Tithes and Offerings
Tithing in the Bible: Scriptures about Giving
Jesus is the most generous person who ever lived. He left the comforts of heaven, took on human flesh, and gave his life on the cross so that we might live in him. In response to Jesus’ generosity, we are called to be generous. We are called to be generous with our money. We are called to steward our possessions. We are called to volunteer our time. No one argues over whether Christians should be generous—it’s what the Christian faith is all about. But when it comes to the definition of tithing in the bible things get … interesting. Over the years, there’s been a ton of ink spilled over whether or not Christians should participate in tithing. Well then, lets have a look at the position of the bible concerning the topic of tithing and offering.
Let's take an in-depth look at 14 topics about tithing as stated in the Bible:
1. What is tithing in the bible?
2. What does the Bible say about paying tithes?
3. Where was it first mentioned in the Bible?
4. Are Christians required to participate in tithing?
5. Should you tithe?
6. What are offerings in the bible?
7. What percentage of Christians participate in tithing?
8. Old Testament scriptures on tithing
9. What does the New Testament say about tithing?
10. Living a generous life
11. Does our tithe all have to go to our church or can part of it go to a Christian ministry?
12. Does the teaching on tithing in Malachi 3:9-10 apply to us today?
13. Should we tithe off our gross or net income?
14. Should a Christian tithe off miscellaneous income?
- So, let’s to get started?-
1. What is tithing in the Bible?
The definition comes from Hebrew and means "a tenth." Tithing in the Bible refers to giving of ten percent of your annual earnings, productions, or possessions. In the Old Testament, we observe Abraham and Jacob offering a tithe to God in Genesis 14 and 28. The Israelites were also commanded to tithe from what they earned (Lev. 27:30; Num. 18:25–28; Deut. 14:22–24; 2 Chron. 31:5–6).
2. What does the Bible say about paying tithes?
The Bible is very clear in Leviticus 27:30 where it says “A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord’s, and is holy.” And Proverbs 3:9 (NIV) says, “Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops.” It’s critical to recognize that tithing was central to God’s law. The Israelites didn’t wait to feel inspired to tithe, it was expected. You’re probably thinking: That was good for them, but what about now? Do I have to tithe? This is a fair question, and there’s no shame in asking.
Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. In some churches giving is over-emphasized. At the same time, many Christians refuse to submit to the biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord. Tithing/giving is intended to be a joy and a blessing. Sadly, that is sometimes not the case in the church today. Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). In fact, the Old Testament Law required multiple tithes—one for the Levites, one for the use of the temple and the feasts, and one for the poor of the land—which would have pushed the total to around 23.3 percent. Some understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system.
After the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. The New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income a person should set aside, but only says gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). Some in the Christian church have taken the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their giving. Although no tithe is demanded of the Christian, the New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. We are to give as we are able. Sometimes that means giving more than 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. It all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Every Christian should diligently pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Above all, offerings should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
3. Where was it first mentioned in the Bible?
So, what does the bible say about tithes? The first tithe made in the bible happened in Genesis 14:19-20. The first person to do so in the bible was Abraham. returning from battle and was met by Melchizedek. During their encounter Melchizedek attributes Abram’s victory to God and he blesses Abram. Abram responds to the blessing in gratitude and gives Melchizedek a tenth (aka tithe) of all his possessions. And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Jacob offers the second tithe as recorded in the Bible. Over in Genesis 28:20–22 Jacob responds to a dream he received from God by building an altar and vowing that, in exchange for God’s care and provision, he would give God a tenth of his belongings. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
4. Are Christians required to participate in tithing?
Over the past 2,000 years, many different opinions have surfaced concerning biblical tithing and how to tithe correctly. But basically, most Christians today align with one of these two views: They are commanded to tithe or they are commanded to be generous.
Let’s take a brief look at both of these positions on tithing in the bible.
