In the Old Testament, the tithe was a tenth of one's income set apart for God. Abraham gave the first example, presenting a tithe to Melchizedek after a battle victory (Genesis 14:20), and Jacob vowed to give God a tenth of everything he would receive (Genesis 28:22). The Law of Moses later formalized this practice: the tithe of crops and livestock belonged to the Lord and supported the Levites and worship at the temple (Leviticus 27:30).
The prophet Malachi urged the people not to rob God by withholding the tithe, promising abundant blessing to those who brought it faithfully (Malachi 3:10). Yet Jesus reframed the practice: he rebuked the Pharisees for tithing even their garden herbs while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness, insisting they should have practiced both without neglecting either (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42). Tithing only has meaning when the heart follows it.
In the New Testament church, no passage explicitly commands a fixed ten percent; the emphasis shifts toward giving that is free, cheerful, and generous, decided in one's own heart rather than under pressure or reluctance (2 Corinthians 9:7). Hebrews recalls the Melchizedek episode to show the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the old covenant (Hebrews 7:2). The tithe remains a wise, concrete guide for learning faithfulness, but grace calls us further than a fixed number.
Bible verses about tithing
« Blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Abram gave him a tenth of all. »
« then this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, will be God’s house. Of all that you will give me I will surely give a tenth to you.” »
« “ ‘All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is Yahweh’s. It is holy to Yahweh. »
« Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this,” says Yahweh of Armies, “if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there will not be room enough for. »
« “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. »
« But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you bypass justice and God’s love. You ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone. »
« Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. »
« to whom also Abraham divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, “king of righteousness”, and then also “king of Salem”, which means “king of peace”, »
Sermons about tithing
Frequently asked questions about tithing
Is tithing required for Christians today?
Tithing comes from the Law of Moses and is not repeated as a formal command in the New Testament. New Testament writers instead describe giving that is free, regular, and generous, decided in the heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). Many churches keep the tithe as a helpful guideline without treating it as a condition of salvation.
Should I tithe on gross or net income?
The Bible doesn't settle this technical question. What matters most is sincere generosity and consistent faithfulness rather than an exact percentage calculation (2 Corinthians 9:7). Believers are free to ask God for wisdom in choosing what honestly reflects their gratitude.
What happens if I don't tithe?
Malachi describes a people who were 'robbing' God by withholding what belonged to him (Malachi 3:10), but no New Testament verse threatens believers with punishment for not giving ten percent. Not giving mainly costs the giver the joy and blessing promised to a generous heart.
What is the difference between a tithe and an offering?
In the Old Testament, the tithe was the fixed portion owed to God, while an offering was an additional, freely given gift beyond that tenth. Today the two words often describe the same reality: a voluntary gift given out of gratitude to God (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Where should I give my tithe?
In the Old Testament, the tithe supported the Levites and temple worship (Leviticus 27:30). Today it most often supports the local church and its ministry, so the Word can be preached and the needs of members and the poor can be met.