Tithing in the Bible: What Scripture Teaches Christians
Note: Everything belongs to God. Everything.
The concept of tithing originates in the Old Testament. The word tithe means “a tenth.” Before the Law of Moses was given, Abraham gave a tenth of the goods he recovered to Melchizedek after a military victory (Genesis 14:18–20). This was a voluntary act, not a command, and it occurred centuries before Israel existed as a nation.
Later, tithing became part of the Mosaic Law and was given specifically to Israel as a covenant people.
Old Testament Tithing: Provision for the Levites and the Needy
Old Testament tithing was not primarily about money. It was agricultural and communal. The Israelites gave a portion of their crops and livestock, not wages or currency.
The purpose was clear. The Levites, who served in the tabernacle and later the temple, did not receive land inheritance like the other tribes. The tithe supported their service and helped care for the poor.
“A tenth of all the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, belongs to the LORD.”
Leviticus 27:30 GNT
“When you set aside the tenth of your harvest in the third year, the year of the tithe, give it to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows, so that they may eat all they want.”
Deuteronomy 26:12 GNT
This system ensured that God’s work was supported and that vulnerable members of the community were cared for. Tithing functioned as a covenant obligation for Israel, tied directly to the Law and the priesthood.
The New Testament: Giving Under Grace
Christians are not under the Mosaic Law. Jesus fulfilled the Law through His life, death, and resurrection.
The New Testament does not command believers to give a specific percentage. There is no instruction for Christians to tithe a tenth as a covenant requirement.
Jesus addressed tithing when speaking to the Pharisees, who were still under the Law:
“You give to God one tenth of the herbs from your garden, but you neglect justice, mercy, and faith. These you should have practiced, without neglecting the others.”
Matthew 23:23 GNT
Jesus was not establishing a rule for the church. He was rebuking religious leaders who obeyed external regulations while ignoring the heart of God’s law.
Salvation is not earned or maintained by giving, tithing, or any other work.
“Those who depend on obeying the Law live under a curse. For the scripture says, ‘Whoever does not always obey everything that is written in the book of the Law is under God’s curse.’”
Galatians 3:10 GNT
Good works, including generosity, flow from faith. They do not produce it.
When Paul instructed churches to give, he emphasized willingness and ability, not obligation.
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should put aside some money in proportion to what you have earned.”
1 Corinthians 16:2 GNT
Generosity Is Encouraged, Not Compelled
The New Testament consistently points believers toward generous, joyful, and voluntary giving.
“Each one should give, then, as he has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty, for God loves the one who gives gladly.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 GNT
Giving under the New Covenant is guided by the Holy Spirit, shaped by love, and motivated by gratitude. Whether someone gives more or less than ten percent is not the standard. The heart behind the giving is.
Everything we have already belongs to God. Giving is not about meeting a quota but responding to His grace.
As believers, we are called to pray for wisdom, listen to the Spirit, and give in a way that reflects the generosity we have received in Christ. When we give freely and cheerfully, we bear witness to the gospel and participate in caring for others as God intended.
