Note: This post has been updated to reflect a more comprehensive view of biblical giving. Some comments may reference an earlier version of this article.
If you belong to a church that teaches and practices tithing, you likely know Malachi 3:10 by heart. Pastors and church leaders often quote this verse to exhort their congregation to give tithes and offerings.
Many believe that God commands us to tithe and that failing to do so is robbing Him, bringing a curse upon us. But what does the Bible truly teach about tithing? What are the biblical principles of giving?
Biblical Principles of Tithing
Tithing remains a subject of debate among Christians today. While believers agree on core doctrines, some theological topics remain unsettled, including tithing.
Two extremes must be avoided when discussing tithing:
- Believing that tithing no longer applies to Christians and, therefore, feeling no obligation to give.
- Using Malachi 3:10 and other verses to pressure people into giving more than they are willing or able, making them feel guilty if they do not tithe.
A balanced understanding of tithing requires examining its biblical foundation, historical context, and application in the church today.
Is Tithing a Commandment?
The word “tithe” means a tenth. Tithing predates the Mosaic Law, with the first explicit reference found in Genesis 14:20, where Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of his spoils from battle (Hebrews 7:1-2).
Similarly, Jacob vowed to give a tenth to God (Genesis 28:22).
However, these tithes were voluntary acts of worship and gratitude to God, not commanded by law.
Later, under the Mosaic Law, God commanded Israel to tithe to support the temple and the Levites, who did not receive land as an inheritance but were to serve as priests (Numbers 18:21-24).
The Israelites were required to bring their tithes of crops, livestock, and produce as an act of obedience and provision for those who ministered in the temple.
Interestingly, Israel had multiple tithes. In addition to the Levitical tithe, there was a tithe for religious feasts (Deuteronomy 14:22-27) and another every three years to support widows, orphans, and the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
In total, the Old Testament tithe amounted to more than ten percent, likely closer to twenty-three percent annually.
Withholding Tithes and Breaking God’s Covenant
Tithing was an integral part of Israel’s covenantal life with God. Withholding tithes was considered stealing from Him, breaking the covenant. Malachi 3:8-9 addresses this, indicting Israel for their disobedience in giving. Conversely, God promised blessings if they obeyed (Malachi 3:10).
However, it is important to remember that Malachi was addressing Israel under the old covenant, not the Church under the new covenant. The blessings and curses associated with tithing in Malachi 3 must be understood in their original context.
Are Christians Commanded to Tithe?
The New Testament does not explicitly command Christians to tithe. Jesus and His disciples did not mandate tithing, nor is it mentioned in instructions to the Church. If tithing were essential, Paul would have addressed it when writing to Gentile believers unfamiliar with the Mosaic Law.
Jesus referenced tithing in Matthew 23:23, affirming that the Pharisees were meticulous in their tithing but neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness. However, He was addressing Jews still under the law, not setting a precedent for New Testament giving.
Paul, writing to the early church, emphasized generosity rather than a fixed percentage. He taught that giving should be voluntary, cheerful, and proportionate to one’s means (2 Corinthians 9:6-7, 1 Corinthians 16:2).
No Longer Under Law but Under Grace
Some argue that tithing does not apply to Christians because it was part of the old covenant. Under grace, giving should not be limited to ten percent but should be generous, as one is able.
Others believe that tithing remains a principle for believers, citing Malachi 3:10 and Matthew 23:23, where Jesus acknowledges tithing while emphasizing justice, mercy, and faith.
Regardless of one’s stance on tithing, the New Testament teaches that financial giving should reflect gratitude, faith, and trust in God’s provision.
Tithes vs. Offerings
- Tithe: A fixed ten percent of income given to God.
- Offering: Any additional giving beyond the tithe, given voluntarily as the heart leads.
The danger of a rigid tithing requirement is that it can become legalistic, leading to self-righteousness, as seen in the Pharisee’s boast in Luke 18:12.
The New Testament Standard of Giving
If tithing is not a strict New Testament requirement, how much should Christians give? Paul provides three principles:
1️⃣ Give Freely, Generously, and Cheerfully
📌2 Corinthians 9:6-7 teaches that giving should be done with joy and not out of compulsion.
