Definition and Origin
The concept of "tenths," commonly referred to as "tithes," originates from the biblical practice of giving one-tenth of one's income or produce to God. This practice is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and is seen as an act of worship, obedience, and acknowledgment of God's provision.

Biblical Foundation
The principle of giving a tenth is first mentioned in Genesis 14:20, where Abram gives Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, a tenth of everything he had. This act is significant as it sets a precedent for the practice of tithing as a form of honoring God.

In Leviticus 27:30-32, the law of tithing is codified for the Israelites: "A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." This passage underscores the sacred nature of the tithe, emphasizing that it is not merely a voluntary offering but a requirement set apart for God.

Purpose and Use
The primary purpose of the tithe was to support the Levitical priesthood, who had no inheritance of land among the Israelites. Numbers 18:21 states, "Behold, I have given the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting." The tithe ensured that those who ministered before the Lord were provided for, allowing them to focus on their spiritual duties.

Additionally, the tithe was used to support the poor, the widow, and the orphan, as seen in Deuteronomy 14:28-29. Every third year, the tithe was stored in towns to be distributed to those in need, reflecting God's heart for justice and care for the marginalized.

New Testament Perspective
In the New Testament, the practice of tithing is not explicitly commanded, but the principle of generous giving is affirmed. Jesus acknowledges the practice of tithing in Matthew 23:23, where He criticizes the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This indicates that while tithing is important, it should not overshadow the weightier matters of the law.

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 9:7, encourages believers to give generously and cheerfully: "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." This reflects a shift from a legalistic obligation to a heartfelt response to God's grace.

Theological Significance
Tithing is seen as an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and provision. By giving a tenth, believers recognize that everything they have is from God and that they are stewards of His resources. It is an act of faith, trusting that God will provide for their needs as they honor Him with their substance.

Furthermore, tithing serves as a reminder of the believer's dependence on God and the call to support the work of the ministry and care for those in need. It is a tangible expression of love for God and neighbor, reflecting the values of the Kingdom of God.

Contemporary Application
While the specific practice of tithing a tenth may vary among Christian denominations today, the underlying principles of generosity, stewardship, and support for the ministry remain relevant. Many Christians view tithing as a starting point for giving, encouraging believers to give beyond the tithe as they are led by the Holy Spirit.

In summary, the concept of tenths or tithing is a biblical practice with deep theological roots, emphasizing worship, provision, and community care. It continues to inspire believers to live generously and faithfully in response to God's abundant grace.6241. issaron -- tenth part
... 6240, 6241. issaron. 6242 . tenth part. Transliteration: issaron Phonetic
Spelling: (is-saw-rone') Short Definition: two-tenths. ...
/hebrew/6241.htm - 6k

7969. shalosh -- a three, triad
... 1), third (11), thirteen* (12), thirteenth* (11), thirty (2), thirty-three* (7),
three (267), three things (6), three-pronged* (1), three-tenths* (8), three ...
/hebrew/7969.htm - 7k

8672. tesha -- a nine
... a nine NASB Word Usage 139* (1), 29* (2), 3,930* (1), 59,300* (2), 928* (1), 945*
(1), 956* (1), 973* (2), forty-nine* (1), nine (21), nine-tenths (1), nineteen ...
/hebrew/8672.htm - 6k

8147. shenayim -- two (a cardinal number)
... two* (7), twelfth* (22), twelve* (93), twenty-second* (2), twenty-two* (10), twice
(5), two (424), two on opposite (2), two things (4), two-tenths* (11), twos ...
/hebrew/8147.htm - 7k

How to Ascertain the Will of God
... Nine-tenths of the trouble with people generally is just here. Nine-tenths
of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/muller/answers to prayer/how to ascertain the will.htm

On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ...
... Let him use those tenths and first-fruits, which are given according to the command
of God, as a man of God; as also let him dispense in a right manner the free ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv on the management of.htm

The City of the "Elegant Gate"[*]
... percent. The average proportion destroyed in all these places amounting
to nearly four-tenths or exactly thirty-nine percent. "In ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/iii the city of the.htm

Preface
... in recent years by the late Mr. Charles Lawrence Ford, BA I have consulted these,
but it is only fair to myself to say that more than nine-tenths of the ...
/.../kelly/the hymns of methodism in their literary relations/preface.htm

The Gateway into the Kingdom.
... I suppose if I were to ask those in any audience if they believed that Jesus Christ
taught the doctrine of the New Birth, nine tenths of them would say: "Yes ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter ii the gateway into.htm

Barabbas
... the more they said it the more they believed it; and each time the name was repeated
it sounded sweeter, until they were all shouting it, nine-tenths of them ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/barabbas.htm

Second Part of the Book.
... And certainly men of religion are bound to worship GOD with prayer, and men of Holy
Church; for they live by alms and tenths: for all the world labours to ...
/.../second part of the book.htm

Carey's Last Days
... The funds invested for Jessor and Delhi; the legacy of Fernandez, Carey's first
convert and missionary; his own tenths with which he supported three aged ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm

Obedience Entire.
... astonishment, is generally denied. Indeed, probably nine-tenths of the
nominal church deny it. They tenaciously hold sentiments ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture x obedience entire.htm

How to Overcome Disappointment
... Nine tenths of the suffering that comes from disappointment has its root
in self-pity. You have better qualities in you; use them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk forty-two how to overcome.htm

Tenths (22 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Tenths (22 Occurrences). Leviticus 14:10 "On the
eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish ...
/t/tenths.htm - 13k

Nine-tenths (1 Occurrence)
Nine-tenths. Nineteenth, Nine-tenths. Ninety . Multi-Version
Concordance Nine-tenths (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 11:1 And ...
/n/nine-tenths.htm - 6k

Two-tenths (11 Occurrences)
Two-tenths. Two-tenth, Two-tenths. Two-thirds . Multi-Version
Concordance Two-tenths (11 Occurrences). Leviticus 23:13 ...
/t/two-tenths.htm - 9k

Three-tenths (8 Occurrences)
Three-tenths. Three-tenth, Three-tenths. Three-year . Multi-Version
Concordance Three-tenths (8 Occurrences). Leviticus ...
/t/three-tenths.htm - 8k

Storerooms (10 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:38 And the priest, the son of Aaron, is to be with the Levites, when
the Levites take the tenths: and the Levites are to take a tenth of the tenths...
/s/storerooms.htm - 9k

Rooms (69 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:38 And the priest, the son of Aaron, is to be with the Levites, when
the Levites take the tenths: and the Levites are to take a tenth of the tenths...
/r/rooms.htm - 28k

Storehouse (12 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:38 And the priest, the son of Aaron, is to be with the Levites, when
the Levites take the tenths: and the Levites are to take a tenth of the tenths...
/s/storehouse.htm - 10k

Store-house (23 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 10:38 And the priest, the son of Aaron, is to be with the Levites, when
the Levites take the tenths: and the Levites are to take a tenth of the tenths...
/s/store-house.htm - 13k

Day (17670 Occurrences)
... namely, one young bullock, one young ram, seven lambs of the first year (all without
blemish); then meal offerings, namely, three-tenths (compare Numbers 28:12 ...
/d/day.htm - 70k

Nebuchadnezzar (90 Occurrences)
... He must have possessed an enormous command of human labour, nine-tenths of Babylon
itself, and nineteen-twentieths of all the other ruins that in almost ...
/n/nebuchadnezzar.htm - 57k

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