What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?

Quick Answer

The Bible teaches that tithing was an Old Testament practice where Israelites were commanded to give 10% of their income to support the Levites and the temple. In the New Testament, Christians are encouraged to give generously and cheerfully according to their means but are not under obligation to tithe a set percentage. The principles of regular, proportional, and sacrificial giving still apply for Christians today.

Tithing is a topic that often comes up in churches and Christian circles when discussing financial stewardship and giving. But what exactly does the Bible teach about tithing? Is it still required for Christians today? This article will examine the biblical teachings on tithing in both the Old and New Testaments to help believers understand God’s heart for generous giving.

The Origin and Purpose of Tithing in the Old Testament

The practice of tithing predates the Mosaic Law. We see examples of Abraham and Jacob giving a tenth of their possessions to God (Genesis 14:20, 28:22). However, tithing became codified as a requirement for the Israelites under the Mosaic covenant.

Main Purposes of the Tithe in the Old Testament

To support the Levites and priests who served in the Tabernacle/temple (Numbers 18:21-24)
To provide for religious festivals and celebrations (Deuteronomy 14:22-27)
To care for the poor, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 14:28-29)

The Israelites were commanded to bring a tenth of their crops, herds, and flocks as an offering to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30-32). This tithe was considered holy and belonged to God.

Multiple Tithes in the Old Testament

While many people think of tithing as simply giving 10%, the Old Testament system actually involved multiple tithes that likely amounted to more than 20% of an Israelite’s income:

The Levitical tithe – 10% given to support the Levites (Numbers 18:21-24)
The Festival tithe – Another 10% used to celebrate religious festivals (Deuteronomy 14:22-27)
The Poor tithe – An additional tithe given every third year to care for the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29)

God’s warning through the prophet Malachi shows how seriously He viewed the practice of tithing:

Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
Malachi 3:8-10 ESV

Tithing in the New Testament

When we come to the New Testament, we find that Jesus affirmed the practice of tithing for those still under the old covenant:

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.
Matthew 23:23 ESV

However, after Christ’s death and resurrection established the new covenant, we do not find any explicit commands for Christians to tithe in the New Testament epistles. Instead, we see principles for generous, cheerful giving:

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV

On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2 ESV

New Testament Principles for Giving

While the New Testament does not mandate tithing, it does provide several important principles to guide Christian giving:

Give regularly and systematically (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Give proportionally to your income (1 Corinthians 16:2)
Give generously and sacrificially (2 Corinthians 8:2-3)
Give cheerfully, not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7)
Give to support Christian workers and ministers (1 Corinthians 9:14)
Give to help fellow believers in need (2 Corinthians 8-9)
Give as an act of worship and thanks to God (2 Corinthians 9:11-15)

See also: Bible Verses about Tithing

Should Christians Tithe Today?

Given that tithing is not explicitly commanded in the New Testament, should Christians still practice it today? There are differing views among Bible teachers and denominations on this issue. Here are some perspectives to consider:

Arguments for Christian Tithing

Tithing predated the Mosaic Law (Abraham, Jacob) and was affirmed by Jesus, so it remains a valid principle.
10% is a good starting benchmark for generous giving.
Tithing cultivates spiritual discipline and trust in God’s provision.

Arguments against mandated Christian tithing:

The tithe was part of the Old Covenant law that Christians are no longer under.
New Testament giving is based on grace, not law.
Some may not be able to give 10%, while others should give far more.

A balanced approach recognizes that while tithing is not mandated, the underlying principles of regular, proportional, and sacrificial giving still apply. Many view 10% as a helpful guideline, but the exact amount should be prayerfully determined based on one’s income and circumstances.

The key is cultivating a generous heart that desires to honor God and advance His kingdom through financial stewardship. As Randy Alcorn notes, “God prospers me not to raise my standard of living, but to raise my standard of giving.”

Practical Application for Christians Today

Pray and ask God for wisdom in your giving.
Start with a percentage of your income, even if it’s not 10% yet.
Give regularly to your local church.
Look for opportunities to give to other ministries and needs.
Increase your giving percentage as your income grows.
Give sacrificially in ways that require faith and affect your lifestyle.
Cultivate contentment and resist materialism.
Hold your resources with an open hand, recognizing God’s ownership.
Give joyfully as an act of worship, not duty.
Trust God’s promise to supply your needs as you give (Philippians 4:19).

Conclusion

While Christians are not mandated to tithe in the same way as ancient Israel, the principles of generous, sacrificial giving remain. As we give cheerfully and faithfully from what God has provided, we participate in His work, cultivate faith, and store up eternal treasure. May we be inspired by God’s incredible generosity in Christ to overflow with joyful giving for His glory.

References

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