📌While ten percent is a good guideline, believers should give in a way that reflects their joy in the Lord.
2️⃣ Give Consistently
📌1 Corinthians 16:2 instructs believers to set aside funds regularly to support church work.
📌The church relies on consistent giving to function effectively.
3️⃣ Give as the Lord Prospers You
📌Giving should be proportionate to one’s income (1 Corinthians 16:2).
📌As God blesses us, our giving should increase accordingly.
Tithing as a Matter of the Heart
Giving reflects our heart’s priorities (Matthew 6:21). By giving to God first, we demonstrate trust in Him rather than in money.
All we have belongs to God, and He entrusts us with financial stewardship (Deuteronomy 8:18). When we grasp God’s generosity, giving ten percent does not seem burdensome but a privilege.
The key is not the amount but the heart behind the giving. Giving should be an act of worship, not a burdensome duty.
Practical Applications for Christians Today
1️⃣ Assess Your Heart: Are you giving out of obligation or joy? Biblical giving should be cheerful and voluntary.
2️⃣ Support the Church and Ministry: Pastors, missionaries, and church ministries require financial support.
3️⃣ Care for the Needy: The early church emphasized generosity toward the poor (Acts 2:44-45).
4️⃣ Give Sacrificially When Able: While not required to give beyond means, sacrificial giving is commended (Mark 12:41-44).
5️⃣ Trust God’s Provision: God promises to meet our needs when we prioritize Him (Philippians 4:19).
What Does Your Giving Reveal?
Ultimately, giving is a heart issue. It is not about fulfilling a rigid requirement but about demonstrating trust, gratitude, and worship. When we give generously and joyfully, we reflect the character of God, who has given us everything.
Rather than focusing on percentages, the real question is: Does our giving reflect our faith? Do we trust God to provide? Are we using our resources to honor Him and further His kingdom?
Tithing and giving are not burdensome obligations but opportunities to participate in God’s work. Whether through financial support, acts of kindness, or generosity toward those in need, our giving is an act of worship that deepens our relationship with God.
May we give with hearts full of love, knowing that everything we have is from Him and for Him.
Recommended Resource:
Perspectives on Tithing: Four Views
By David A. Croteau, Scott Preissler, Ken Hemphill, Bobby Eklund, Reggie Kidd, & Gary North
Was the tithe just for Israel, or is it also applicable to Christians?
Must a tithe go only to your local church, or can it be received by any Christian organization? Do we tithe on the net or the gross amount?
Perspectives on Tithing presents in a point-counterpoint format the most common views about how Christians are to give their financial resources, addressing the myriad of questions that surround the complex issue.
Ken Hemphill (Empowering Kingdom Growth) and Bobby Eklund (Eklund Stewardship Ministries) contribute “The Foundations of Giving” while the book’s editor, David A. Croteau (Liberty University), writes “The Post-Tithing View: Giving in the New Covenant.”
A chapter by Reggie Kidd (Reformed Theological Seminary) is called “Tithing in the New Covenant? ‘Yes’ as Principle, ‘No’ as Casuistry.”
Finally, Gary North (Institute for Christian Economics) looks directly at “The Covenantal Tithe,” and Scott Preissler (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) provides the epilogue.
This was a good read and quite informative.
I am a true believer that our money is not ours but God’s who created heaven and earth and created us. I try to give to the needs of others and help the church. Give cheerfully knowing that I have blessed someone in need. God’s word promises He will give seed to the sower 2 Cor 9:10.
I pray God bless the hands that give with joy.
Hi Beverly,
Thanks for reading and I am glad to hear that you found this article on tithing informative.
Many Christians often forget that everything they have in their possession belongs to God (Psalm 24:1; 1 Corinthians 10:26). We are but stewards of God’s properties and let us always keep in mind to use all that God has entrusted to us for His glory. This includes supporting His work — the furtherance of His Kingdom.
I’m so happy to hear that you have the heart to help other people in need. God bless you exceedingly as you use your God-given wealth to minister to others.
Shalom!
