What Is Tithing — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What Is Tithing?" Actually Means
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.
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."
Proverbs 3:9
"Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What does the Bible say about 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.