Is Tithing Required for Christians?
Is Tithing Required for Christians? While the Old Testament commanded a tithe (10%), the New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful, and sacrificial giving from the heart — guided by grace rather than law.
Key verse: Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
While the Old Testament commanded a tithe (10%), the New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful, and sacrificial giving from the heart — guided by grace rather than law.
While the Old Testament commanded a tithe (10%), the New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful, and sacrificial giving from the heart — guided by grace rather than law.
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house." — Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The tithe (meaning 'tenth') was commanded in the Old Testament: 'Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse' (Malachi 3:10). Abraham tithed to Melchizedek before the Law (Genesis 14:20). Jesus affirmed tithing while criticizing the Pharisees for neglecting justice and mercy (Matthew 23:23). However, the New Testament shifts the emphasis from a percentage to a principle. Paul 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). Giving should be proportional: 'As God hath prospered him' (1 Corinthians 16:2). The early church gave sacrificially — even 'beyond their power' (2 Corinthians 8:3). Jesus praised the widow who gave two mites — all she had (Mark 12:42-44). Many Christians use 10% as a starting point while recognizing that grace often leads to greater generosity. The principle is clear: everything belongs to God, and generous giving reflects trust in His provision.
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."
"God loveth a cheerful giver."
"She of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."
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 Stewardship?
Everything belongs to God, and believers are stewards entrusted with managing His resources — time, money, talents, and the earth itself.
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:
Is Tithing Required in the New Testament?
Daily Living
Is Tithing Required in the New Testament?
Daily Living
What Is Tithing?
Daily Living
Struggling with Tithing and Giving
Scriptures about generosity, tithing, and trusting God with your finances.
1 Corinthians 10:31 Commentary
In-depth study • Living for God's Glory
Practicing Generosity
Scriptures about giving, generosity, and the blessing of open-handed living.
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 “Is Tithing Required for Christians?” 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.