What does the Bible teach about tithing?

Definition of Tithing

In Scripture, “tithing” refers to giving a tenth of one’s income or possessions. The term comes from a Hebrew word meaning “a tenth.” This concept appears throughout the Bible as a means for God’s people to honor Him, support ministerial work, and remember that all blessings ultimately come from the Creator.

Early Biblical Examples

From the earliest records, tithing is portrayed as a grateful response to divine provision. Genesis 14:20 states: “And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand. Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.” Abram’s gift to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God, establishes a precedent of honoring God by dedicating a portion of possessions to Him.

Jacob likewise vows to tithe, saying in Genesis 28:22: “And this stone I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give You a tenth.” Here again, the act of giving a tenth emerges as an expression of gratitude and commitment to the promises of God.

Tithing in the Mosaic Law

The practice of tithing is codified within the Law given to Moses. Leviticus 27:30 declares: “Thus any tithe of the land—of the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees—belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.” This commandment designated a special portion of produce and livestock to be set apart for the sacred use of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 14:22 adds: “You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce you harvest each year.” These regulations ensured the sustenance of the Levites, who served in priestly roles and did not inherit land. Numbers 18:21 explains: “Behold, I have given the Levites every tithe in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they perform—the work of the Tent of Meeting.”

Purpose and Function

The tithe served multiple purposes in ancient Israel. Primarily, it was:

• A recognition that God is the source of all resources.

• A means of providing for the Levites’ and priests’ needs (Numbers 18:24).

• A method to support community worship, festivals, and those in need (Deuteronomy 14:28–29).

Archaeological discoveries of storage rooms near temple sites, such as the remains of Hezekiah’s broad wall and adjacent areas in Jerusalem, attest to the practice of collecting and storing offerings. Historical records also align with the biblical accounts of designated tithing systems that supported religious officials and community care.

Tithing in the Historical Books

During seasons of spiritual revival, faithfulness in tithing reemerged prominently. For instance, under King Hezekiah’s reforms, the Israelites responded zealously by bringing their tithes in abundance:

2 Chronicles 31:5 records, “As soon as this command was issued, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, oil, honey, and all the produce of the fields. And they brought an abundance—a tithe of everything.”

Similarly, Nehemiah’s reforms after the exile reinstituted proper tithing to maintain worship and provide for the Levites (Nehemiah 10:37–38).

Prophetic Warnings and Promises

The prophets addressed tithing in connection with Israel’s covenant faithfulness. Malachi 3:8–10 offers both a rebuke and a promise:

“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings…‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me in this,’ says the LORD of Hosts. ‘See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure.’”

Here, God challenges His people to trust Him by bringing in the full tithe, promising blessings in response to faithful obedience. This test stands as one of the only instances where God invites His people to test His provision directly.

Teachings in the New Testament

While the New Testament does not repeatedly command tithing in the Pauline epistles or apostolic letters, it reaffirms principles of generosity and stewardship. Jesus addresses the subject in a rebuke of religious hypocrisy, saying in Matthew 23:23: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have neglected the weightier matters of the Law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness…” Jesus notes that meticulous tithing should not overshadow genuine righteousness and compassion.

In Hebrews 7, the writer revisits the account of Abraham tithing to Melchizedek, drawing parallels with Christ’s superior priesthood. This passage underscores that believers honor God through giving and acknowledges the principle behind Abram’s original act of devotion.

The Heart Behind Giving

The New Testament emphasizes the spirit of generosity. 2 Corinthians 9:7 states: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.” Though the term “tithe” is not used here, the principle of cheerfully offering a portion of one’s income remains consistent with Old Testament examples.

Acts 2:44–45 also describes early believers providing for each other through voluntary sharing. This sense of voluntary care and commitment echoes the original spirit of tithing, demonstrating that worshipers recognize God as provider and share their blessings with those who serve and those in need.

Common Questions About Tithing

• Should believers strictly give 10 percent?

Many interpret the Old Testament to reveal a baseline of 10 percent. Others encourage giving beyond 10 percent according to ability, led by prayer and guided by the principles of generosity in the New Testament.

• Is tithing only for one’s local congregation?

Old Testament tithes supported priests, Levites, community festivals, and the needy. Today, many apply this by giving primarily to local church ministry, while also supporting missions, charity, and evangelistic work.

• Does the Bible promise prosperity to tithers?

While Malachi 3:10 and other passages highlight God’s blessings, the broader teaching emphasizes trust in the Lord’s provision, not the pursuit of material gain. Faithful giving is an act of worship rather than a transaction for wealth.

• How does tithing relate to modern Christian worship?

Tithing and similar giving practices often support church ministry, pastors, missionaries, and benevolence funds. The consistent biblical theme is that believers honor God and express love for others through regular, sacrificial generosity.

Practical Benefits and Spiritual Impact

From a behavioral perspective, tithing reinforces discipline, gratitude, and trust. Acting in faith to release a measured portion of resources deepens reliance on God. Historically, consistent tithing helped build and sustain community worship structures and philanthropic endeavors.

Conclusion

Biblical teaching on tithing spans from Abram’s first recorded gift to Melchizedek, through the Mosaic Law, prophetic exhortations, and into New Testament principles. Although the exact application may vary among modern believers, the overarching theme remains: Recognize God as provider, honor Him through dedicated giving, and maintain a heart of generosity and trust. The believer acknowledges that every blessing originates with the Lord, and joyful, faithful giving reflects an ongoing covenant relationship with Him.