עֶשֶׂר
Eser
Ten, complete measure
Eser (עֶשֶׂר) is a Hebrew word meaning “ten, complete measure,” pronounced “EH-ser.” Derived from the root ע-שׂ-ר, eser appears 170 times in the Hebrew Bible (Strong's H6235).
| Hebrew | עֶשֶׂר |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Eser |
| Pronunciation | EH-ser |
| Meaning | Ten, complete measure |
| Root Letters | ע-שׂ-ר |
| Occurrences in Hebrew Bible | 170× |
| Key Verse | Exodus 34:28 |
| Strong's Number | H6235 |
| Category | Numbers & Measures |
The number eser (עֶשֶׂר) — ten — appears at the most defining moments in Israel's story. Ten plagues broke Egypt's power. Ten Commandments (Aseret HaDibrot — 'Ten Words') defined God's covenant with Israel. Ten men constitute a minyan — the minimum assembly for communal worship in Jewish tradition. Abraham tithed a tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20). The tithe (ma'aser) — giving a tenth — is based on eser. In Hebrew thought, ten represents a complete cycle, a full measure, and the threshold for community. When Ruth's story is witnessed by ten elders at the gate (Ruth 4:2), it is a legally complete assembly. When Daniel's ten days of testing proved God's provision (Daniel 1:12-15), it was a complete trial. Understanding eser reveals that God operates in full measures — His commandments are complete, His judgments are thorough, and His provision leaves nothing lacking.
Key Bible Verse: Exodus 34:28
“And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments (Aseret HaDibrot).”
What Is the Root of Eser in Hebrew?
Eser may come from a root related to 'gathering' or 'accumulation.' Ten fingers on two hands made the decimal system natural across cultures. In Hebrew thought, ten represents a complete collection — enough for a full testimony, a full assembly, or a full measure.
What Does Eser Mean in the Bible?
Eser appears over 170 times in the Hebrew Bible. It structures the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), the ten plagues (Exodus 7-12), the tithe system (Leviticus 27:30), Daniel's ten-day test (Daniel 1:12), and the ten virgins parable (Matthew 25:1).
How Is Eser Used in Modern Hebrew?
The minyan (quorum of ten) remains fundamental to Jewish communal worship. In Israel, the decimal system echoes in the shekel currency system. The phrase 'aseret yemei teshuvah' (ten days of repentance) between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur marks a complete cycle of return to God.
How to Use Eser in Prayer & Worship
Consider what a 'tithe' of your resources — time, money, talent — looks like. The eser principle teaches that giving God His full measure opens the door to His full blessing. And remember that His Ten Words are not restrictions but the complete foundation for a flourishing life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eser
How do you say “Ten” in Hebrew?
“Ten” in Hebrew is Eser (עֶשֶׂר), pronounced “EH-ser.” Eser may come from a root related to 'gathering' or 'accumulation.' Ten fingers on two hands made the decimal system natural across cultures. In Hebrew thought, ten represents a complete collection — enough for a full testimony, a full assembly, or a full measure.
What does Eser mean in the Bible?
Eser (עֶשֶׂר) means “Ten, complete measure” in Biblical Hebrew. Eser appears over 170 times in the Hebrew Bible. It structures the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20), the ten plagues (Exodus 7-12), the tithe system (Leviticus 27:30), Daniel's ten-day test (Daniel 1:12), and the ten virgins parable (Matthew 25:1).
How do you pronounce Eser?
Eser is pronounced “EH-ser.” The word comes from the Hebrew root ע-שׂ-ר.
Why are the Ten Commandments called 'Ten Words'?
In Hebrew, the Ten Commandments are 'Aseret HaDibrot' — literally 'Ten Words' (from davar, meaning word/thing). They are not merely rules but God's ten foundational words that define covenant reality. Like creation's 'Let there be...' statements, these ten words establish the moral order of the universe.
What is a minyan and why does it require ten?
A minyan is the minimum quorum of ten Jewish adults needed for communal prayer and Torah reading. It derives from the ten spies whose report influenced the congregation (Numbers 14:27) and from Abraham's bargaining with God over ten righteous in Sodom (Genesis 18:32). Ten represents a full, representative community.
Why is the tithe a tenth?
The tithe (ma'aser, from eser) is giving a tenth of one's income to God. Abraham first modeled this with Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20). The tithe represents the principle that everything belongs to God, and returning a tenth acknowledges His ownership and provision. It is a 'complete portion' given back to the source of all provision.
Sources & Further Study
- Blue Letter Bible — H6235: Eser
- Bible Gateway — Exodus 34:28 (ESV)
- Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB) — entry for ע-שׂ-ר
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