What Does the Bible Say About Tithing and Giving?
What Does the Bible Say About Tithing and Giving? The Bible presents tithing as an Old Testament principle and generous, cheerful giving as the New Testament standard for supporting God's work.
Key verse: Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
The Bible presents tithing as an Old Testament principle and generous, cheerful giving as the New Testament standard for supporting God's work.
The Bible presents tithing as an Old Testament principle and generous, cheerful giving as the New Testament standard for supporting God's work.
"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." — Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Tithing — giving a tenth — predates the Mosaic Law. Abraham tithed to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20), and Jacob pledged a tenth to God (Genesis 28:22). Under the Law, Israel gave multiple tithes totaling roughly 23% of income (Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:26, Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Malachi 3:10 challenges Israel: 'Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse... and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven.' In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts from a fixed percentage to heart attitude. Paul instructs, 'Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver' (2 Corinthians 9:7). Jesus commended the widow who gave two mites — her 'all' (Mark 12:41-44). The principle is clear: generosity reflects trust in God and funds His work on earth.
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."
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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.
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.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Struggling with Tithing and Giving
Scriptures about generosity, tithing, and trusting God with your finances.
What Is Tithing?
Daily Living
What does the Bible say about tithing?
Daily Living
Is Tithing Required for Christians?
Daily Living
Tithing & Giving Bible Quiz
Bringing all the tithes, cheerful giving, and the windows of heaven.
A Thanksgiving Gathering
Scriptures about gratitude and thankfulness, perfect for Thanksgiving celebratio
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 and Giving?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.