Is Tithing Required in the New Testament?
Is Tithing Required in the New Testament? The New Testament does not explicitly command tithing but teaches generous, sacrificial, and cheerful giving. Many Christians tithe as a baseline while recognizing grace-based generosity goes beyond percentage rules.
Key verse: 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)
The New Testament does not explicitly command tithing but teaches generous, sacrificial, and cheerful giving. Many Christians tithe as a baseline while recognizing grace-based generosity goes beyond percentage rules.
The New Testament does not explicitly command tithing but teaches generous, sacrificial, and cheerful giving. Many Christians tithe as a baseline while recognizing grace-based generosity goes beyond percentage rules.
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity." — 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Tithing (giving 10%) is established in the Old Testament — Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20), and the Mosaic law required tithes (Leviticus 27:30, Malachi 3:10). Jesus mentioned tithing approvingly but criticized the Pharisees for neglecting 'the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone' (Matthew 23:23). In the New Testament, giving principles shift from law to grace. Paul instructed, 'Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him' (1 Corinthians 16:2) — proportional giving. He taught, '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). The early church gave radically: 'Neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own' (Acts 4:32). Many theologians see the tithe as a good starting point, with grace-motivated generosity potentially exceeding it. The heart attitude matters more than the exact percentage.
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
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity."
"These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone."
"Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him."
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 Giving and Generosity?
God loves a cheerful giver. Scripture teaches that generosity reflects God's character, brings blessing, and should be done willingly, sacrificially, and without seeking recognition.
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 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 2 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 2 Corinthians on day 330 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “Is Tithing Required in the New Testament?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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