Lexical Summary dek: Thinness, thin Original Word: דֵּךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance the same, this (Aramaic) or dak (Aramaic) {dawk}; prolonged from da'; this -- the same, this. see HEBREW da' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) a prim. pronoun Definition this NASB Translation this (7). Brown-Driver-Briggs דֵּךְ demonstrative pronoun masculine this, feminine דָּח; only Ezra; Daniel uses דִּכֵּן (Egyptian and Cappadocian Aramaic זך (CISii. 151 RŠS:361 B S-CPap. (feminine דכא, דכי ib.F 6, 9), LzbEph. i. 67); ᵑ7 דֵּיכֵי, feminine דָּח; Arabic  ; Ethiopic  From  זֶה, דָּא (feminine), with the affix ך (WCG 110), thus literally = German dieser da. The plural is אִלֵּח, q. v.); — this (always after its substantive), Ezra 5:16 שֵׁשְׁבַּצַּר דֵח, Ezra 5:17 בֵּיתאֱֿלָהָא דֵח, Ezra 6:7,8,12; feminine Ezra 4:13,15,16 (twice in verse); Ezra 4:19,21 all קִרְיְתָא דָח, Ezra 5:8. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope of Usage דֵּךְ designates a specific commercial tariff or road-toll assessed by the Persian administration. Within Ezra 4–6 it always appears in a fixed sequence with מִנְדָּה “tribute” and בְּלוֹ “custom,” forming a three-fold summary of taxes (Ezra 4:13; Ezra 4:15-16, 19, 21; Ezra 5:8, 17; Ezra 6:8, 12). The term is never used outside these Aramaic sections, underscoring its technical nature and its confinement to the post-exilic era. Historical Setting in Ezra The word surfaces in diplomatic correspondence between regional officials and the Persian throne: • Ezra 4:13 records the alarmist claim that if Jerusalem were rebuilt, the Jews would withhold “tribute, custom, or toll.” These texts trace a progression: (1) accusation of tax loss, (2) royal investigation, (3) vindication of the Jews, and (4) a royal command that paradoxically channels imperial funds to the very work once suspected of draining revenue. Fiscal Policies under Persian Rule The three taxes correspond to distinct streams of income: By grouping them together, Ezra underlines the full spectrum of imperial taxation. The potential forfeiture of דֵּךְ threatened the economic interest of the crown, a leverage point exploited by Jerusalem’s adversaries. Theological Themes Sovereignty of God over Kings and Economies “Then King Darius issued a decree, and they searched the archives…” (Ezra 6:1). The Lord turns taxation policy—symbolized by דֵּךְ—into an instrument for preserving His covenant people. The same empire that fears lost revenue ultimately bankrolls the temple (Ezra 6:8). Freedom and Worship Where detractors saw withheld tolls, God saw liberated worshipers. The cessation of דֵּךְ for temple personnel (Ezra 7:24, employing the same triad in Hebrew narrative) anticipates Christ’s promise of a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. Integrity before Authorities Although falsely accused, the returned exiles remain transparent. Tattenai’s impartial report (Ezra 5:8) models the Christian duty to “keep your conduct honorable among the Gentiles” (1 Peter 2:12). Payment of rightful dues and respectful dialogue with secular powers honor God’s order (Romans 13:1-7). Ministry Significance Today Stewardship and Government Churches often navigate taxation issues—property exemptions, charitable status, import duties on humanitarian goods. Ezra’s experience counsels prayerful engagement, legal compliance, and trust that God can move governments to favor His work. Mission Funding The Persian treasury funding the temple foreshadows the gospel’s advance “at no cost” to the nations (Revelation 21:24-26). Ministries may legitimately receive state grants or tax relief without compromising allegiance to Christ, provided purpose and integrity remain clear. Opposition and Opportunity Accusations about money frequently mask deeper spiritual hostility. Pastors and leaders should discern motives behind financial objections, respond with factual clarity, and rely on God to vindicate. Like דֵּךְ, financial controversies can become turning points where the Lord displays His providence. Related Concepts Mindah (tribute), Belo (custom), Taxation in Israelite Law (Exodus 30:11-16), Jesus and the Temple Tax (Matthew 17:24-27), Submission to Authorities (Romans 13:1-7). Forms and Transliterations דֵ֑ךְ דֵ֖ךְ דֵּ֔ךְ דָ֔ךְ דָ֖ךְ דָ֛ךְ דָ֜ךְ דָךְ֙ דך dach ḏāḵ Dech dêḵ ḏêḵ doChLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 4:13 HEB: הֵ֣ן קִרְיְתָ֥א דָךְ֙ תִּתְבְּנֵ֔א וְשׁוּרַיָּ֖ה KJV: that, if this city INT: if city this is rebuilt and the walls Ezra 4:15 Ezra 4:15 Ezra 4:16 Ezra 4:19 Ezra 4:21 Ezra 5:8 Ezra 5:16 Ezra 5:17 Ezra 6:7 Ezra 6:7 Ezra 6:8 Ezra 6:12 13 Occurrences |
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