Lexical Summary
dek: Thinness, thin
Original Word:דֵּךְ
Part of Speech:demonstrative pronoun masculine; feminine
Transliteration:dek
Pronunciation:dek
Phonetic Spelling:(dake)
KJV: the same, this
NASB:this
Word Origin:[prolonged fromH166 (אָהַל - has brightness)8]
1. this
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
the same, this
(Aramaic) or dak (Aramaic) {dawk}; prolonged fromda'; this -- the same, this.
see HEBREWda'
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin(Aramaic) a prim. pronoun
Definitionthis
NASB Translationthis (7).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
, ; only Ezra; Daniel uses (Egyptian and Cappadocian Aramaic (CIS
ii. 151 RŠS:361 B S-C
Pap. (feminine , ib.
F 6, 9), Lzb
Eph. i. 67); , feminine ; Arabic
; Ethiopic
From
, (feminine), with the affix (W
CG 110), thus literally = German
dieser da. The plural is , q. v.); —
this (always after its substantive),
Ezra 5:16 ,
Ezra 5:17 ,
Ezra 6:7,8,12; feminine
Ezra 4:13,15,16 (twice in verse);
Ezra 4:19,21 all ,
Ezra 5:8.
Topical Lexicon
Definition and Scope of Usageדֵּךְ designates a specific commercial tariff or road-toll assessed by the Persian administration. WithinEzra 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.”
•Ezra 4:19 reveals Artaxerxes’ discovery that “long ago” Jerusalem had indeed rebelled and withheld these revenues.
• InEzra 5:8–17 the governor Tattenai reports that the house of God is being rebuilt, yet graciously refrains from accusing the builders of tax evasion.
•Ezra 6:7–12 contains Darius’ decree to supply the temple project from the royal treasury, offsetting any potential loss of דֵּךְ by imperial subsidy.
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:
• מִנְדָּה — compulsory tribute on subject peoples.
• בְּלוֹ — duty on merchandise and exports.
• דֵּךְ — tolls on internal transit (city gates, roads, bridges).
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 doCh
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