What Does the Bible Say About Tithing — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Malachi 3:10, sits inside Malachi 3. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"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."
Supporting Passages
"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."
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