The concept of tithing can sometimes feel like a weighty obligation, a religious duty that stirs up a mix of apprehension and hope. For many, it’s a practice deeply rooted in faith, a way to express gratitude and trust in God's provision.
But what does the Bible truly say about this sacred offering?
Delving into Bible verses about tithing time offers not just instruction, but also profound comfort, practical wisdom, and inspiring encouragement for our financial stewardship and spiritual journey.
These ancient words can illuminate our understanding, ease our worries, and deepen our connection to the divine giver of all good things.
The Foundation of Giving: Early Mentions of Tithing
The idea of setting aside a portion for God isn’t new; it predates the Mosaic Law. These early instances reveal a foundational principle of acknowledging God as the source of all provision.
Genesis 14:20
Then Abram gave him a tenth of all.
Explanation: This verse records Abraham giving a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, a priest of God.
It shows that the practice of tithing, or giving a tenth, was established even before the Law was given to Moses, highlighting its ancient roots and Abraham's faith-filled response.
Genesis 28:20-22
And Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I may return to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. And this stone, which I have set up as a pillar, shall be a house of God. And of all that you give me, I will surely give a tenth to you.”
Explanation: Jacob, in a moment of spiritual encounter and seeking God’s presence, promises to give a tenth of all God provides. This demonstrates a personal commitment and vow to acknowledge God’s faithfulness through a specific offering.
The Law and Tithing: Instructions for Israel
The Law given to Moses provided specific commands and guidelines for the Israelites regarding tithing, outlining its purpose and how it was to be used within the community.
Leviticus 27:30
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 most holy to the Lord.
Explanation: This verse clearly states that the tithe belongs to the Lord. It signifies that everything we possess ultimately comes from God, and a portion is set aside as a holy offering acknowledging His ownership.
Leviticus 27:32
And concerning the tithe of the herd or of the flock, even of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth one shall be holy to the Lord.
Explanation: This further clarifies that the tithe applies to livestock as well. It emphasizes the systematic nature of tithing, covering different forms of wealth and produce within their agrarian society.
Numbers 18:21
“Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve in the tabernacle of meeting.
Explanation: This verse explains the purpose of the tithe in ancient Israel: to support the Levitical priesthood who served in the Tabernacle. It shows that tithing was a means of sustaining those dedicated to full-time ministry.
Numbers 18:24
For the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer up as a heave offering to the Lord, I have given to the Levites as an inheritance; therefore I have said to them, ‘In the midst of the children of Israel, they shall have no inheritance.’ ”
Explanation: This reiterates that the tithe was designated for the Levites, distinguishing their role from land inheritance. It underscores the importance of providing for those who ministered to the people spiritually.
Numbers 18:26
“Moreover, you shall speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you take from the children of Israel the tithe which I have given you from them as your inheritance, then you shall offer up a heave offering of it to the Lord, a tenth of the tithe.
Explanation: This introduces a further layer of tithing, where the Levites themselves were to tithe a portion of what they received. It shows a principle of proportional giving even within the ministry.
Numbers 18:28
Thus you shall also offer a heave offering to the Lord from all your tithes, which you receive from the children of Israel; and from it you shall give the Lord’s heave offering to Aaron the priest.
Explanation: This verse details that the Levites were to give a portion of their tithes to the priests. It illustrates a chain of giving and support within the religious system.
Deuteronomy 14:22
You shall truly tithe all the produce of your seeds that the field yields year by year.
Explanation: This command emphasizes the regularity of tithing, to be done annually from agricultural produce. It highlights consistency in giving as a spiritual discipline.
Deuteronomy 14:23
And you shall eat before the Lord your God, in the place where He chooses to make His name abiding, 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.
Explanation: This verse explains a purpose of tithing: to be shared and enjoyed before God, fostering a sense of communal worship and learning to fear Him. It connects financial giving with spiritual growth and remembrance.
Deuteronomy 14:28-29
“At the end of every third year, you shall bring out the tithe of your produce of that year and store it up within your gates. And the Levite, because he has no part nor inheritance with you, and the stranger and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, may come and eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands which you do.
Explanation: This introduces the “third-year tithe,” specifically for the support of the vulnerable within the community: Levites, strangers, fatherless, and widows. It shows tithing as a social justice mechanism.
Deuteronomy 26:12
“When you have finished setting aside all the tithe of your produce of the third year, the year of tithing, and have given it to the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within your gates and be filled,
Explanation: This verse reinforces the command from Deuteronomy 14:28, emphasizing the specific purpose of the third-year tithe for the needy. It highlights compassion and care for the vulnerable as a divine mandate.
Prophets and Tithing: Calls for Faithfulness
The prophets often addressed the people’s shortcomings, including their neglect of tithing, calling them back to faithful obedience and highlighting the blessings of obedience.
Malachi 3:8-10
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse, for you rob Me, even this whole nation. Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and test 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.
Explanation: This is a powerful rebuke against withholding tithes. God declares that withholding tithes is robbing Him and promises abundant blessings to those who faithfully bring their tithes into the storehouse.
