How much should Christians tithe?
Throughout Christian history, believers have wrestled with the question of tithing. While the Old Testament provides clear instruction regarding a tenth, the New Testament approaches giving with a different emphasis, focusing on generous, joyful, and sacrificial giving rather than a strict percentage. As we explore the biblical teaching, it becomes clear that while the principle of giving generously to God’s work remains, the specific mandate of a tithe takes on new contours in the new covenant.
While the Old Testament prescribed a tithe, New Testament giving is characterized by joyful generosity rather than a strict percentage.
The Old Testament Practice of Tithing Tithing, the practice of giving a tenth of one's income or produce, is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Its origins predate the Mosaic Law, as seen in Abraham giving a tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20) and Jacob vowing to give a tenth to God (Genesis 28:20-22). Under the Mosaic Law, tithing became a commanded practice for the Israelites. There were primarily three types of tithes:
1. The Levitical Tithe: This tithe was given to the Levites for their service in the tabernacle and temple, as they had no tribal land inheritance (Numbers 18:21-24). The Levites, in turn, were to give a tenth of what they received to the high priest (Numbers 18:25-28).
2. The Festival Tithe: This tithe was to be brought to Jerusalem and consumed by the worshiper and his family in celebration and fellowship before the Lord during annual festivals (Deuteronomy 14:22-27). Every third year, this tithe was kept in local towns and shared with the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
3. The Poor Tithe: Every third year, instead of going to Jerusalem, the festival tithe was to be stored in the towns and given to the Levites, the foreigners, the fatherless, and the widows (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). This is sometimes considered the same as the festival tithe in the third year.
Combined, these tithes could amount to more than 20% of a person's income in any given year, illustrating a comprehensive system of support for religious leaders, national festivals, and care for the needy within Israel. The motivation for tithing was often linked to obedience and the promise of God's blessing (Malachi 3:8-10).
New Testament Principles of Giving The New Testament does not explicitly command a tithe (a tenth) for Christians. Instead, it shifts the focus from a legalistic percentage to principles of generous, joyful, proportionate, and sacrificial giving. Jesus affirmed the principle of tithing in Matthew 23:23, but warned against neglecting
Bible verses about how much to tithe
"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was priest of God Most High. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth: and blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him a tenth of all."
"Thou shalt surely tithe all the increase of thy seed, that which cometh forth from the field year by year. And thou shalt eat before Jehovah thy God, in the place which he shall choose, to cause his name to dwell there, the tithe of thy grain, of thy new wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herd and of thy flock; that thou mayest learn to fear Jehovah thy God always. And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it, because the place is too far from thee, which Jehovah thy God shall choose, to set his name there, when Jehovah thy God shall bless thee; then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thy hand, and shalt go unto the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose: and thou shalt bestow the money for whatsoever thy soul desireth, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul asketh of thee; and thou shalt eat there before Jehovah thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou and thy household. And the Levite that is within thy gates, thou shalt not forsake him; for he hath no portion nor inheritance with thee. At the end of every three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase in the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates: and the Levite, because he hath no portion nor inheritance with thee, and the sojourner, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that Jehovah thy God may bless thee in all the work of thy hand which thou doest."
"Will a man rob God? yet ye rob me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with the curse; for ye rob me, even this whole nation. Bring ye the whole tithe into the store-house, that there may be food in my house, and prove me now herewith, saith Jehovah of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye tithe mint and anise and cummin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law, justice, and mercy, and faith: but these ye ought to have done, and not to have left the other undone."
"But thisI say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
"Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come."
"In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
"And he looked up, and saw the rich men that were casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, This poor widow cast in more than they all: for all these did of their superfluity cast in unto the gifts; but she of her want did cast in all the living that she had."
Frequently asked
Does tithing apply to gross or net income?
The Bible does not specify whether tithing should be based on gross or net income. In the Old Testament agricultural context, it was a tenth of the ‘produce of the land’ (Leviticus 27:30). Many Christians prayerfully consider their own circumstances and convictions. Some argue for gross income as it represents God's rightful portion before any other deductions, while others consider net income as it is what they actually have available. The key biblical principle is giving faithfully and generously from what God has provided.
What if I can't afford to tithe 10%?
The New Testament emphasizes giving according to what one has, not what one does not have (2 Corinthians 8:12). If you genuinely cannot afford to give 10%, the focus should be on giving faithfully and sacrificially as you are able, with a joyful heart, reflecting gratitude for God's blessings. The story of the widow's mite (Luke 21:1-4) highlights that the amount is less important than the heart and proportion of the gift. The goal is to grow in generosity as God provides.
Where should I give my tithe or offering?
Traditionally, Christians have understood the 'storehouse' mentioned in Malachi 3:10 to refer to the local church where they are spiritually fed and participate in ministry. This provides for the church's operations, pastoral staff, and ministries. Beyond the local church, Christians may also feel led to give to other ministries, missions, or charitable organizations. The New Testament highlights supporting those who minister the Word (1 Timothy 5:17-18) and caring for the poor and needy. Prayerful discernment is key.
Is withholding tithes a sin?
The Old Testament passage in Malachi 3:8-10 refers to withholding tithes as 'robbing God.' In the New Testament, while a specific percentage is not commanded, a lack of generosity or an unwillingness to give what one is capable of giving, especially when done out of selfishness or distrust of God, would be contrary to New Testament teachings on giving. Giving is an act of worship, obedience, and love. Therefore, consistently failing to give cheerfully and generously, according to one's means, would indicate a spiritual issue rather than merely a financial one.
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