1. Christians are commanded to tithe
Here’s the argument:
Tithing in the bible began in the Old Testament, and it's still commanded today. This position stands on two pillars. First, is that the requirement to tithe was made before the Mosaic covenant (Gen. 14; 28; Heb. 7:1). If this is true, then this means the tithe was not abolished in Christ and is still in force today. Second, this position argues that Jesus affirmed the continuation of the tithe (Matt. 23:23). Since Jesus upheld the tithe, then Christians are commanded to tithe today.
Christians who take this position believe you should donate at least 10 percent, and or to other causes outside of the local church. More or less, this position treats the tithe as a baseline of giving—not a limit.
2. Christians are commanded to be generous
Here’s the argument:
Christians are called to give generously, but they’re not commanded to tithe.
This position boils down to three main points.
First, the offerings that were tithed by Abraham (Gen. 14) and Jacob (Gen. 28) are descriptions—not prescriptions. In other words, there's no evidence that Abraham and Jacob continued to tithe or that their actions were binding for others then or today. Second, the tithing required by the Israelites was a part of the Mosaic Law. When Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Mosaic Law (Matt. 5:17), the obligation to tithe was also abolished. So then, what did Jesus say about tithing? When Jesus talked about tithing and offering sacrifices (Matt. 5:23–24; 23:23; Luke 11:42), he did so before he started the New Covenant, which means it’s not binding today. Finally, the New Testament (NT) does not command Christians to tithe. When giving is referenced in the NT, followers of Christ are commanded to give generously (2 Cor. 8–9)—not to give strictly 10 percent.
What does this mean for you?
Let’s take a look at that next.
5. Should I give?
That’s not for me to decide. There are strengths and weaknesses in both of these positions, and the length of this blog post isn't sufficient to cover everything about tithing in the bible. When thinking through tithing, it’s best for you to do three things:
• Study out of tithe in the Bible
• Seek counsel from your church
• Serve God with a clear conscience
Now that you have a better idea of what it means to tithe, let’s explore another common topic about giving: offerings.
6. What are offerings in the bible?
When you study the Bible, “offerings” are a bit more nuanced than “tithing.” Actually, what you think about “offerings” is largely based on what you believe about “tithing.” An offering is a financial gift you make to your church that is more than your tithe (10%). For example, if you give 10 percent of your annual income to your local church, then an offering is any money you donate that exceeds this amount.
Do you believe Christians are called to live generously?
Then an offering is a financial gift you make to your local church—regardless of the amount you give. Basically, “offering” is what you call giving to your church.
These two nuances aren’t perfect. But you’ll see that this is the way many church leaders talk about giving.
There’s one more thing you need to know about offerings: God also calls you to offer yourself as a living sacrifice to him. Check out these words from Paul: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship" (Rom. 12:1). Offering your life to God isn’t something you do one time at the altar or on the days you feel good. Living sacrificially for God is something he calls everyone to do every day.
Practically speaking, Paul explains what this means in the next verse in Romans: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Rom. 12:2).
There are two things we observe in this passage:
1. Don’t be conformed to this world
2. Renew your mind
Living the Christian life is more than just saying no to anything. Living the Christian life is more about living for God. When it comes to offering yourself to Christ, you are called to renew your mind. Practically speaking, you renew your mind by studying the Bible, meditating upon the scriptures, and hearing the Scriptures preached. Renewing your mind is one way you can learn how to live for God. Talking about living for God, one of the big areas we’re called to be faithful is with our finances.
How is the Church doing today? That’s a great question.
When trying to distinguish between tithes and offerings, it is important to first understand the concept of tithing. Christians today often think that what they give to their local church is a tithe, when in reality it is an offering. Christian tithing is a misnomer because Christians are under no obligation to fulfil the command to tithe as given to the Israelites as part of the Mosaic Law. The tithe was a requirement of the Law in which all Israelites were to give 10 percent of everything they earned and grew to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). The New Testament nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. Paul states that believers should set aside a portion of their income as an offering, but this is not a tithe (1 Corinthians 16:1–2).
