Tithing is the practice of giving 10% of one’s income to the church. It was established in the Old Testament as a way to support the Levites and priests who served in the temple and did not have land of their own. Tithing is often seen as an act of worship and obedience to God. Here are some key Bible verses about tithing:
Old Testament Verses on Tithing
Genesis 14:20 – “And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” This shows Abram (later Abraham) giving a tithe to Melchizedek the priest.
Leviticus 27:30 – “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.” This establishes the tithe as belonging to God.
Numbers 18:21 – “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting.” God gave the tithe to the Levites for their work in the tabernacle.
Deuteronomy 14:22 – “You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year.” Tithing was to come from the produce of the land.
2 Chronicles 31:5 – “As soon as the command was spread abroad, the people of Israel gave in abundance the firstfruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field. And they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.” Tithing was practiced in Israel after the exile.
Malachi 3:8-10 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” This passage warns against withholding tithes from God.
New Testament Verses on Tithing
Matthew 23:23 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” Jesus affirmed tithing while also emphasizing justice.
Luke 11:42 – “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” Another passage where Jesus tells the Pharisees they should tithe but not neglect other matters.
Hebrews 7:1-10 – This passage shows how Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, establishing the practice of tithing long before the law of Moses. Jesus is pictured as a high priest like Melchizedek.
Principles About Tithing
Tithing in the Bible was a form of worship and sign of obedience to God. It was used to support the temple service and priesthood. The New Testament does not specifically command tithing but does not condemn it either. Many Christians today see it as a good way to honor God, give thanks, and support the work of the church.
The New Testament puts more emphasis on voluntary giving from the heart than fixed percentages. Giving generously according to one’s means is important (2 Corinthians 8-9). Some Christians today may give less or more than 10%.
While the Old Testament details tithing on agricultural goods and livestock, today many Christians apply the tithe to their financial income to support ministry workers and church operations. How this is practiced varies between denominations and churches.
Tithing should come from a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). It should not be done begrudgingly or out of duty alone. Nor should it become a point of pride.
God blesses and provides for those who give generously from their hearts. But the motivation should be to glorify God, not to simply gain more material blessings in return.
Bible Verses on Giving Beyond the Tithe
Deuteronomy 15:10 – “You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.”
Proverbs 11:24 – “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.”
Mark 12:41-44 – The story of the widow’s offering shows how God values small gifts given in faith.
Acts 20:35 – “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Romans 12:8 – “…the one who gives, with generosity…” Giving is a spiritual gift.
2 Corinthians 8:7 – “But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.” Excel in the grace of giving.
Philippians 4:18 – “I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.” Giving pleases God.
Reasons to Give Tithes and Offerings
Giving acknowledges that all we have comes from God (1 Chronicles 29:14).
It expresses love for God and a desire to advance His kingdom.
It supports ministry workers so they can serve full-time.
It enables the church to provide spiritual nourishment to believers.
It funds acts of mercy and justice for those in need.
It sustains churches and ministries for future generations.
It spreads the gospel message to those who need to hear.
It enables growth through constructing buildings and training workers.
It contributes to the maturity of other Christians.
It reflects trust in God’s ongoing provision (2 Corinthians 9:8).
It results in spiritual blessings for the giver (Luke 6:38).
It pleases God when done willingly with a joyful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Tithing in the Church Today
There are diverse views on tithing and giving in the church today. Some Christians believe the 10% tithe is a biblical command that still applies. Others see it as an Old Testament practice that is not mandatory in the New Covenant.
Many churches include tithing as part of their teaching on stewardship and as a way members can support the church’s work. Other churches do not teach tithing but emphasize generous freewill offerings.
While amounts differ, regular sacrificial giving is widely encouraged as a spiritual practice. Many churches urge working towards a 10% baseline but do not mandate it.
Some reasons churches encourage tithing and offerings include:
- Supporting pastor salaries and ministry staff
- Funding facilities and building projects
- Enabling programs and ministries
- Sending missionaries and planting churches
- Training leaders at seminaries
- Providing benevolence for those in need
- Producing resources for discipleship and evangelism
Church finances vary widely between denominations and locations. But generous giving from members is usually vital for funding all areas of ministry.
Many churches provide online giving options and annual statements. This aims to make regular tithing and giving easier for members today.
In the New Testament, giving is ultimately an issue of the heart, not legal requirement. Christians are to generously support kingdom work as the Spirit leads them.
Blessings from Tithing and Giving
Christians who give faithfully and generously testify to many blessings, including:
- Deeper intimacy with God from putting Him first
- Increased understanding of God’s faithfulness and provision
- Greater joy in relationships and life as focus shifts from self to eternal things
- A sense of partnership with God in advancing His kingdom
- Seeing prayers answered as ministries bear fruit
- Feeling more invested and engaged in church community and mission
While motives should be pure, God blesses those who give cheerfully to the work of the gospel. As we sow generously, we reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6).
Cautions Regarding Tithing
While tithing and generous giving are biblical practices, there are some cautions to keep in mind:
- Do not give out of guilt or legalistically but from the heart.
- Make sure family needs are cared for first.
- Find a healthy balance – avoid excess on either side.
- Give voluntarily, not under compulsion.
- Contribute to kingdom work, not just campaigns or building projects.
- Do not incur unhealthy debt in order to give.
- Beware giving solely for recognition or to purchase influence.
- Do not judge others for how much or little they give.
The main thing is to listen to the Spirit’s leading and give cheerfully, not under pressure. Our motives matter to God.
Conclusion
Tithing was an important biblical practice to support worship and the priestly system. It involved giving 10% to the temple. The New Testament does not command tithing but emphasizes generous, sacrificial giving to advance God’s work.
Giving expresses our love for God, fuels ministry, impacts lives, and results in spiritual blessing. Regular giving helps sustain churches. While 10% is not mandated, it provides a helpful baseline for believers’ generosity today as the Lord leads.
The heart of the matter is giving to God with a willing spirit, not out of duty. As we give freely and cheerfully, we honor Him and become partners in His kingdom work for eternity.