What does the Bible say about tithing?
When it comes to tithing, a lot of Christians today are stuck somewhere between Old Testament law and New Testament grace. Is it still required? Is ten percent the rule? What if you can’t give that much—or want to give more? The Bible doesn’t exactly drop a checklist, but it does paint a much richer picture than many people realize.
Let’s break it down, keeping your original points front and center, and adding some historical and scriptural context along the way.
The Old Testament Roots of Tithing
The idea of tithing—literally giving a tenth—shows up early in the Bible. Way before Moses, in fact. In Genesis 14:20, Abraham gives a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, a priest of God Most High. Then later, in Genesis 28:22, Jacob promises to give a tenth of all he has to God if God blesses him and keeps him safe.
But it’s in the Mosaic Law where tithing becomes formalized. Leviticus 27:30 says, “A tithe of everything from the land...belongs to the Lord.” Numbers 18 explains that the tithe was given to support the Levites, who didn’t inherit land like the other tribes but were responsible for temple service. Deuteronomy 14 and 26 add more: some tithes were used for festivals, and every third year a tithe supported the poor.
So by the time of ancient Israel, tithing was part of a detailed economic and worship system. Some scholars argue there were actually multiple tithes, which could total more than ten percent annually, depending on how they were counted.
What Jesus Says About Tithing
Jumping to the New Testament, things shift—but not in the way many assume.
In Matthew 23:23, Jesus says:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices...But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
So, Jesus does affirm tithing, but He’s not exactly giving the Pharisees a gold star. He calls them out for focusing on precision in giving while ignoring the weightier matters of the heart.
The takeaway? Tithing isn't dismissed—it’s just not the whole picture. Jesus points to something deeper: giving that flows from justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
What the New Testament Teaches About Giving
This is where the Bible gets very practical—and personal. Unlike the Old Testament, the New Testament doesn’t prescribe a percentage. Instead, it focuses on motivation and heart posture.
In 2 Corinthians 9:6–7, Paul writes:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This doesn’t cancel out the idea of tithing, but it reframes it. The goal isn’t to hit a number and check the box—it’s to give out of joy, gratitude, and trust.
Paul also encourages regular and proportional giving. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, he tells believers to set aside a sum of money “in keeping with your income” on the first day of the week. So while he doesn’t say “ten percent,” there’s still structure and intentionality.
Generosity Over Legalism
The modern Christian understanding of giving often reflects this spirit. Many churches still talk about tithing as a helpful guideline, but not a binding law. It’s a starting point—one that helps believers practice discipline and consistency in generosity.
But Scripture pushes even further. In Mark 12:41–44, Jesus praises a poor widow who gives just two coins—not because it met a percentage, but because it was all she had. Sacrifice matters more than scale.
That’s why many pastors and Bible teachers today, including people like Tim Keller and John Piper, say that if our giving doesn’t require some lifestyle adjustments, we may not be giving sacrificially. It’s not about guilt. It’s about aligning our priorities with God’s heart.
Tithing and the Local Church
You made a great point here, and it’s worth underlining: supporting the local church is still a key part of Christian giving.
In 1 Timothy 5:17–18, Paul says that elders who direct the affairs of the church—especially those who preach and teach—are worthy of “double honor,” and quotes Scripture to say, “The worker deserves his wages.”
Churches don’t run on good intentions alone. Giving helps fund ministries, pay staff, support missions, and care for people in need. Without generous giving, most local churches simply wouldn’t be able to function.
At the same time, many believers feel called to support other ministries—global missions, crisis relief, Christian education, or local charities. The Bible doesn’t limit giving to one outlet. It emphasizes generosity toward all kinds of needs (see Acts 4:34–35 or James 1:27).
Wealth, Worship, and the Heart
One of the core challenges in any discussion about tithing is the relationship between money and the heart.
Jesus was blunt: “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:24). That’s why giving is never just about funding something—it’s an act of worship. It’s about letting go of control, putting our trust in God, and acknowledging that everything we have comes from Him.
The Bible consistently warns about the dangers of wealth becoming an idol. That’s not just about billionaires. It’s about any of us holding on too tightly, fearing scarcity, or placing our security in our bank accounts instead of God.
So… Should Christians Tithe?
Here’s the short answer: The Bible doesn’t command New Testament believers to tithe in a legalistic sense, but it absolutely calls us to give generously, regularly, and with joy. The ten percent model is still a solid starting point—it can stretch us, teach us discipline, and keep us mindful of God’s provision.
But if you’re giving less, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. And if you’re giving more, it doesn’t mean you’re earning God’s favor. What matters most is the heart behind it.
Wrapping It Up
So, what does the Bible say about tithing? Quite a bit, actually. It gives us a model from the Old Testament, an affirmation from Jesus, and a reimagined vision of generosity in the New Testament. It pushes us beyond mere percentages and into a life of joyful, sacrificial giving that reflects God’s own generosity toward us.
If you’re wondering how much to give, start with prayer, not a calculator. Ask God what He wants you to do with what He’s given you. Look at your lifestyle. Consider your church’s needs. Think about where your money could bring hope, healing, and the love of Christ.
In the end, giving isn’t about meeting a rule. It’s about participating in the work of the kingdom—and trusting that God will always provide enough for those who live with open hands.
Verses about tithing:
Malachi 3:10, "Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
1 Corinthians 16:2, "On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come."
Acts 4:34-35, "There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need."
Luke 6:38, "Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."
Hebrews 13:16, "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
