Funny thing happened last month – my pastor friend got into this heated debate with a church member about whether Christians should still practice tithing today. The guy insisted the New Testament abolished it, while my pastor pointed to Malachi. Honestly? Both had solid points. Got me digging deep into what the Bible actually says about tithing.
Look, I'm no seminary professor. Just someone who's wrestled with this while writing those monthly checks. Whether you're trying to obey God or just confused by all the church sermons, let's cut through the noise together. We'll explore Old Testament laws, New Testament principles, and even tackle sticky questions like "Gross or net income?"
The Historical Roots of Tithing in Scripture
First things first – tithing wasn't invented by modern churches. The concept appears long before Moses came down the mountain.
Pre-Law Examples That Might Surprise You
Tithing actually pops up before the famous Leviticus verses. Remember Abraham? After rescuing his nephew Lot from those kings, he gave Melchizedek (this mysterious priest-king) "a tenth of everything" (Genesis 14:20). Jacob later vowed to give God "a full tenth" if protected during his journey (Genesis 28:22).
What strikes me here? Neither did this under legal compulsion. It was voluntary worship. Makes you wonder – maybe tithing's deeper than just rule-following.
Mosaic Law: When Tithing Became Mandatory
Fast forward to Leviticus. God commanded Israel: "A tithe of everything... belongs to the LORD" (Leviticus 27:30). Numbers 18 details how tithes supported the Levites who served in the tabernacle. Deuteronomy adds a second tithe for festivals and a third tithe every three years for the poor (Deuteronomy 14:22-29).
Here's where it gets complex. That "tenth" actually totaled around 23% annually when combining all requirements. Modern tithing debates suddenly seem simpler!
| Type of Tithe | Biblical Reference | Purpose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Levitical Tithe | Numbers 18:21-24 | Support tribe of Levi (priests) | Annual |
| Festival Tithe | Deuteronomy 14:22-27 | Celebratory meals in Jerusalem | Annual |
| Poor Tithe | Deuteronomy 14:28-29 | Widows, orphans, foreigners | Every 3 years |
I used to think ancient tithing was straightforward. Boy, was I wrong. Farmers even had rules about tithing livestock – they'd line them up and every tenth animal got marked as holy (Leviticus 27:32). Imagine doing that at tax season!
Tithing Controversies in the New Testament
This is where things get spicy. Jesus mentions tithes just twice – once criticizing Pharisees who "give a tenth... but neglect justice" (Luke 11:42), and again saying they should tithe without ignoring weightier matters (Matthew 23:23).
Notice what's missing? Nowhere does Jesus command his followers to tithe. Paul never enforced it in his letters either. That silence creates massive debate. Some argue tithing was purely Old Covenant. Others point out Jesus affirmed its practice while correcting abuses.
"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone." (Luke 11:42)
The Early Church's Radical Approach
Acts 2 and 4 describe believers selling property to support each other. Not tithing – radical generosity. When Paul collected funds for famine-stricken Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), he said to set aside money "in keeping with your income," not "exactly 10%."
Honestly, I wish Scripture spelled this out clearer. But maybe that's the point – faith isn't about mathematical formulas.
Modern Applications: Should Christians Tithe Today?
Let's get practical. If you Google "what does the Bible say about tithing," you'll find passionate arguments on both sides. After years of study, here's my take:
The Case for Continuation
- Principle over law: While we're not under Mosaic law, tithing established principles of honoring God with our "firstfruits" (Proverbs 3:9)
- Ministry support: Paul argues ministers deserve financial support (1 Corinthians 9:13-14)
- Historical precedent: Church history shows tithing continued post-apostolic era
The Case for New Covenant Giving
- Freedom in Christ: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give" (2 Corinthians 9:7)
- Heart transformation: New Testament emphasizes cheerful generosity over percentages
- Different economy: Ancient Israel had no social safety nets – tithes provided community welfare
Here's where I landed personally: I still aim for 10% as a baseline. Not because I fear curses, but as spiritual discipline. But during seasons of unemployment? God understands. Legalism helps nobody.