God expected the Israelites to honour Him by giving the first fruits of what He gave to them. Leviticus 27:30 states, “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 holy unto the LORD.” Giving the 10 percent tithe was commanded of the Israelites and was therefore an obligation. When Christ died on the cross, He fulfilled the requirements of the Law and made the mandatory 10 percent tithe obsolete. To continue to insist that it is still in effect is to nullify, at least in part, the sacrifice of Christ and return to the idea of justification by works and law-keeping. The first fruits offering found its fulfilment in Jesus. “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).
An offering is that which is freely given by Christians to the work of the Lord, the local church, and/or ministries and missions. But offerings are far more than simply the check we write on Sunday. We are to offer much more to God than our monetary resources. Romans 12:1 exhorts us to offer our bodies “as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God” as part of our worship. Romans 6:13 gives the reason for offering ourselves: because we are “those who have been brought from death to life,” and, as such, we are to “offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.” God is not nearly as interested in our monetary offerings as He is in our submission and obedience. The truth is that He doesn’t need our resources to accomplish His plans and purposes. After all, He owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10) and needs nothing from us. What He desires, however, and what He values, is the heart that overflows with gratitude and thanksgiving to the God who saved us and who gives us all things, knowing our needs before we even ask (Matthew 6:8). Such a heart gives generously, willingly, and cheerfully in response to the love and grace that abound in Christ (2 Corinthians 9:6–8).
7. What percentage of Christians participate in tithing?
Today, most Christians don’t tithe. Consider these statistics. According to State of the Plate, only 10–25 percent of church members tithe. Only 5 percent of the United States population participates in tithing. On average, Christians give 2.5 percent of their income, which is down from the 3.3 percent given during the Great Depression, it may even the same in Nigeria. There are more stats I can share, but I think you get the point. Giving in the Church is on a downward trend regardless of what we might think about tithing in the bible.
When you place your faith in Christ, you will—in time—be transformed into a giver. This doesn’t mean you'll always be in a position to give 10 percent of your income. But it does mean that through faith in Christ, you will be empowered to be generous with what you have. Let me ask you this. Do you desire to tithe? What’s holding you back?
Depending on your situation, there are several reasons why you may not be able to give to your church.
You may:
• Be going through a difficult financial season
• Have to much debt
• Be growing in your faith in Christ
• Not know why you should give
• Not be sure how to give to your church
Regardless of what you believe about tithing—Christ is calling you to a generous life. As you offer your life as a living sacrifice to Christ, review Bible verses about money and stewardship. Prayerfully consider what’s holding you back. Seek help from a friend or a financial advisor. And by the grace of God, strive to live the generous life God has given us and called you to live.
8. Old Testament scriptures on tithing in the bible
1. Genesis 28:20–22: (Jacob offers a tithe) Jacob made a vow (to God), "If God will be with me and will watch over me…all that You give me I will give You a tenth.”
2. Exodus 35:21: Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work.
3. Exodus 35:22: All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.
4. Leviticus 27:30: (The tithe is introduced into law) 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.
5. Leviticus 27:32: The entire tithe of the herd and flock-- every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod-- will be holy to the LORD.
6. Numbers 18:21: I give to the Levites (ministers) all the tithes…in return for the work they do while serving (the Lord).
7. Numbers 18:26: (The Levites tithe) Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, “When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.”
8. Deuteronomy 14:22–23: You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year. And before the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always.
9. Deuteronomy 14:27–29: At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.
10. Amos 4:4–5: (God requires more than the tithe) “Come to Bethel, and transgress; to Gilgal, and multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days; offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened, and proclaim freewill offerings, publish them; for so you love to do, O people of Israel!” declares the Lord God.
11. 2 Chronicles 31:4–5: And he commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion due to the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the Law of the Lord. As soon as the command was spread abroad, the people of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field. And they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.
12. 2 Chronicles 31:12: God’s people faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts.
13. Nehemiah 12:43–44: (God’s people) offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing…could be heard far away. Men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, first fruits and tithes.
14. Nehemiah 12:47: All (of God’s people) contributed the daily portions for the singers, gatekeepers…Levites (ministers).
