The concept of tithe holds a significant place in the teachings of the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament.
Tithing refers to the act of giving a portion of one’s income or possessions, typically a tenth, to support the work of the religious community.
in this article, we will further explore what does the Bible says about tithe. tithe is considered a form of worship, obedience, and an expression of faithfulness to God.
What Does The Bible Says About Tithe?
The Bible contains several passages that discuss the concept of tithing, which is the practice of giving a portion of one’s income or resources to support religious or charitable causes.
Throughout the Scriptures, there are several passages that provide guidance and instruction on tithing, shedding light on its purpose and significance in the lives of believers.
Here are some key verses related to what the bible says about the tithe
Genesis 14:18-20: This passage describes how Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek, the priest of God, after a successful battle. It is often seen as an example of the early practice of tithing.
Leviticus 27:30 In this verse, the Israelites are instructed to tithe a tenth of their produce, whether it is from the land or the fruit of the trees to the Lord.
Numbers 18:21-24 God commanded the Israelites to give a tithe of their produce to the Levites, who served as priests and did not receive an inheritance of land. The Levites, in turn, were to give a tenth of that tithe to the high priest.
Deuteronomy 14:22-23 This passage expands on the idea of tithing, stating that the Israelites should set aside a tenth of their crops, herds, and flocks as a tithe. They are then instructed to eat the tithe in the presence of the Lord as an act of worship or to exchange it for money to be used in buying whatever they desire.
Malachi 3:8-10 In this passage, God admonishes the people of Israel for neglecting their tithes and invites them to return to Him. He promises that if they bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, He will bless them abundantly.
What Does Paul Say About Tithing?
When it comes to the topic of tithing, the apostle Paul’s teachings offer valuable insights for believers.
While Paul addresses various aspects of Christian giving in his letters, he provides specific instructions and principles regarding tithing.
By examining Paul’s perspective, we can understand how he approached the practice of giving and the underlying principles he emphasized.
Here are a few key points with Bible verses to consider
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse highlights the voluntary nature of giving and emphasizes that it should come from a willing heart rather than from a sense of obligation.
1 Corinthians 16:2
Paul encourages the Corinthians to set aside a portion of their income “on the first day of every week”
for the purpose of supporting the needs of the Church. While this verse doesn’t mention a specific percentage, it does indicate that regular, systematic giving is a positive practice.
2 Corinthians 8:12
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have”.
Paul teaches that giving should be based on a person’s willingness and what they have, rather than on what they do not have.
He emphasizes that it is not about burdening oneself but about giving according to one’s means.
Galatians 6:6
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
Although not directly related to tithing, Paul instructs believers to share all good things with their teachers.
While this verse primarily addresses the support of spiritual leaders, it reflects a broader principle of generosity and providing for the needs of those serving in ministry.
Tithes And Offering Verse And Explanation
Tithes and offerings are integral aspects of religious practices in many faith traditions, particularly in Christianity.
These practices involve the act of giving a portion of one’s income or possessions to support the work of the church and serve as an expression of faith, gratitude, and commitment to God.
Genesis 14:20 (NKJV) – Give Your Tithe
“And he gave him a tithe of all.”
This verse refers to Abraham giving a tithe of his spoils to Melchizedek, a priest of God.
Leviticus 27:30 (NKJV) – God Needs Our Tithe
“And 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.”
This verse establishes that the tithe belongs to God and is set apart for His purposes.
Numbers 18:21 (NKJV) – We Have An Inheritance
“Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting.”
Here, the Lord designates the tithes as a provision for the Levites who served in the Tabernacle.
Deuteronomy 14:22 (NKJV) – God Will Increase Us
“You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year.”
This verse instructs the Israelites to tithe from their agricultural produce on a regular basis.
Deuteronomy 14:23 (NKJV) – God Will Provide
“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 meant to be consumed in the presence of God, expressing reverence and gratitude.
2 Chronicles 31:5 (NKJV) – We Will Live In Abundance
“As soon as the commandment was circulated, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain and wine, oil and honey, and of all the produce of the field; and they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.”
This verse illustrates the obedience and generosity of the Israelites in bringing their tithes and offerings.
Nehemiah 10:35 (NKJV) – God Wants Our First Fruit
“And we made ordinances to bring the firstfruits of our ground and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, to the house of the Lord.”
Nehemiah and the people of Israel committed to bringing their first fruits and tithes to the house of God consistently.
Malachi 3:8 (NKJV) – Never Withhold Your Tithe
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.”
This verse highlights the rebuke given to the people of Israel for withholding their tithes and offerings, and the call to repentance.
Malachi 3:10 (NKJV) – Tithe Produces Increase
“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.”
God promises to bless those who faithfully bring their tithes into His storehouse.
Matthew 23:23 (NKJV) – Let Tithing Be From Your Heart
“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.”
Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for being meticulous about tithing while neglecting matters of justice, mercy, and faith.
Luke 11:42 (NKJV)
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”
Jesus highlights the importance of justice and loves alongside the practice of tithing.
Luke 18:12 (NKJV)
“I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.”
Here, Jesus describes the self-righteousness of a Pharisee who boasts about his meticulous tithing but lacks humility.
1 Corinthians 16:2 (NKJV)
“On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come.”
Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to set aside offerings regularly to support the needs of the Church.
2 Corinthians 8:3 (NKJV)
“For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing.”
Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their eagerness and generosity in giving, even beyond their means.
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NKJV)
“But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.”
Paul urges the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving, just as they excel in other aspects of their faith.
2 Corinthians 9:6 (NKJV)
“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
Paul uses the analogy of sowing and reaping to encourage generous giving, promising that it will result in abundant blessings.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV)
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This verse emphasizes that giving should be voluntary, cheerful, and driven by personal conviction rather than compulsion.
Galatians 6:6 (NKJV)
“Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.”
Although not explicitly about tithes and offerings, this verse highlights the importance of supporting those who labor in teaching and preaching the Word of God.
Philippians 4:15-16 (NKJV)
Paul expresses gratitude to the Philippian believers for their financial support, saying, “Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities.”
Paul commends the Philippians for their consistent and sacrificial giving to support his ministry.
1 Timothy 5:17-18 (NKJV)
“Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages.'”
This passage affirms the principle of supporting those who lead and labor in ministry.
Hebrews 7:8 (NKJV)
“Here mortal men receive tithes, but there he [Melchizedek] receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.”
The book of Hebrews references Melchizedek, highlighting his role as a priest who received tithes from Abraham.
Hebrews 7:9-10 (NKJV)
“Even Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.”
This verse explains that Levi, the ancestor of the Levitical priesthood, was in a sense present and represented in Abraham when he gave a tithe to Melchizedek.
Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV)
“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
While not specifically about tithes, this verse emphasizes the importance of doing good, sharing, and engaging in acts of sacrificial giving that please God.
1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV)
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
This verse encourages believers to use the gifts and resources they have received from God to serve and bless others.
Conclusion
The Bible encourages believers to bring the whole tithe, or a tenth of their income, into the designated storehouse.
It presents tithing as an act of obedience and trust, with the promise that God will bless those who faithfully give.
However, it is essential to approach tithing with a sincere heart, focusing on the spirit behind the act rather than merely fulfilling an obligation.
Additionally, the Bible speaks of offerings as voluntary contributions made beyond the tithe.
Offerings reflect a spirit of generosity, gratitude, and support for various ministries, missions, and charitable causes within the church and the wider community.
