Bible Dictionary
DEAL
Deal can mean a portion or measured amount, as in the tenth part of an offering. As a verb, it may mean to distribute, act, or conduct oneself toward another.
Definition
As a noun, deal means a portion or measured amount, especially a tenth part. As a verb, it may mean to apportion, distribute, act, or conduct oneself toward another.
Biblical Usage
Older translations speak of a “tenth deal” in offerings, while later versions use “tenth part.” “Deal” may also describe distributing, conferring benefit, acting, or having dealings with others.
Historical Background
In John’s statement that Jews had no dealings with Samaritans, the expression conveys that they had nothing in common.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>del: The noun "deal" is not found in the Revised Version (British and American). The King James Version translation of `issaron, "the tenth deal" (Ex 29:40; Le 14:10, et al.) is rendered uniformly "the tenth part" in the Revised Version (British and American) (see WEIGHTS AND MEASURES). The verb "to deal" often means "to apportion," "to distribute" (compare 2Sa 6:19; 1Ch 16:3; Isa 58:7; Ro 12:3), but more frequently it is used in the sense of "to act" "to do," "to have transaction of any kind with." In the Psalms "to deal" always means "to confer benefit," "to deal bountifully," with the exception of Ps 105:25, where it means "to deal subtly with." The expression "to deal," i.e. "to be engaged in," is not found in the Scriptures. The translation of sugchraomai, in Joh 4:9, "Jews have no dealings with Samaritans," conveys the idea that they have nothing in common.</p><p>A. L. Breslich</p>