will take firm hold of one Jew….” The recurrence of ten in eschatological contexts signals completeness of judgment and gathering.

Wisdom Literature

Ecclesiastes 7:19: “Wisdom makes the wise man stronger than ten rulers in a city.” Here ten represents consolidated human strength, yet still inferior to God-given wisdom. Similarly, Job 19:3 laments, “These ten times you have reproached me,” marking total exhaustion of friendly counsel. Such texts offer pastoral insight into perseverance and the limits of human insight.

Chronological Markers

The Hebrew calendar repeatedly identifies the tenth day for significant events:
• Tenth of the first month—selecting the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:3).
• Tenth of the seventh month—Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:27).

These markers integrate redemption and reconciliation, encouraging believers to view time itself as structured by divine grace.

Typology and Theological Reflection

Throughout Scripture, ten conveys wholeness under God’s sovereign order. Whether in commandments, plagues, or prophetic visions, it testifies to the comprehensive scope of divine authority. In Christ’s teaching on the ten virgins (Matthew 25), this symbolism reaches forward, urging readiness for the Bridegroom’s return—a theme that harmonizes the Testaments and informs present-day discipleship.

Applications for Ministry Today

1. Discipleship: Utilize the Decalogue as a framework for moral formation, showing its fulfillment in Christ while affirming its ongoing ethical value.
2. Stewardship: Teach the tithe as a baseline of giving that recognizes God’s total ownership.
3. Leadership Structure: Implement small-group networks patterned after the biblical “tens” for pastoral care and accountability.
4. Worship: Encourage artistic excellence, drawing on the symbolism of ten-stringed instruments to inspire creativity devoted to God’s glory.
5. Intercession: Remind congregations of Abraham’s plea for ten righteous, motivating persistent prayer for communities and nations.

Conclusion

The recurring appearance of עָשָׂר weaves the number ten into the fabric of biblical history, law, worship, and prophecy. Its consistent thematic function—completeness under divine order—invites believers to respond with wholehearted obedience, generous stewardship, and vigilant hope.

הֶֽעָשָׂר֙ הֶעָשָׂ֑ר העשר עֶשְׂרֵ֑ה עֶשְׂרֵ֔ה עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה עֶשְׂרֵ֗ה עֶשְׂרֵ֛ה עֶשְׂרֵ֜ה עֶשְׂרֵ֞ה עֶשְׂרֵ֣ה עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה עֶשְׂרֵֽה׃ עֶשְׂרֵה֙ עָשָֽׂר־ עָשָֽׂר׃ עָשָׂ֑ר עָשָׂ֔ר עָשָׂ֖ר עָשָׂ֛ר עָשָׂ֜ר עָשָׂ֣ר עָשָׂ֤ר עָשָׂ֥ר עָשָׂ֨ר עָשָׂר֙ עָשָׂר֩ עָשָׂה֩ עשה עשר עשר־ עשר׃ עשרה עשרה׃ ‘ā·śāh ‘ā·śār ‘ā·śār- ‘āśāh ‘āśār ‘āśār- ‘eś·rêh ‘eśrêh aSah aSar esReh he‘āśār he·‘ā·śār heaSarInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts