Tithing is a concept that often sparks questions among Christians.
Should believers tithe today?
How much are we supposed to give?
And why is tithing even important in the first place?
In this article, we will explore what the Bible says about tithing, its purpose, and how it fits into our lives as Christians.
Whether you’re familiar with the idea or you’re just learning about it, this biblical journey into tithing will give you a deeper understanding of giving according to God’s Word.
The Meaning of Tithing
Before diving into the Bible’s teachings on tithing, let’s define what it actually means.
The word “tithe” comes from an Old English term meaning “tenth.”
In biblical terms, tithing means giving one-tenth of your income or resources back to God.
This practice has its roots in the Old Testament and was a common way for the people of Israel to show gratitude and obedience to God.
Tithing is more than just a financial transaction—it’s an act of worship and trust in God’s provision.
It’s a way to say, “God, everything I have comes from You, and I am giving back a portion to honor You.”
Tithing in the Old Testament
Tithing is first introduced in the Old Testament.
One of the earliest examples comes from Genesis 14:18-20, where Abram (later called Abraham) gives a tithe to Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High.
After Abram’s victory in battle, he gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had gained as an offering of thanksgiving to God.
This sets the stage for the practice of tithing among God’s people.
In Leviticus 27:30, God commands the Israelites to give a tithe of their produce: “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 tithe was not optional—it was a requirement that God’s people were expected to follow.
The tithe was meant to support the Levites, who served as priests and took care of the temple, as well as to provide for the poor, widows, and orphans.
The people of Israel were instructed to bring their tithes to the storehouse, as described in Malachi 3:10, which says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.”
The Purpose of Tithing
So, why did God command His people to tithe?
The primary purpose of tithing was to provide for the needs of the community, particularly the Levites who had no inheritance of land and depended on the tithes for their livelihood.
It was also a way to care for those who were vulnerable, such as widows, orphans, and foreigners.
But tithing was more than just a practical way to meet needs—it was also a spiritual act of trust.
By giving the first portion of their crops, animals, or income, the Israelites were demonstrating their faith in God to provide for them.
Deuteronomy 14:23 says, “The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives” (Living Bible).
Tithing was a tangible way for the people to acknowledge that everything they had ultimately belonged to God.
It reminded them to keep their priorities straight and to trust that God would continue to meet their needs, even after they gave.
Tithing in the New Testament
Tithing is not as explicitly commanded in the New Testament as it is in the Old Testament, but the principle of giving generously is still emphasized.
Jesus mentions tithing in Matthew 23:23 when He criticizes the Pharisees for focusing on the small details of the law while neglecting more important matters like justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
He says, “You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
Here, Jesus acknowledges that tithing is important, but He also reminds us that it’s not just about following a rule—it’s about the heart behind the giving.
In the New Testament, the focus shifts more towards generosity, love, and cheerful giving rather than a strict legal requirement.
2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse highlights the importance of our attitude when we give.
God is more concerned with the heart behind the gift than the exact amount.
The Principle of Generosity
One of the key teachings of the New Testament is that followers of Christ should live generously.
Generosity is not limited to tithing; it goes beyond giving a set amount or percentage.
In Acts 20:35, Paul quotes Jesus, saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
This reflects a mindset of abundance, where we trust that God will continue to provide as we give freely and generously.
Generosity is an outflow of a heart that has been transformed by God’s grace.
When we recognize how much God has given to us—His Son, eternal life, and countless blessings—it becomes easier to give back to Him and to others.
Luke 6:38 encourages this generous spirit: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This verse reminds us that generosity is a cycle.
When we give generously, we often receive blessings in return—not always in the form of material wealth, but in the joy and fulfillment that comes from giving.
Tithing and the Heart
One of the most important things to understand about tithing is that it’s not just about money—it’s about the heart.
In Matthew 6:21, Jesus says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
This means that the way we use our resources reflects what we truly value.
If we are willing to give back to God, it shows that we value Him above material wealth.
Tithing is a way to prioritize God in our lives.
It’s easy to get caught up in the world’s mindset of accumulating wealth and holding on tightly to what we have.
But tithing helps us loosen our grip on money and possessions and trust God as our provider.
When we give, we are reminded that everything we have comes from Him in the first place.
Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”
Giving to God first demonstrates that He is our priority and that we trust Him to take care of the rest.
What If I Can’t Afford to Tithe?
One common concern among Christians is, “What if I can’t afford to tithe?”
It’s important to remember that tithing is not about giving a specific dollar amount, but about the heart and intention behind the gift.
In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus tells the story of a poor widow who gave two small coins at the temple.
While others were giving large sums of money, Jesus praised the widow, saying, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
This story shows that God values the heart behind the gift more than the amount.
Even if you feel like you can’t give much, God sees your faith and sacrifice.
Tithing is not about the size of the gift but about trusting God with what you have.
The Blessings of Tithing
Tithing comes with blessings, not because we are buying God’s favor, but because God honors obedience and faithfulness.
Malachi 3:10 is one of the most well-known verses about the blessings of tithing: “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 throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
This is one of the few times in the Bible where God invites us to “test” Him.
He promises that if we trust Him by tithing, He will pour out blessings in abundance.
However, these blessings are not always financial.
Sometimes the blessings come in other forms, such as peace, joy, or the satisfaction of knowing that we are participating in God’s work.
Tithing helps us develop a heart of gratitude and a deeper trust in God’s provision.
Tithing as a Spiritual Discipline
Tithing can also be viewed as a spiritual discipline, much like prayer, fasting, or reading the Bible.
It’s a regular practice that strengthens our relationship with God by reminding us of His lordship over our lives.
Just as we discipline ourselves to pray and study Scripture, tithing helps us grow in obedience and faith.
When we make tithing a habit, we are training ourselves to live with open hands and to trust God with our finances.
It becomes easier over time to let go of our attachment to money and possessions and focus more on the things that truly matter.
Giving Beyond the Tithe
While tithing is often viewed as giving 10% of your income, the Bible encourages us to go beyond that when we are able.
Generosity is not limited to a specific percentage.
In 2 Corinthians 8:12, Paul writes, “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”
This verse shows that our giving should be based on our means and willingness, not on a fixed amount.
God calls us to live generously, whether that’s through tithing, offerings, or acts of kindness toward others.
When we have the opportunity to give more, we should do so with a joyful heart.
Final Thoughts
Tithing is a biblical principle that teaches us to trust God with our resources and to live generously.
While the exact command to tithe is found in the Old Testament, the New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of giving with a joyful and willing heart.
Tithing is not just about meeting a financial obligation; it’s about cultivating a heart of trust, gratitude, and generosity.
Whether we are giving 10% or more, God cares more about the attitude of our hearts than the size of our gift.
As Christians, we are called to give in a way that reflects God’s generosity toward us and to trust that He will provide for all our needs.
When we tithe, we are participating in God’s work and showing our faith in His provision, which brings blessings beyond what we could ever imagine.