What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?
What Does the Bible Say About Tithing? The Old Testament established the tithe (10% of income) as God's standard for giving, while the New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful, and proportional giving.
Key verse: Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
The Old Testament established the tithe (10% of income) as God's standard for giving, while the New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful, and proportional giving.
The Old Testament established the tithe (10% of income) as God's standard for giving, while the New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful, and proportional giving.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing." — Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Tithing predates the Mosaic Law—Abraham tithed to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20) and Jacob pledged a tenth to God (Genesis 28:22). The Law formalized multiple tithes totaling approximately 23% annually (Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:26, Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Malachi 3:10 challenges Israel to bring the full tithe and promises overflowing blessing. In the New Testament, Jesus affirmed tithing (Matthew 23:23) while emphasizing heart attitude. Paul taught proportional, planned, cheerful giving (1 Corinthians 16:2, 2 Corinthians 9:7). While Christians debate whether the 10% tithe is binding under the New Covenant, most agree it remains a helpful starting point. The New Testament standard may actually exceed 10%—generous, sacrificial giving that reflects God's generosity to us.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Tithing & Giving?
What the Bible teaches about tithing, generous giving, and financial offerings to God.
Key Scripture References
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing."
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Giving and Generosity?
The Bible teaches that generous giving reflects God's character, should be done cheerfully and sacrificially, and results in both spiritual and material blessing.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible teaches that money itself is not evil, but the love of money is the root of all evil, and believers must be wise stewards of their finances.
What Does the Bible Say About Stewardship?
Biblical stewardship teaches that everything belongs to God and believers are entrusted to manage their time, talents, money, and resources faithfully.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Malachi. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Malachi on day 278 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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