What Is Tithing?
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.
Key verse: Malachi 3:10 (KJV)
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.
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.
"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)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The word 'tithe' literally means 'a tenth.' Tithing predates the Mosaic law — Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20), and Jacob vowed to give God a tenth (Genesis 28:22). Under the law, Israel was commanded to tithe on their produce and livestock (Leviticus 27:30-32). Malachi 3:10 contains God's famous challenge: '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, and pour you out a blessing.' In the New Testament, while the specific command to tithe is not repeated, the principle of generous, proportional giving is strongly affirmed. Paul taught giving that is cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:7), proportional (1 Corinthians 16:2), and sacrificial. Jesus commended the widow who gave her last two mites (Mark 12:41-44). Many Christians view 10% as a starting point, not a ceiling. The heart behind giving matters more than the percentage — God loves a cheerful giver, not one who gives grudgingly.
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, 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."
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."
"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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.
Who Was Melchizedek in the Bible?
Melchizedek was a mysterious king of Salem and priest of the Most High God who blessed Abraham and received tithes from him.
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 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 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 Is Tithing?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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