Definition and Origin
Tithing is the practice of giving one-tenth of one's income or produce to God, a principle deeply rooted in biblical tradition. The term "tithe" comes from the Old English word "teogotha," meaning "tenth." The concept of tithing is first introduced in the Old Testament and is a significant aspect of the Mosaic Law, serving as a means of supporting the Levitical priesthood and the work of the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

Biblical Foundation
The practice of tithing is first mentioned in Genesis 14:18-20, where Abram gives a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High. This act is seen as a voluntary expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's provision. Genesis 28:20-22 records Jacob's vow to give a tenth to God if God would be with him and provide for his needs.

The formalization of tithing is found in the Mosaic Law. 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 command underscores the principle that the tithe is sacred and set apart for God.

Purpose and Use
The primary purpose of the tithe was to support the Levites, who were set apart for service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, as they had no inheritance of land among the Israelites (Numbers 18:21-24). The tithe also provided for the needs of the poor, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).

In Malachi 3:10, God challenges the Israelites to bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, promising to "open the windows of heaven and pour out for you blessing without measure." This passage highlights the reciprocal nature of tithing, where faithfulness in giving is met with divine blessing.

New Testament Perspective
While the New Testament does not explicitly command tithing, it upholds the principles of generosity and stewardship. Jesus affirms the practice of tithing in Matthew 23:23, criticizing the Pharisees for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness while meticulously tithing herbs: "You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former."

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the spirit of giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7, stating, "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 act of worship and a tangible expression of trust in God's provision. It acknowledges God's sovereignty over all resources and serves as a reminder that everything belongs to Him. By setting aside a portion of their income, believers demonstrate their commitment to God's work and their reliance on His faithfulness.

Contemporary Practice
In modern Christian communities, tithing remains a common practice, though interpretations and applications vary. Some view it as a binding obligation, while others see it as a guideline for generous giving. Regardless of the approach, the underlying principle is that of honoring God with one's resources and supporting the mission of the Church.

Conclusion
Tithing, as a biblical principle, continues to inspire believers to live generously and prioritize God's kingdom in their financial decisions. Through tithing, Christians participate in a long-standing tradition of faithfulness and stewardship, reflecting their gratitude for God's abundant blessings.Leviticus 27:30
And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy to the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

Luke 12:33
Sell that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts.
Topicalbible.org

2 Corinthians 9:7
Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.
Topicalbible.org

Matthew 6:1-4
Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
Topicalbible.org

Acts 20:35
I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Topicalbible.org

Malachi 3:10
Bring you all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith, said the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Topicalbible.org

1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Tithe.

2. (n.) The act of levying or taking tithes; that which is taken as tithe; a tithe.

3. (n.) A number or company of ten householders who, dwelling near each other, were sureties or frankpledges to the king for the good behavior of each other; a decennary.

6237. asar -- to take the tenth of, tithe
... tithe (1), take a tenth (2). give the tenth, have, take tithing truly. A
primitive root (ident. With ashar); to accumulate; but used ...
/hebrew/6237.htm - 6k

4643. maaser -- tenth part, tithe
... Word Origin from the same as eser Definition tenth part, tithe NASB Word Usage
tenth (4), tenth part (1), tithe (17), tithes (9), tithing (1). ...
/hebrew/4643.htm - 6k

Tithing
Tithing. <. Tithing Arthur W. Pink. Table of Contents. Title Page. Part 1.
Part 2. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ]. Tithing Christian Bookshelf. >.
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/

Tithing
Tithing. <. Tithing Arthur W. Pink. Title Page. TITHING -- BY -- Arthur W.
Pink This book is in the public domain. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ]. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/title page.htm

part 2
... And maybe there are others who say, But if tithing be obligatory in this present
dispensation why are the preachers silent upon the subject? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 2.htm

part 1
... or privilege in our dealings with Him or His with us. Tithing in the Old
Testament. At a very early date in the history of our race ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 1.htm

Some Towns Upon the Very Limits of the Land. Out of the Jerusalem ...
... In the place cited, discourse is had about the tithing of some herbs and seeds,
namely, of rice, nuts, onions, Egyptian beans, &c.; and inquiry is made, what ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 95 some towns upon.htm

Some Miscellaneous Matters Respecting the Face of the Land.
... For such was the care and diligence of the Fathers of the Traditions, concerning
tithing corn and fruits, concerning leaving a corner for the poor, concerning ...
/.../from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 98 some miscellaneous matters.htm

The "Fraternity" of Pharisees
... later period. The "Chaber," or ordinary Pharisee, only bound himself to
tithing and avoidance of all Levitical uncleanness. The ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 14 the fraternity of.htm

Woes on the Pharisees
... The obligation itself He does not set aside. The tithing system was ordained
by God, and it had been observed from the earliest times. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... consecration imparted purity. The same principle, indeed, would apply to
other things, such as to the Rabbinic law of tithing. At the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

The Second Part.
... and curiositie in lighter matters joyned with omission and neglect of greater, wise
in circumstance, and carelesse in substance, tithing mint, straining at ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the second part.htm

Tithing (3 Occurrences)
... a decennary. Multi-Version Concordance Tithing (3 Occurrences). Genesis
28:22 then this stone which I have made a standing pillar ...
/t/tithing.htm - 7k

Tithe (30 Occurrences)
... Nothing is said here about tithing cattle, only grain, wine and oil being
mentioned (compare Nehemiah 10:36-38; Nehemiah 13:5, 12). ...
/t/tithe.htm - 28k

Fatherless (44 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 26:12 When you have made an end of tithing all the tithe of your increase
in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it ...
/f/fatherless.htm - 24k

Satisfied (110 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 26:12 When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithe of thine increase
in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then thou shalt give ...
/s/satisfied.htm - 35k

Levite (43 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 26:12 When you have made an end of tithing all the tithe of your increase
in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it ...
/l/levite.htm - 26k

Setting (82 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 26:12 When you have made an end of tithing all the tithe of your increase
in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it ...
/s/setting.htm - 32k

Widow (71 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 26:12 When you have made an end of tithing all the tithe of your increase
in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it ...
/w/widow.htm - 31k

Tithes (23 Occurrences)

/t/tithes.htm - 14k

Foreigner (99 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 26:12 When you have made an end of tithing all the tithe of your increase
in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it ...
/f/foreigner.htm - 41k

Alien (102 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 26:12 When you have made an end of tithing all the tithe of your increase
in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it ...
/a/alien.htm - 39k

Does the teaching on tithing in Malachi 3:9-10 apply to us today? | GotQuestions.org

What 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

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