What Is Tithing — In Biblical Context
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)
The Biblical Context
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.
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."
"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase."
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