Bible answers
What does the Bible say about tithing?
A tithe is a tenth. In the Old Testament, Israel set apart a tenth of the land’s produce for God, and Malachi tells the people to bring the whole tithe. The New Testament never repeats that rule for the church. It points instead to generous, planned, cheerful giving from the heart. Christians still disagree about whether a tithe is a floor, a starting point, or an Old Testament law that is fulfilled in Christ, and they agree that giving matters.
Bible verses about tithing
- Genesis 14:20Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything, before the Law.
- Leviticus 27:30A tithe of the land belongs to Yahweh; it is holy to him.
- Malachi 3:10Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse and test God in this.
- Matthew 23:23Jesus: tithe, but do not neglect justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
- Luke 21:1-4The widow gave all she had, and Jesus said she gave more than all of them.
- 1 Corinthians 16:2Set aside what you can afford each week.
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-7Give as you have decided in your heart, not reluctantly; God loves a cheerful giver.
- Proverbs 3:9-10Honor Yahweh with your possessions and the firstfruits of everything.
Each of you should give as you have decided in your heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.The tithe appears at the beginning, before the Law, when Abram gives a tenth to Melchizedek. Under the Law it becomes a fixed part of Israel’s life, supporting the Levites, the poor, and worship. Jesus mentions it approvingly but warns that a tenth can be a way to feel righteous while ignoring mercy. Paul, writing to churches, never tells them to tithe. He describes giving that is regular, proportionate, voluntary, and joyful.
So what should you do? Many Christians treat ten percent as a good place to start, because it builds a habit of putting God first. Others say the standard is generosity without a number, and that a person with very little may give less in amount and more in heart, like the widow. Be wary of anyone who ties giving to getting rich, or who pressures you in God’s name. Give with your eyes open, to a local church and to the poor, plan it in advance, and give from joy. If money is tight, settle your debts and responsibilities honestly first and bring that to God without shame.
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People also ask
- Is tithing required for Christians?
- The New Testament never commands the church to tithe. It teaches regular, generous, cheerful giving (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Many Christians still use ten percent as a starting point. Christians differ, so follow your conscience and the Spirit, not pressure from anyone.
- What does Malachi 3:10 mean?
- Malachi told Israel to bring the whole tithe to the temple storehouse because they had been robbing God by withholding it. God promised to bless them. It was a promise to a nation under the Law, not a formula that guarantees riches for anyone who gives today. Giving follows trust in God, not a bargain for money.
- Should I tithe on gross or net income?
- The Bible gives no figure for that. Tithing began with produce and flocks. Choose a method, such as a percentage of what you receive, and give consistently and joyfully. Do not fret over the arithmetic more than the heart.
- Where should I give my tithe?
- Scripture points to the local body that feeds and cares for you, to those who teach (1 Timothy 5:17-18), and to the poor. Ask your church how it uses what is given, and give where it is handled openly.