The concept of tithing, or giving a tenth of one's income or produce, is a well-established practice in the Bible, serving as an act of worship and obedience to God. The specific regulation concerning the redemption of the tithe, with an additional fifth part of its value, is found in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Leviticus.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for the redemption of the tithe is found in Leviticus 27:30-31 : "Thus any tithe of the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value."

This passage outlines the principle that the tithe, being holy to the Lord, could be redeemed by the giver if they chose to retain the produce or goods for personal use. However, to do so, they were required to add a fifth (20%) to its value, ensuring that the sanctity and the intended purpose of the tithe were maintained.

Purpose and Significance

The requirement to add a fifth to the value when redeeming the tithe underscores the importance of the tithe as a sacred offering to God. It serves as a deterrent against casually reclaiming what has been dedicated to the Lord, emphasizing the seriousness of the commitment to give. This additional cost reflects the principle that what is set apart for God should not be lightly taken back for personal use.

The tithe, in its original form, was intended to support the Levitical priesthood, the poor, and the work of the temple, as seen in other passages such as Numbers 18:21-24 and Deuteronomy 14:28-29. By allowing redemption with an added value, the law provided flexibility while still upholding the integrity and purpose of the tithe.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the regulation of adding a fifth to the value when redeeming the tithe highlights the broader biblical theme of stewardship and the recognition of God's sovereignty over all resources. It serves as a reminder that all possessions ultimately belong to God, and the act of tithing is a tangible acknowledgment of His provision and lordship.

Furthermore, this practice reflects the principle of sacrificial giving, where the giver is reminded of the cost associated with reclaiming what has been consecrated to God. It encourages believers to prioritize their commitment to God over personal gain, fostering a spirit of generosity and trust in God's provision.

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian practice, while the specific regulation of adding a fifth may not be directly applied, the underlying principles remain relevant. Believers are encouraged to give generously and sacrificially, recognizing that their resources are entrusted to them by God. The spirit of the law, emphasizing dedication and reverence in giving, continues to inspire Christians to support their local church, missions, and charitable causes, reflecting the heart of God in their stewardship.Leviticus 27:31
And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... and in Judah ye shall be redeemed; for from ... the fourth with a purple girdle; the
fifth gave him ... taught him much lore concerning sacrifice, tithe, first-fruits ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... a supply of materials of varying value"authentic documents ... Hapta-Hindu is the western
part of the Indian ... by Gutschmid, and, later on, Ball has added to these ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Exposition of the Doctrines of Grace
... of the Epistle to the Romans, at the fifth verse of ... But we believe that we have not
the tithe of the ... deed, raised to the same standard, and redeemed, and free ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/exposition of the doctrines of.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... inheritance to which Assyria attached but little value, and his ... crown, and we know
what an important part was played ... all the tribes; it levied a tithe on the ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... In the life of Bunyan appended to the forged third part of the Pilgrim's Progress ...
the author who narrates it had, when a boy, heard the twenty-fifth chapter of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

How should I decide how much to tithe? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about Christian tithing? Should a Christian tithe? | GotQuestions.org

Does our tithe all have to go to our church or can part of it go to a Christian ministry? | GotQuestions.org

Tithe: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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