Tithing, or giving a tenth of one’s income, is a practice mentioned throughout the Bible. It’s not just about money; it’s about the heart. In the Old Testament, it was a law, but Jesus in the New Testament teaches us that it’s more about love and generosity. People often debate whether tithing is a strict requirement or a loving response to God’s blessings.
The Bible presents tithing as a way to honor God with our possessions and acknowledge Him as the provider of all we have. It is not merely a way to fund the church but a personal discipline that helps in spiritual growth and blessing.
If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible really says about tithing, or if you’re curious about God’s view on giving, this article will explore the biblical perspective and principles on tithing.
Curious about how tithing is portrayed in the Bible? Interested in learning more about the spiritual and practical aspects of giving a tenth? Dive deeper with us as we explore the Scriptures and unravel the meaning and purpose of tithing in the Christian life!
What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?
When we delve into the Bible, we see that tithing is a consistent theme, woven from Genesis to the teachings of Jesus. Originally, tithing was established in the Old Testament as a law, a compulsory act where the Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their income to support the Levites, the temple, and the less fortunate.
This practice was about acknowledging God as the ultimate provider, cultivating a heart of gratitude, and avoiding the sin of greed. It served as a regular reminder of their reliance on God and allowed them to participate in God’s work to alleviate suffering and promote justice. It’s vital to notice, tithing wasn’t just a financial act but also included the products of the land.
Fast-forwarding to the New Testament, the approach to tithing evolves. Jesus does not dismiss tithing but rather underscores the importance of the motives behind it. It is not the amount or the percentage that counts but the spirit of generosity and willingness to give.
Jesus criticized the Pharisees not for tithing but for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He encouraged his followers to go beyond legalistic practices and embrace a holistic approach to giving. It’s a loving response to God’s overwhelming generosity, and it’s an integral part of a believer’s relationship with God.
By studying both the Old and the New Testament, it becomes clear that tithing is not merely about fulfilling a duty, but it’s a way to draw closer to God, to cultivate a heart of gratitude and generosity, and to participate in God’s transformative work in the world.
Bible Verses About Tithing
Leviticus 27:30 proclaims, “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 verse emphasizes that everything belongs to God, and tithing is a way to honor Him with the resources He has provided.
In Malachi 3:10, God says, “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.” Here, tithing is associated with blessings, depicting God’s promise to bless those who honor Him through giving.
Matthew 23:23 witnesses Jesus addressing the Pharisees, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of the heart behind tithing, urging believers to pair it with a commitment to justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
2 Corinthians 9:7 advises, “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 underscores the New Testament perspective on giving, emphasizing willingness and cheerfulness over compulsion.
Luke 11:42 shares a moment when Jesus speaks to the Pharisees, “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” This verse reiterates the essence of Jesus’s teachings on tithing: the act of giving must be complemented by love for God and a passion for justice.
In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul advises the Corinthian church, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.” This suggests a systematic and planned approach to giving, aligning with the principles of tithing.
Proverbs 3:9-10 provides wisdom on giving, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” These verses reiterate the principle of honoring God with the first and the best of what we have, promising abundance in return.
Genesis 14:20 depicts one of the earliest instances of tithing, where Abraham gave a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, the king of Salem, “And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” This act of tithing by Abraham is significant as it predates the Mosaic law and reflects a voluntary and grateful response to God’s providence and blessing.
Deuteronomy 14:22-23 commands, “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine, and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the LORD your God always.” This instruction emphasizes both the practical and spiritual aspects of tithing, incorporating it as a part of worship and reverence to God.
Finally, Hebrews 7:4-10 references Abraham’s tithing to Melchizedek and highlights the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ. It illustrates how tithing is not merely an Old Testament practice but is intrinsically linked to the eternal principles of honor, respect, and gratitude towards God.
Examining these verses, it’s evident that tithing is a multifaceted practice, embodying the principles of acknowledgment, gratitude, and love towards God. It’s not confined to a specific law or percentage but is deeply rooted in the believers’ relationship with God, reflecting their heart’s condition and their commitment to aligning with God’s work and justice in the world. Whether Old or New Testament, the emphasis is consistently on the inner attitude of the giver, suggesting that a willing and cheerful heart aligns with God’s desires more than mere compliance with a law.