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?
Explanation: While not directly mentioning “tithe,” these verses speak to the spirit of true worship and righteousness, which includes caring for the poor and needy. Tithing is a practical outflow of this compassionate heart.
Jesus and Tithing: Affirmation and Emphasis
Jesus acknowledged the practice of tithing but also corrected the Pharisees’ misplaced emphasis, highlighting the importance of justice and mercy alongside outward religious acts.
Matthew 23:23
“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.
Explanation: Jesus affirms that tithing (of even small herbs) was a valid practice, but He rebuked the Pharisees for meticulously tithing while neglecting the more crucial aspects of God's law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
He stated they should do both.
Luke 11:42
“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all kinds of herbs, and pass over justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.
Explanation: Similar to Matthew, Jesus points out the hypocrisy of tithing outward things while neglecting inner spiritual qualities like justice and love for God. He emphasizes a balanced approach to obedience.
The New Testament and Tithing: Principles of Generosity
While the Old Testament Law provided specific tithing commands, the New Testament focuses on the principles of generous, cheerful, and sacrificial giving motivated by love for God.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14
Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of what is offered at the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel.
Explanation: Paul uses the Old Testament system of temple support to argue for the support of gospel ministers. It implies a principle of providing for those who labor in spiritual service.
2 Corinthians 8:2-3
They abounded in the riches of their liberality in the midst of severe trial, and their exceeding joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.
Explanation: This describes the Macedonian churches, who, despite their extreme poverty, gave generously. It highlights that giving is not dependent on wealth but on a willing heart and God’s enabling grace.
2 Corinthians 8:7
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 of giving also.
Explanation: Paul encourages believers to excel in the grace of giving, just as they excel in other spiritual gifts and virtues. It presents giving as a grace to be cultivated.
2 Corinthians 8:12
For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what one does not have.
Explanation: This verse emphasizes that the sincerity and willingness of the heart are paramount in giving. God accepts our offerings based on what we have and our willingness to give it.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not with reluctance or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Explanation: This is a cornerstone verse on giving. It links sowing and reaping, suggesting that our giving has consequences. It stresses giving cheerfully, from the heart, not out of obligation.
Acts 4:34-35
Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who possessed lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of the sale, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
Explanation: This describes the early church in Jerusalem, where believers voluntarily sold possessions to meet the needs of others. It illustrates radical generosity and communal care.
Blessings of Tithing: Promises of Provision and Protection
The Bible promises blessings to those who are faithful in tithing, encouraging trust in God’s ability to provide and protect.
Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your produce; Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your presses will burst with new wine.
Explanation: This is a direct promise of material blessing for honoring God with our first and best. It suggests that our obedience in giving will lead to abundance.
Malachi 3:11
“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sake, So that he shall not destroy the fruit of your ground; Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts.
Explanation: This verse continues the promise from Malachi 3:10, stating that God will protect the resources of those who tithe, preventing loss and destruction.
Proverbs 11:24-25
There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it only comes to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.
Explanation: This proverb highlights the principle that generosity leads to increase, while stinginess leads to poverty. It suggests a spiritual law of sowing and reaping in our giving.
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will they put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
Explanation: Jesus teaches a principle of reciprocal giving. When we give generously, we can expect to receive back in abundance, according to the measure we have given.
Philippians 4:15-19
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 you sent a gift once and again for my needs. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound; I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things which you sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Explanation: Paul thanks the Philippians for their generous financial support. He assures them that God will supply all their needs as they continue to give, linking their generosity to God’s provision.
The Heart of Tithing: A Response of Faith and Love
Ultimately, tithing is more than just a financial transaction; it’s an act of faith, worship, and love that reflects our trust in God and our commitment to His kingdom.
Hebrews 7:1-4
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, which is “king of peace,” without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils.
Explanation: This passage revisits Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek, highlighting its significance. It points to Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, and suggests that our tithes are an acknowledgment of His divine authority and provision.
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Explanation: This encourages the wealthy to use their riches for good works and to be generous. It suggests that our earthly wealth can be used to build eternal treasures through acts of giving.
Acts 20:35
I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Explanation: Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of Jesus’ teaching that giving is more blessed than receiving. This highlights the joy and fulfillment found in generosity.
Conclusion: Embracing the Blessings of Giving
Exploring these Bible verses about tithing time reveals a consistent theme: God calls His people to be faithful stewards of what He has entrusted to them.
From ancient Israel to the early church, the principle of setting aside a portion for God’s work and for the needs of others has been a cornerstone of faith. These verses offer not just instruction but also profound encouragement.
They remind us that tithing is an act of worship, a declaration of trust, and an opportunity to participate in God’s ongoing work in the world.
By embracing these principles, we can experience the promised blessings of provision, protection, and the deep joy that comes from a generous, God-honoring heart.
We invite you to reflect on these verses and consider how they can shape your own approach to stewardship and giving. What are your favorite verses on tithing and generosity? How have these principles impacted your life?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!