We are definitely robbing God when we are not bringing one-tenth to the house of God as it is written in the Bible (Malachi 3:10).
When bringing 1 tenth to the house of God, it’s both good for our personal good and to extend the Kingdom of God.
My thoughts.
Best regards!
Hi Lucas,
Thank you for taking the time to read the article and for sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate it.
And yes, I agree that when we give our tithes to God, we are not only allowing ourselves to become instruments for the expansion of God’s Kingdom here on earth; it also helps us grow and mature in our faith and relationship with God.
As I always say whenever I encourage fellow believers in Jesus to give financially to the church, our giving is one of the litmus tests of our relationship with God and an evidence that we are indeed growing and maturing in our spiritual life.
Blessings!
Hi Alice
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your in depth post about tithing.
I was always brought up to believe tithing should be 10% but when it comes to imposing a set percentage, in my heart I agree with your point: “The only problem I see with dutifully practicing or imposing tithing is the tendency for it to become ritualistic and mechanical.”
I think it has the very real potential to take away giving “freely, generously, cheerfully, consistently and as the Lord prosper us,”the three New Testament principles you highlight.
For me I like to think of 10% as a guideline but I have been through phases in my life where this has not been possible and others where I have been able to tithe much more. For me I truly do believe that whatever you give, if you do so with a grateful heart, the amount you give really does not matter.
Mark
Hello Mark, thank you for sharing your thoughts in regards to the topic of tithing. Admittedly, this has been and still is until today one of the major disagreements among Christians.
I was ushered into a spiritual family that strictly follows the principle of giving a tenth of all your income to God as a means to support His work. And for that, our pastors and church leaders have faced criticisms not just from other churches but also from some members of our church as well. This has caused some brethren to leave the church and joined other churches that do not preach tithing.
When we tithe, we should not do it out of compulsion but rather as an expression of worship and gratitude to God who loves us and gave His life for us. Let us not also limit the amount we give to a mere 10% because I believe that 10% is just the minimum. 10% is a good starting point of our giving but as we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we will learn to give even more as an expression of our love and gratitude.
Shalom!
I really did enjoy your article on tithing the way I have been taught and the way I am teaching my kids is give 10% of your earnings before taxes. This is a good rule to follow because give Caesar what is his and give God what is his. I have always given my tithing because I believe this is God’s money to begin with and he can do a lot of good with it. And I have always gotten blessed from my tithing, so always give with a cheerful heart.
Great work,
JesusB
Hello Jesus,
Is your name really Jesus? Wow! You must be really blessed for having the name of our Lord and Savior.
I have always believed in tithing and I am glad you share the same view. Admittedly, tithing is a very controversial topic even among Christian churches and denominations.
Many do believe that this commandment is not binding among Christians today because we are now under grace. However, like what you said, God owns everything to begin with, we are just His stewards and God can do more with our tithe.
Many Christians who believe in tithing also say that they have been blessed so much because they choose to give back to God a tenth of all their blessings.
Thank you for sharing your view regarding tithing, God bless!
Thanks. I agree and appreciate the article you have posted sis.
For me, what made me conclude … about this tithe controversy: it is just between you and God. If you keep that commandment in your heart because of your love for God I think it’s not a big deal.
But on the other hand, if you don’t feel convicted to do so, and prefer to give what you have purposed in your heart not grudgingly and under compulsion, feel better with yourself, that’s also commendable before God.
So, my final conclusion is: God sees what’s in our hearts not how much we give …. you think so, sis?
I agree brother Jessie, tithing or giving is between you and God.
Nobody else should dictate what you must give. When Abraham and Jacob tithed, they did not do it in obedience to any law that was given but they did it as an expression of their love and adoration to God.
The amount we give also should be an expression of our love and gratitude and an act of worship to God.
Can’t still decide how much to give? I believe that the principles of giving that the apostle Paul laid out for the Church are great pointers to consider when we are deciding how much we should give to the Lord and His work.
Although I do not think that tithing is strictly binding upon Christians today, I do believe that using the 10th as the basis is not a bad idea either. We must admit, having some kind of … say standard makes it easier for us to decide how much exactly we must give.
