What does the Bible say about tithing?
What does the Bible say about tithing? The Old Testament commands giving a tenth (tithe) of one's income to God. The New Testament emphasizes cheerful, generous, and sacrificial giving without specifying a percentage.
Key verse: Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
The Old Testament commands giving a tenth (tithe) of one's income to God. The New Testament emphasizes cheerful, generous, and sacrificial giving without specifying a percentage.
The Old Testament commands giving a tenth (tithe) of one's income to God. The New Testament emphasizes cheerful, generous, and sacrificial giving without specifying a percentage.
"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, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." — 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 gave a tenth to Melchizedek, and Jacob vowed a tenth to God. Under the Law, Israel was required to give multiple tithes totaling more than 10%. Malachi challenged Israel for 'robbing God' by withholding tithes. In the New Testament, Jesus affirmed tithing while criticizing the Pharisees for tithing herbs while neglecting justice and mercy. Paul taught principles of generous, cheerful, and proportional giving rather than mandating a specific percentage. Many Christians view the tithe as a good starting point for giving, while recognizing that New Testament grace often calls believers to even greater generosity. The key principle is that everything belongs to God.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?
Biblical principles about tithing, giving a tenth, and generous financial worship.
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, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
"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 Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
What Does the Bible Say About Generosity?
The Bible teaches that generosity reflects God's character, brings blessing to both giver and receiver, and is to be practiced cheerfully and sacrificially.
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.
What Is Tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.
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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