Tithing is an Old Testament practice that has become an important part of many Christian traditions today. It is a form of financial giving in which a person voluntarily gives a portion of their income to a religious or charitable organization. Tithing is mentioned in several places in the Bible, including the books of Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Malachi. Generally, tithing is seen as a sign of faithfulness and obedience in the eyes of God. In different Christian denominations, the percentage and manner of tithing varies; however, it remains an important part of many Christian and Jewish belief systems.
The Book of Leviticus specifically calls out tithing in 26:12, “If you make a tenth-part payment of your income as a gift, then it will be reckoned as if it were grain from the threshing-floor or juice from the winepress.” This verse and others describe the tithe as an offering to the temple and a way to honor God. But it can also be used to help the stranger in your community and the poor.
In the book of Numbers, God commands the people of Israel to give a tenth of their flock and herds and a tenth of the produce of their land. In Deuteronomy, the tithing is coupled with a warning not to forget to give to the Lord any tithes of their increase. And in Malachi 3:10, God instructs Israel to “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of Heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.”
In the New Testament, Jesus speaks about tithing in several places, including Luke 11:42 when he warns against “devout religious observers, which tithe mint and dill and all manner of herbs, while they neglect judgments, mercy, and faith.” He also mentions tithing in Luke 18:12 when he praises a “certain lender who paid only a tenth” of what he was owed. Some theologians have argued that Jesus was actually suggesting that the Pharisees should pay a tithe of one tenth of their income and use the remaining nine tenths of their money to do good works.
In the book of Timothy, the Apostle Paul also speaks about tithing. He encourages Christians to honor their accountable leaders by contributing of their “wealth to those who are in need” (1Timothy 6:17-19). But at the same time, Paul makes it clear that tithing should not become a burden. In a letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes that each person should be motivated firstly by a pure heart and secondly by a willing mind (2 Corinthians 8:12).
Tithing is also seen as a way of training and preparing for the spiritual disciplines such as prayer and fasting. Tithing teaches Christians to trust in God and rely upon His provision. As Christians give to those in need, they learn to rely on God’s provision and develop a sincere love for Him and His people.
What Does The Bible Say About Tithing and Joy?
The Bible speaks to the joy of the tithe in several places. In Deuteronomy 12:6-7, for instance, God encourages His people to “rejoice with all the good that the Lord your God has given you and your household.” Similarly, in Proverbs 3:9-10, God teaches that “Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first fruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.” When we faithfully tithe, it can bring a joyous celebration and thanksgiving to the Lord.
Jesus discussed the importance of tithing and joy in Matthew 6:19–21 when He said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” By tithing and giving back to our faith community, we are able to invest in eternity by developing lasting relationships and demonstrating our love for Christ.
Finally, when we properly tithe and give, it not only glorifies God, but makes us profoundly prosperous. Proverbs 11:24-25 states, “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” In fulfilling our tithe, we can find fulfillment and great joy in the Lord.
What Does The Bible Say About Tithing and Sacrifice?
In Hebrews 13:15-16, we know that sacrifice is spoken of in the New Testament when it says, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” The Bible teaches sacrifice through tithing and giving, for it is pleasing to the Lord.
Tithing is a way of following the Lord and humbling ourselves before His presence. In Leviticus 27:30, God declares, “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.” Tithing can also be seen as a way of devotion – an act of recognizing and acknowledging that what belongs to God is precious, and that we are His faithful stewards.
In Malachi 3:8-10, the tithe is described as a way of showing gratitude and honoring God, specifically because the tithe of all the produce of the land, of the grain from the soil, is the Lord’s.” And in Matthew 23:23, Jesus warns to “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law; justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.” Tithing is an important expression of faith and an act of faithful stewardship.
What Does The Bible Say About Tithing and Prosperity?
The Bible speaks much on the subject of tithing as it relates to prosperity. In Deuteronomy 14:22-23, it reads, “You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year. And you shall eat before the Lord your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abide, the tithe of your grain and your new wine and your oil, of the firstborn of your herds and your flocks, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always.”
The tithe is an act of faith and respect. It not only shows that we are trusting in the Lord’s provision, but also puts us in the position for further blessing. Malachi 3:10-12 states, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts “If I will not open for you the windows of Heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will be no room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field.” Tithing is seen as a way to honor God and stay in position to receive His blessings.
What Does The Bible Say About Tithing and Worship?
The Bible speaks clearly on the relationship between tithes and worship. In the book of Ruth, it is written that she would “go out with her mother-in-law to glean in the fields, to observe where the righteous men had lain their ears, that she might also be charitable by giving.” Ruth’s act of giving, through the background of tithing, was a demonstration of faith.
In the book of Nehemiah, it is written that the people were reminded that “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Although in the Old Testament tithing was tied to the law and Old Covenant, the New Covenant speaks to joy and the transformative power of giving. In the New Testament, Jesus instructs us to “give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down shaken together and running over, will be given to you.” (Luke 6:38).
Tithing is a way of expressing Spirit-filled worship. When we tithe, we remember to honor God and give Him His rightful place as Lord. We also are able to express our delight in Him as we present our tithes in the form of a joyful offering of praise. As we give to His work, we invite Him to work in and through us for His glory.
What Does The Bible Say About Tithing and Community?
The Bible speaks to tithing as a way of building community. In the book of Deuteronomy, it is written that when tithing was practiced “there will be plenty of food in your house and your sons, even your servants and all the citizens of your town, can eat at your table and enjoy your provision” (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
Tithing allows us to reach out to others in need. It is a true sign of our love and commitment to our community. As the tithe is collected, it not only provides physical sustenance, but it is also a symbol of unity, strength, and community. By tithing, we demonstrate our love to others and show our faith in our brothers and sisters in Christ. And by tithing, we are reminded of our own dependence on God for the blessings and provision He has given us.
Tithing is also a way of displaying our commitment to building a “kingdom of priests” (1 Peter 2:5). Tithing is an expression of throughout-the-year discipleship, teaching, and modelling biblical principles. As we faithfully tithe, it can bring tangible benefits to building community, both in the Church and in the wider world.