Let us not forget that the amount we give is supposed to bring us joy (give cheerfully right?) knowing that we have given to God, not what He deserves because we can’t possibly give what He deserves, but our best.
Paul also said to give according to how the Lord prospers you. I think this is where the tithe is applied. Not everyone receives the same blessings so if we will use 10% as the basis then we are actually giving as the Lord prospers us.
But then again, this comes down to our individual covenant with God. In the same way that tithing was part of the Israelites’ covenant with God, we can also make a covenant with God when we decide how much to give to Him. Whether that be 10%, less, or more, that is between you and God.
After all, God knows how much each of us is able to give. And yes, God sees the heart. He sees the motives of each giver. Are we tithing out of fear that we will be cursed if we don’t? Or do we sincerely and cheerfully want to tithe because we are convicted to do so and because we love God?
Like I said in my blog, my concern about imposing (or enforcing tithing) is that it could become legalistic; meaning, literally adhering to the law which is clearly opposed to grace. Interestingly, this brings us back to our discussion in our group about Law and Grace.
Shalom!
As for me, because of grace through faith alone in Christ as a requirement for salvation, tithing becomes voluntary and is given according to your pledge to God … or rather give whatever is due to God. More or less 10th parts of our income according to our pledge. As long as it came from our hearts.
Hey Ben, thanks for the emphasis on salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ. Sadly, there are still many Christians who think that doing good works such as tithing have any effect on our salvation.
So what is it about tithing? In the New Testament, we are exhorted to give cheerfully, generously and without compulsion. You’re right, tithing and giving must be voluntary . We give what we have decided in our hearts to give, without compulsion; it has to come from our hearts, whether that be 10 percent or more.
But think about it, does giving less than the minimum which is 10% make us happy? Is that the best we can give to God? That’s a question we each have to answer. After all, this is a matter between each of us and God.
I found this to be a very thoughtful and detailed post. I am familiar with tithing within the Catholic church but less so within the Protestant practices. There it seemed more common to skip the tithe and make offerings instead. Have you also found that to be the case? Admittedly I have limited experience with both since I have not bounced from church to church.
I would particularly like to thank you for the extended Biblical analysis of tithing and what it means – I have not found such a comprehensive reference to the Old Testament or comparison between the Old and New Testaments previously and I learned quite a bit. Thank you for providing so much good information!
Hello Leslie,
I’m glad to know that you have found great information in my post in reference to tithing in the Old and New Testaments.
As far as I know, the Catholic Church does not really teach and exhort its members to tithe because they give more emphasis on free-will offerings.
Among Protestants, tithing is still a hotly-debated topic; they cannot really come to a full agreement as to whether Christians are required to tithe or not. However, I believe that tithing should not be a burden to every follower of Christ who wants to take part in the Great Commission which Jesus has explicitly gave to every one of us.
But no matter how much you choose to give, whether a tenth or more, or less, that is between you and God and that is your covenant with Him.
God bless!
Good question Alice. I’m not sure I have the right answer on this one. Although I think that, giving is really important, and even giving to the church so it can be healthy and do what it suppose to do in the community.
Solomon also encouraged us to give the first part of our revenue. I tend to agree on what you said about what Paul was teaching on this. Giving shouldn’t feel forced, but a joy.
God like those who freely gives…
I also like what Jesus said in Matthew 6 when he said that it should be done anonymously. It may not always be possible, but to me, it’s an act of humility and you are not drawing the attention to you with what you give.
Hi guy,
Giving generously, joyfully and without compulsion is what the apostle Paul encourages every New Testament believer to do because God loves a cheerful giver. Our financial gifts and offerings are really important in order to support and provide the needs of the church.
However, if we can give 10% or more of our income aside from our regular offering, that would be commendable. Like Abraham and Jacob who gave their tithes to God as an expression of their love and devotion, or the Israelites who had a covenant with God to give their tithes in support of those who were serving at the temple.
As Paul clearly said, those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:14).
May we always have the joy in our hearts to give in support of the works of God.
Tithing has always been a very controversial issue in modern Christianity and within many churches. Many can’t seem to agree whether it’s still relevant today or not. There is always the New Testament/Old Testament argument going on.
