What does the Bible say about tithing — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What does the Bible say about tithing?" Actually Means
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.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Malachi 3:10
"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."
2 Corinthians 9:7
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
Matthew 23:23
"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."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is Tithing?
Daily Living
What Does the Bible Say About Tithing and Giving?
Daily Living
Is Tithing Required for Christians?
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.
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.