What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?
God doesn’t need your money — but He desires your heart, and your giving reveals where it truly belongs.
Maybe you’ve sat through a Sunday sermon and felt that pang in your gut when the offering plate passed by. Maybe you’ve wondered, Is this required? Am I being generous enough? What if I just can’t afford it right now? Tithing is one of those spiritual disciplines that can stir up guilt, confusion, or even resentment. For some, it’s a joy. For others, it feels like a burden.
Money is deeply personal — and yet, God speaks about it often in His Word. Why? Because our finances are closely tied to our hearts. Jesus Himself said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). That’s why understanding tithing isn’t just about church budgets or Old Testament law. It’s about discipleship. It’s about trust.
So, what does the Bible say about tithing? Is it still required for Christians today? How can we give faithfully in a way that honors God and blesses others? Let’s explore what Scripture teaches — and how you can live it out with joy.
🔍 Biblical Foundation: What Does God Say About Tithing?
1. Tithing in the Old Testament: A Sacred Practice of Giving
The concept of tithing (from the Hebrew word ma’aser, meaning “a tenth”) first appears in the Old Testament. In Genesis 14:18–20, Abraham gives a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, a priest of God Most High. Later, Jacob promises to give a tenth of all he receives from God (Genesis 28:22). But these early tithes were voluntary expressions of worship, not commanded requirements.
It isn’t until the Mosaic Law that tithing becomes formalized:
“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”
— Leviticus 27:30
The Israelites were required to give various tithes, primarily to support the Levites (who had no land inheritance), the temple, and the poor (see Numbers 18:21–24; Deuteronomy 14:28–29). In total, their giving likely exceeded 20% annually.
Tithing was not merely a financial transaction — it was a reminder that everything belonged to God, and He deserved the first and best.
2. Prophets and Tithing: A Measure of the Heart
The prophet Malachi delivered a sobering word from the Lord:
“Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings.”
— Malachi 3:8
The people had grown lax in giving. God accused them of robbing Him — not because He needed their grain or gold, but because their stinginess revealed their spiritual neglect. Yet God also made a stunning promise:
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven…”
— Malachi 3:10
This is the only time in Scripture where God invites His people to test Him. Generosity, He says, unlocks divine provision.
3. Jesus and the Tithe: Beyond Obligation
Jesus addressed tithing only a few times — most notably in rebuking the Pharisees:
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth… but you have neglected the more important matters of the law — justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
— Matthew 23:23
Jesus acknowledged the practice of tithing, but He emphasized the heart behind it. The Pharisees were scrupulous about giving the exact tenth — yet blind to compassion and justice. God isn’t impressed by math; He desires mercy, faith, and love.
4. Tithing in the New Testament Church: Grace-Based Giving
After the resurrection, the early church did not operate under the Old Covenant tithe system. Instead, their generosity exploded with grace:
“They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”
— Acts 2:45
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
Paul doesn’t mention a required percentage. Instead, giving becomes an act of love, a joyful response to God’s generosity in Christ. The standard shifts from legal duty to Spirit-led sacrifice.
🛠️ Practical Guidance: How to Live It Out
So, if tithing isn’t a law binding on Christians, what should our giving look like? Here are some biblical principles to help you live generously and faithfully:
1. Give Regularly
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money…”
— 1 Corinthians 16:2
Make giving a planned habit — not an occasional afterthought. Whether it’s weekly or monthly, intentional generosity honors God.
2. Give Proportionally
While the New Testament doesn’t mandate 10%, the principle of proportionate giving still stands. If 10% was a starting point under the Law, how much more should grace compel us?
Ask yourself: Am I giving in a way that reflects God’s generosity to me?
3. Give Sacrificially
“They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.”
— 2 Corinthians 8:3
True generosity costs something. It might mean less spending on self to bless others or to support gospel work. It might stretch your faith.
4. Give Joyfully
God doesn’t want guilt-ridden givers. He delights in hearts that find joy in sharing. Generosity is not loss — it’s sowing into eternity.
5. Give to the Church and Beyond
The early Christians supported local believers, missionaries, and the poor. Your giving can include:
- Your local church (for discipleship, missions, staff, ministry needs)
- Evangelistic ministries
- Gospel-centered charities
- Personal giving to those in need
🪞 Heart Work: Why Is Giving So Hard?
Let’s be honest — generosity isn’t always easy. Why?
1. Fear of Lack
We worry: If I give, will I have enough left? This reveals a deeper trust issue. Do we believe God is our Provider?
Jesus said:
“Do not worry… your heavenly Father knows what you need.”
— Matthew 6:31–32
When you give in faith, you’re declaring, God is my security — not my salary.
2. Love of Comfort
We often treat giving like tipping: we give when it’s convenient, after we’ve covered our desires. But sacrificial giving challenges our comfort zones — and that’s where transformation happens.
3. Control and Pride
Sometimes, we want to decide how our money is used. But giving requires surrender. It’s not about control — it’s about obedience.
Are you giving for recognition? To ease guilt? Or out of love for Christ and His mission?
4. Gospel Amnesia
When we forget how much God has given us — His Son, His Spirit, eternal life — our hearts grow tightfisted. But when we remember the cross, we can’t help but give.
“You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ… though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor.”
— 2 Corinthians 8:9
🌱 Encouragement: You’re Not Alone in This
Every believer wrestles with generosity at some point. You’re not strange if this is hard. Even the Macedonian Christians gave “in the midst of a very severe trial” and “extreme poverty” — yet overflowed with joy and generosity (2 Corinthians 8:2).
Their secret? They “gave themselves first to the Lord” (v. 5). That’s the heart of giving.
When you surrender fully to Jesus, your hands open naturally.
And the good news is this: You cannot outgive God.
He sees your faith, your sacrifice, your obedience. And He promises:
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over…”
— Luke 6:38
📣 Walk Forward in Faith
Tithing is not about a number — it’s about your heart.
God isn’t keeping score. He’s inviting you into a life of joyful generosity, rooted in grace and fueled by trust. Whether you give 10%, 5%, or 50%, what matters most is this: Do you give in faith, in love, and in worship?
Today, ask the Lord:
- Am I trusting You with my finances?
- What would joyful, sacrificial giving look like for me right now?
- How can I reflect Your generosity to the world around me?
🙏 Sample Prayer
Lord, You are the Giver of every good thing. I confess my fears, my pride, and my struggle to trust You with money. Teach me to give freely, not out of obligation, but from a heart that treasures You above all. Show me how to honor You with my finances and use them for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
📘 Journaling Questions
- What is one fear I have about giving generously?
- How has God provided for me in the past?
- What would it look like to give with joy, not reluctance?
If this encouraged you, consider taking a step of faith this week. Whether it’s reviewing your budget, starting a giving plan, or blessing someone in need — let generosity become your worship.
Because when your treasure is in God’s hands, your heart will be too.