Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the tithe, or "tenth," is a significant biblical principle that appears throughout the Scriptures, primarily in the Old Testament. The term "tithe" originates from the Hebrew word "ma'aser," which means "a tenth part." The practice of tithing involves giving one-tenth of one's income or produce as an offering to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty.Old Testament Foundations The practice of tithing is first mentioned in Genesis 14:18-20, where Abram (later Abraham) gives a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. This act of giving a tithe is seen as an expression of gratitude and recognition of God's blessing. In the Mosaic Law, tithing is formalized as a requirement for the Israelites. Leviticus 27:30-32 states, "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, designating it as belonging to God. The Book of Numbers further elaborates on the purpose of the tithe, indicating that it was to support the Levitical priesthood, who had no inheritance of land among the Israelites. Numbers 18:21 states, "To the sons of Levi, behold, I have given every tithe in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting." Deuteronomy 14:22-29 outlines additional instructions for tithing, including the use of the tithe for religious festivals and to support the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows. This passage highlights the communal and charitable aspects of tithing. Prophetic Emphasis The prophets also addressed the issue of tithing, often in the context of calling the people back to faithfulness. Malachi 3:8-10 is a well-known passage where God challenges the Israelites for robbing Him by withholding tithes and offerings. The passage promises blessings for those who bring the full tithe into the storehouse: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure." New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the direct command to tithe is not reiterated, but the principle of generous and sacrificial giving is emphasized. 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. He states, "You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." The Apostle Paul, while not specifically mentioning tithing, encourages believers to give generously and cheerfully. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, he writes, "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." Theological Significance Tithing is seen as an act of worship and obedience, reflecting a believer's trust in God's provision. It serves as a tangible acknowledgment that all resources ultimately belong to God and that believers are stewards of His gifts. The tithe is also a means of supporting the work of the ministry and caring for those in need within the community of faith. Throughout church history, the practice of tithing has been upheld as a spiritual discipline, encouraging believers to prioritize God's kingdom and demonstrate their commitment to His purposes. While the specific application of tithing may vary among different Christian traditions, the underlying principles of generosity, stewardship, and faithfulness remain central to the Christian life. Smith's Bible Dictionary Tithe or Tenththe proportion of property devoted to religious uses from very early times. Instances of the use of tithes are found prior to the appointment of the Levitical tithes under the law. In biblical history the two prominent instances are--
Greek 1181. dekate -- a tenth part, a tithe ... tenth, tithe. Feminine of dekatos; a tenth, ie As a percentage or (technically) tithe -- tenth (part), tithe. see GREEK dekatos. (dekatas) -- 2 Occurrences. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1181.htm - 6k 586b. apodekatoo -- to pay a tenth of, tithe 586. apodekatoo -- to pay a tenth of 1183. dekatoo -- to collect tithes Strong's Hebrew 4643. maaser -- tenth part, tithe... Or maasar {mah-as-ar'}; and (in plural) feminine maasrah {mah-as-raw'}; from asar; a tenth; especially a tithe -- tenth (part), tithe(-ing). see HEBREW asar. ... /hebrew/4643.htm - 6k 6237. asar -- to take the tenth of, tithe Library In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after ... Of the Nature of Tithes. Of Removing Tithes. part 1 Whether Men are Bound to Pay Tithes under a Necessity of Precept? Li. Dining with a Pharisee, Jesus Denounces that Sect. part 2 On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xi. 39, "Now do Ye Pharisees ... Whether Christ Paid Tithes in Abraham's Loins? Whether the Times for the Church Fast are Fittingly Ascribed? Resources Does the teaching on tithing in Malachi 3:9-10 apply to us today? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the difference between tithes and offerings? | GotQuestions.org If you have a lot of debt, can you temporarily stop tithing while paying off the debt? | GotQuestions.org Tithe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Tithe: A Second: Or Its Value Yearly Brought to the Tabernacle and Eaten Tithe: A Second: To be Consumed at Home Every Third Year to Promote Tithe: Antiquity of the Custom of Giving to God's Ministers Tithe: Considered a Just Return to God for his Blessings Tithe: Consisted of a Tenth of all Cattle Tithe: Consisted of a Tenth of all the Produce of the Land Tithe: Consisted of a Tenth of Holy Things Dedicated Tithe: Given by God to the Levites for Their Services Tithe: Punishment for Changing Tithe: Reasonableness of Appointing, for the Levites Tithe: Rulers Appointed Over, for Distributing Tithe: The Jews Reproved for Withholding Tithe: The Jews Slow in Giving Tithe: The Pharisees Scrupulous in Paying Tithe: The Pious Governors of Israel Caused the Payment of Tithe: The Tenth of, Given by the Levites to the Priests As Their Tithe: The Tenth of, offered by the Levites As an Heave offering To Tithe: Under the Law Belonged to God Tithe: when Redeemed to a Fifth Part of the Value Added Related Terms Heave-offering (55 Occurrences) Voluntary-offerings (4 Occurrences) Free-will-offerings (6 Occurrences) Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences) |