Tithing in the Bible: What Every Christian Should Know
Introduction
Tithing in the Bible is a practice that raises questions for modern Christians. What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible begins with understanding the Old Testament foundation, Jesus's teaching, and Paul's perspective. Tithing in the Bible is sometimes misunderstood as a binding requirement or dismissed as irrelevant to Christians. Truth lies between these extremes. What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that it represents a biblical principle of proportional, faithful giving that has ancient roots and contemporary relevance, even if the specific ten percent mandate doesn't universally apply. This guide explores what every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible.
What Every Christian Should Know: Tithing's Ancient Roots
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that it predates the law. Abraham gave a tithe of his spoils to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20) before the Levitical system existed. This shows that tithing in the Bible reflects a voluntary response to God's provision, not merely legal obligation.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible includes understanding the Levitical system. Leviticus 27:30 establishes: "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." What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that God established this as a comprehensive system.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible includes its purposes. The tithe supported the Levites (Numbers 18:21), funded communal festivals (Deuteronomy 14:22-26), and protected vulnerable populations (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that it was always about community care and worship.
What Every Christian Should Know: Tithing and Jesus
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that Jesus never commanded His followers to tithe. This is significant. While Jesus acknowledged tithing (Matthew 23:23), He didn't make it a requirement for discipleship.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible includes Jesus's critique. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus said to Pharisees: "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."
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible from this passage is that Jesus valued justice and mercy above meticulous tithing. Tithing in the Bible became less important than genuine righteousness.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible also includes Jesus's teaching on possessions. Luke 12:33 records: "Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven." What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that Jesus invited generosity exceeding tithes.
What Every Christian Should Know: The Widow's Offering
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible includes understanding the widow's offering (Mark 12:41-44). Jesus observed people putting money in the temple treasury. While wealthy donors gave large amounts from their abundance, a poor widow dropped two small coins.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible through this story is that Jesus evaluated generosity by sacrifice, not amount. He said she gave more than all the others because she gave her entire livelihood.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible from the widow is that authentic generosity requires sacrifice. She exemplified the principle behind tithing—offering what's precious as worship and faith.
What Every Christian Should Know: Paul's Perspective
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible includes Paul's teaching. Paul doesn't explicitly require tithing but presents a grace-based theology of giving.
Second Corinthians 9:7 expresses what every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible: "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." What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that attitude matters supremely.
First Corinthians 16:1-4 provides what every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible practically: Paul recommended regular, proportional giving on the first day of the week. What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that the principle underlying tithing—regular, planned, proportional giving—remains valid.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible includes recognizing that Paul emphasized grace over law. Romans 14:23 states, "Everything that does not come from faith is sin." What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that giving should flow from conviction and faith.
What Every Christian Should Know: Tithing and Provision
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible includes Malachi's remarkable promise. Malachi 3:10 states: "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... 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."
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that faithful giving invites blessing. While God doesn't guarantee financial wealth, He promises to honor generosity with abundance of some kind.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible also includes Matthew 6:25-34, where Jesus teaches not to worry about provision. Jesus promises that seeking God's kingdom produces provision: "All these things will be given to you as well." What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that generous givers can trust God's care.
What Every Christian Should Know: Tithing Today
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible for modern practice includes:
Tithing in the Bible is optional, not mandatory for New Testament Christians. The old covenant command doesn't universally bind Christians under the new covenant. However, the principle—proportional, faithful giving—remains valuable.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that many find the ten percent helpful. Using tithing in the Bible as a framework provides clear guidance and ensures meaningful giving.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that some give more based on conviction. Grace may compel giving beyond ten percent as you recognize God's provision.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that some give less based on capacity. If you're struggling, proportional giving at whatever level you can sustain is acceptable.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that tithes can go to your church. Traditionally, tithes supported religious leaders and community worship. Your tithe might go to your church.
What every Christian should know about tithing in the Bible is that additional giving should extend beyond your tithe. Support the poor, missions, and other God-honoring causes alongside your tithe.
FAQ
Q: What every Christian should know—is tithing still a command? A: No. The Old Testament tithing command doesn't universally bind New Testament Christians. However, the principle—proportional, faithful giving—remains important.
Q: What every Christian should know—should I tithe ten percent? A: Many Christians find tithing ten percent a helpful framework. Others give larger percentages from grace conviction or smaller amounts based on capacity. Give what you can with joy.
Q: What every Christian should know—if I can't afford to tithe? A: God values willingness and sacrifice more than amount. Give what you can. As your capacity grows, increase your giving. Your willingness itself is the gift God values.
Q: What every Christian should know—can tithing be withheld from a church I disagree with? A: Yes. You can direct tithes elsewhere or support organizations aligned with your biblical convictions. Prayerfully discern where God wants your tithe to go.
Q: What every Christian should know—does tithing guarantee blessing? A: Scripture promises God honors faithfulness with blessing, though not guaranteed in specific forms. Blessing may come through unexpected provision, relationships, spiritual richness, or eternal rewards.
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