15. Nehemiah 13:11–12: I rebuked the officials and asked them, "Why is the house of God neglected?" Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts. All (God’s people) brought the tithes…into the storerooms.
16. Malachi 3:7–9: Return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD Almighty. "But you ask, 'How are we to return?' "Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. "But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse-- the whole nation of you-- because you are robbing me.
17. Malachi 3:11–12: (God says to those who bring him tithes and offerings) “I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land.”
18. 1 Kings 17:13, 8–16: Elijah said to (the starving widow woman), "Don't be afraid…first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry’…She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.
19. Exodus 36:3–6: The people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done." Then Moses gave an order…"No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary." And so the people were restrained from bringing more.
20. Malachi 1:6–7: "A son honors his father, a servant honors his master. I am your Father and Master, yet you don't honor me…you despise my name." "Who? Us?" you say. "When did we ever despise your name?" "When you offer polluted sacrifices on my altar." "Polluted sacrifices? When have we ever done a thing like that?" "Every time you say, 'Don't bother bringing anything very valuable to offer to God!'”
21. Malachi 1:8–10: (God’s ministers tell people) 'Lame animals are all right to offer on the altar of the Lord-- yes, even the sick and the blind ones.' And you claim this isn't evil? Try it on your governor sometime-- give him gifts like that-- and see how pleased he is!… I have no pleasure in you," says the Lord Almighty, "and I will not accept your offerings.”
22. Malachi 1:11: “My name will be honored…from morning till night. All around the world people will offer…pure offerings in honor of my name. For my name shall be great among the nations," says the Lord Almighty.
23. Malachi 1:12–13: (Ministers dishonor God by telling people) God’s altar is not important and encouraging people to bring cheap, sick animals to offer to God. "You say, 'Oh, it's too difficult to serve the Lord and do what he asks.' And you turn up your noses at the rules he has given you to obey. Think of it! Stolen animals, lame and sick-- as offerings to God! Should I accept such offerings as these?" asks the Lord.
24. Malachi 1:14: “Cursed is that man who promises a fine ram from his flock and substitutes a sick one to sacrifice to God. For I am a Great King," says the Lord Almighty, "and my name is to be mightily revered among the people of the world."
25. Haggai 1:4: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while (God’s) house remains a ruin?"
26. Haggai 1:5–8: This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways…build (My) house…so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored.”
27. Haggai 1:9–11: "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands."
28. Proverbs 3:9–10: Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
29. Proverbs 18:9: One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.
30. Proverbs 28:22: A stingy man is eager to get rich and is unaware that poverty awaits him.
31. Proverbs 28:27: He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.
32. 1 Chronicles 29:2–3: (King David said to God’s people) “With all my resources I have provided for the temple of my God—gold…silver…bronze…iron…wood…onyx…turquoise…all kinds of fine stone and marble-- all of these in large quantities. In my devotion to the temple of my God I now give my personal treasures of gold and silver for the temple of my God, over and above everything I have provided.
33. 1 Chronicles 29:5–8: (King David said to the leaders) “Who is willing to consecrate himself today to the LORD?" Then the leaders of families…officers…commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds…and the officials…gave willingly. They gave toward the work on the temple of God gold…silver…bronze…iron. Any who had precious stones gave them to the treasury of the temple of the LORD.
34. 1 Chronicles 29:9: The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
35. 1 Chronicles 29:11–12: Everything in heaven and earth is Yours, O LORD. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.
36. 1 Chronicles 29:13–14: (David prayed to God) “God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. "But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
37. 1 Chronicles 29:16: LORD our God, as for all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name, it comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.
38. I Chronicles 29:17: (David prayed to God) “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity. All these (offerings) I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.”
39. Ezra 2:68–69: Families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God. According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work.
40. Deuteronomy 28:12: The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.
41. Psalm 50:10: Every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills…the creatures of the field are mine… the world is mine, and all that is in it.
42. Deuteronomy 8:18: Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.
43.
