What does the Bible say about tithing — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
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, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
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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