This was a very interesting read. I think in the New Testament era the emphasis is more on giving from the heart rather than being commanded to tithe.
Hi Darren,
You’re so right, tithing is one very controversial topic today among Christians.
I believe it’s okay to have minor doctrinal differences but the problem I see when it comes to this issue is the fact that it’s already causing division within the Body of Christ.
Sometimes this even goes to the extremes of criticizing one another just because some believe that tithing still applies today while others don’t or the other way around.
I’ve been hearing all these arguments for so long, but until now nobody actually has come up with new arguments for or against the practice of tithing for New Testament believers, of which we are a part.
At the end of the day, regardless of whether we tithe or not, it’s our relationship with God through Christ that determines our eternal destiny. Our salvation does not rest on our stand on tithing but through the finished works of Christ.
And as I said, tithing/giving is all a matter of the heart.
Shalom and may God bless you!
That is an interesting history of tithing.
I grew up in the southern baptist church and never really thought of where the concept came from. I also found it refreshing to read something from someone else that understands the nature of the two testaments and the fact that they are actually covenants between God and people.
That knowledge changes the way you read the bible.
Hi Thomas,
I truly believe that in order for us to understand the New Testament we have to always go back to the Old Testament. Because as what most theologians quote, “The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.”
We cannot just jump to the new covenant without taking into consideration the old covenant.
By the way, testament is also called covenant so yes, the two testaments, old and new are actually covenants between God and His people.
When we have a better understanding of the cultural and historical background of the Bible, it really does change the way we read it. The Bible becomes alive and we understand every word in it the same way the people during those times actually understood it.
I found this to be a valuable read.
As a former pastor with a graduate degree in theology, I was intrigued to see where this post would lead the reader. What I see is an easy-to-read summary of the OT and NT with an emphasis on the heart behind the giving, and the love for God and His people that I believe should shape one’s giving.
This, alongside the three points, are valuable takeaway.
Thank you for such a thorough and balanced article!
Hi Randene.
I believe that everything we do for the Lord and for others reveal the true condition of our heart, especially where money and resources are concerned. So yes, our giving is one measure of our love for God and our fellowmen.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, truly appreciate it.
God bless!
Thanks for your contribution.
You are very welcome, Bright.
I hope you found this article helpful.
The comments we got from several readers are very insightful as well.
I have to say that this is a very interesting article regarding tithing and I really like the guidelines you listed that Paul talked about in 2 Corinthians.
I wholeheartedly agree that you should give joyfully and not because you feel you have to. It definitely should be done freely, generously, cheerfully as is stated.
It also should not be done boastfully which brings attention to you.
Hello Brian, thanks for dropping by.
Yes, I believe that the giving of tithes and offerings to God should not be “enforced” but rather a personal choice that each believer makes in response to the love and goodness of God and to how God has blessed them. Every believer should give cheerfully and generously, yes generously, the standard of giving in the New Testament.
And I agree with you, whenever we give, no matter how huge an amount it maybe, we should not boast about it because it’s not even ours to begin with, it is God’s as His word says that God owns everything (Psalm 24:1 & 1 Corinthians 10:26).
Wonderful article! I have always believed in tithing, even before I understood why.
To me, it was just a part of what you do. However, there have been times in my life when I was barely making ends meet and tithing seemed like a hardship. God wants us to give with joy, but that was hard to do at the time.
I think it is more important to work on having joy in your heart first, and then things like tithing come naturally, along with all other giving.
What do you think of this concept?
Hello Irma, thanks for your comment.
When I first heard about tithing I was convicted right away to obey but no matter how I wanted to, I couldn’t because I was buried in debt and the money I was making was barely enough to pay for my credit.
However, the more I heard God’s word and about what Jesus has done for me, my heart was filled with joy and thanksgiving. It’s that joy that I found in Jesus that eventually made me decide to start tithing.
You’re right, when our heart is overflowing with joy, tithing, giving and other forms of good works will just come naturally. Even though there are times our finances get tight, we know that we will not experience lack because God will provide.
God is not only the source of our joy but also the source and provider of all our needs.
God bless!