What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?

The Bible teaches that tithing appears primarily in the Old Testament as a practice of giving a tenth, while the New Testament does not command it in the same way but emphasizes giving that is willing, generous, and from the heart. Tithing is best understood in its context rather than as a universal requirement placed on all believers.

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Tithing in the Old Testament

The first references to tithing appear early in Scripture.

“And he gave him tithes of all.”
Genesis 14:20 (KJV)

This occurs when Abraham gives a tenth to Melchizedek. It is presented as an act, not a command.

Later, tithing becomes part of the law given to Israel.

“…all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s…”
Leviticus 27:30 (KJV)

Here, tithing is structured and tied to the nation of Israel, including support for the Levites and the functioning of the system surrounding the temple.

This shows that tithing was not simply a general principle, but something connected to a specific context.

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The Purpose of Tithing

Tithing in the Old Testament served defined purposes.

“…the Levites… have no part nor inheritance with Israel…”
Deuteronomy 14:27 (KJV)

The tithe helped provide for those who did not have land, as well as for the work connected to worship.

It was part of an ordered system, not an isolated instruction.

Understanding this helps clarify what tithing was meant to accomplish.

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Tithing and Obligation

Under the law, tithing was not optional.

“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me… in tithes and offerings.”
Malachi 3:8 (KJV)

This passage is often cited, but it belongs within the covenant given to Israel.

Tithing here is tied to obedience under that law, not presented as a general principle separated from it.

This is where confusion often arises—taking a specific command in a specific context and applying it universally without distinction.

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What Jesus Said About Tithing

Jesus does mention tithing, but in a particular way.

“…ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law…”
Matthew 23:23 (KJV)

He does not condemn tithing itself. Instead, He addresses how it was being practiced.

The Pharisees were precise in giving a tenth, but neglected justice, mercy, and faith.

This shows that even where tithing existed, it was not the central issue. The condition of the heart remained primary.

This aligns with what is seen more broadly in
👉 What Does the Bible Say About Giving Money?
where the emphasis is not on calculation, but on willingness.

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Tithing in the New Testament

The New Testament does not repeat the command to tithe in the same structured way.

Instead, the focus shifts.

“Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give…”
2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)

Giving is no longer framed as a fixed percentage, but as something that comes from the heart.

This does not remove giving—it reframes it.

The emphasis is no longer on a specific amount, but on willingness, generosity, and intent.

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Tithing and Stewardship

Tithing is often discussed alongside stewardship, but they are not the same.

Tithing refers to a specific practice. Stewardship refers to the overall handling of what has been entrusted.

For a fuller understanding of that broader concept, see
👉 What Does the Bible Say About Stewardship of Money?

This distinction matters.

A person may focus on giving a tenth while neglecting how the rest is handled. Scripture points beyond a single percentage to a larger responsibility.

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A Clear Distinction

When Scripture is read as a whole, a distinction becomes clear:

• Tithing appears as a structured practice under the law
• It served specific purposes within Israel
• Jesus addressed its practice, not its continuation as a command
• The New Testament emphasizes giving from the heart

This does not dismiss tithing, but it places it in context.

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Bringing It Together

The question of tithing is not answered by a single verse, but by reading the passages in their setting.

Tithing existed, had purpose, and was part of a larger system.

But the emphasis seen throughout Scripture moves beyond a fixed percentage toward something deeper—how a person gives, why they give, and what that reveals.

This connects with the broader question of how money is approached, explored further in
👉 What Does the Bible Say About Money?

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