Practical Tithing Questions Real People Ask
Enough theory – let's tackle actual dilemmas from church coffee hours:
| Question | Biblical Insight | Practical Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Gross or net income? | Ancient Israelites tithed crops before expenses | Prayerfully decide consistency matters more than formula |
| Before or after taxes? | No equivalent to modern taxation | Many tithe pre-tax as "firstfruits" principle |
| Can I split my tithe? | Malachi condemns robbing God of "whole tithes" | Designate primary portion to home church |
| What if my church misuses funds? | 1 Timothy 5:18 supports ministers | Give elsewhere but remain accountable |
The "Storehouse" Debate
Malachi 3:10 says "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse." Some insist tithes must go to local churches. Others note the storehouse was Jerusalem's temple warehouse. Tough call.
My messy solution? I give 7% to my church's general fund, 2% to missionaries, and 1% to local shelters. Might not satisfy purists, but it honors both community and compassion.
Common Tithing Myths That Need Debunking
Myth 1: Tithing Guarantees Wealth
Ever heard the "hundredfold return" promises? Malachi 3:10 does say God will "open the floodgates of heaven." But Proverbs 3:9-10 links honoring God with material blessing – not a cosmic vending machine. I've known faithful tithers facing bankruptcy.
Myth 2: Non-Tithers Are Cursed
Malachi 3:9 says Israel was "cursed with a curse" for withholding tithes. But applying this to New Covenant believers ignores Galatians 3:13 – "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law." Fear-based giving misses grace.
Myth 3: Pastors Shouldn't Discuss Money
Paul openly taught about giving (2 Corinthians 8-9). Jesus discussed money in 15% of his parables. The issue isn't teaching – it's whether leaders exploit it. Transparency matters.
FAQs: What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?
Is tithing required for salvation?
Absolutely not. Ephesians 2:8-9 is crystal clear: salvation comes through faith alone, not works. Anyone demanding tithes for salvation preaches false gospel.
Can I tithe with time instead of money?
While volunteering matters, Malachi specifically addresses material tithes. The New Testament connects giving with financial resources (1 Corinthians 16:2). But hey – why not do both?
What if 10% is impossible right now?
Start smaller. Jesus praised the widow's two coins (Mark 12:43) – not the amount, but her sacrificial heart. Increase gradually as able.
Does God need my money?
Nope. Psalm 50:10 reminds us God owns "the cattle on a thousand hills." Tithing trains us to trust God as provider and break greed's power.
Should I tithe on gifts or inheritance?
Scripture doesn't specify. Many apply the "firstfruits" principle to all income. Personally, I tithe on cash gifts but pray over non-cash assets.
Beyond the Tithe: New Testament Generosity
Even if you embrace tithing, Paul pushes further: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly" (2 Corinthians 9:6). The early church shared "everything they had" (Acts 4:32). That terrifies my inner accountant.
Consider these New Testament giving principles:
- Proportionate giving: "Each one should give as he has decided in his heart" (2 Cor 9:7)
- Sacrificial giving: The Macedonian churches gave "beyond their ability" (2 Cor 8:3)
- Joyful giving: "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7)
- Purposeful giving: Support teachers (Galatians 6:6), widows (1 Timothy 5:3-16), and the poor (James 2:15-16)
Here's my confession: Reaching 10% took years. Started at 3% when I was broke. Now aiming for 15%. Growth beats guilt every time.
Final Thoughts: More Than Math
After all this research on what the Bible says about tithing, here's my conclusion: God cares more about our hearts than our calculators. Ancient Israelites gave 23% annually? That's not the point. The Pharisees tithed spices while ignoring justice? Jesus called that hypocrisy.
Tithing can be a helpful training wheel. But the destination is radical generosity – giving that reflects God's heart for the world. Whether you give 3% or 30%, do it freely. Do it joyfully. And for heaven's sake, don't judge others who land differently on this journey.
What about you? Still wrestling with questions about what the Bible says about tithing? Shoot me an email. Not because I have all answers – but because we're figuring this out together.
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