20 Bible Verses About Tithing
Old Testament Commands and New Testament Principles on Giving
This comprehensive study examines 20 key biblical passages on tithing and giving, exploring both Old Testament commands and New Testament principles for Christian stewardship and generosity.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Understanding Tithing
Tithing—the practice of giving a tenth of one's income or produce to God—has been part of biblical faith since before the Law of Moses. The word "tithe" comes from the Hebrew word ma'aser (מַעֲשֵׂר), literally meaning "tenth part."
In the Old Testament, tithing was commanded as a way to support the Levitical priesthood, maintain the temple, and provide for the poor. In the New Testament, while the specific command to tithe is not repeated, principles of generous, cheerful, and sacrificial giving are emphasized throughout.
Continuity and Development
Biblical giving shows both continuity (God's people have always been called to generous support of His work) and development (New Testament giving emphasizes heart attitude over legalistic compliance). Understanding both Testaments provides a complete picture of biblical stewardship.
📜 Part One: Old Testament Tithing Commands
Verses 1-8: The Foundation of Tithing in the Law and Prophets
Old Testament Tithing Commands (Verses 1-8)
1 Genesis 14:18-20 (ESV)
"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!' And Abram gave him a tenth of everything."
2 Genesis 28:20-22 (ESV)
"Then Jacob made a vow, saying, 'If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father's house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God's house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.'"
3 Leviticus 27:30 (ESV)
"Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord."
4 Leviticus 27:32 (ESV)
"And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman's staff, shall be holy to the Lord."
5 Numbers 18:21 (ESV)
"To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting."
6 Numbers 18:26 (ESV)
"Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, 'When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.'"
7 Deuteronomy 14:22-23 (ESV)
"You shall tithe all the yield of your seed that comes from the field year by year. And before the Lord your God, in the place that he will choose, to make his name dwell there, you shall eat the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and flock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always."
8 Malachi 3:8-10 (ESV)
"Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need."
✝️ Part Two: New Testament Giving Principles
Verses 9-20: Grace-Based Giving in the New Covenant
New Testament Giving Principles (Verses 9-20)
9 Matthew 23:23 (ESV)
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."
10 Luke 11:42 (ESV)
"But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."
11 Luke 18:12 (ESV)
"I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get."
12 Acts 20:35 (ESV)
"In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
13 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 (ESV)
"Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel."
14 1 Corinthians 16:2 (ESV)
"On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come."
15 2 Corinthians 8:7 (ESV)
"But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also."
16 2 Corinthians 8:12 (ESV)
"For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have."
17 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV)
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
18 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 (ESV)
"He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
19 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
20 Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."
Key Themes in Biblical Giving
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Proportional Giving
Scripture consistently teaches giving based on what one has received. The tithe (10%) provides a benchmark, while New Testament giving emphasizes proportionality based on blessing.
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Cheerful Attitude
God cares not just about the amount but the heart. Reluctant, compelled giving misses the point—God loves a cheerful giver who gives willingly.
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Supporting Ministry
From Levites to gospel preachers, Scripture teaches that those who serve in ministry should be supported by those they serve.
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Sowing and Reaping
Generous giving is like planting seed—God promises to multiply what is given faithfully, not because giving earns blessing but because God honors faith.
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Worship and Thanks
Giving is an act of worship that produces thanksgiving to God. It acknowledges God as the source of all blessing.
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Helping the Needy
Biblical giving includes support for the poor and vulnerable. Generosity extends beyond the church to all in need.
Practical Application
Putting Biblical Giving Into Practice
- Start with prayer: Ask God to guide your giving and reveal any unhealthy attachment to money
- Consider the tithe as a starting point: While New Testament giving is not legalistic, 10% provides a time-tested benchmark
- Give regularly: Set aside giving as part of your regular budget, not as an afterthought
- Support your local church: The "storehouse" principle suggests prioritizing your local faith community
- Give beyond the tithe: Offerings above the tithe support special causes and those in need
- Cultivate cheerfulness: Remember God's provision and give with gratitude, not guilt
- Teach children about giving: Model and instruct the next generation in biblical stewardship
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tithing in the Bible?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income or produce to God. The word 'tithe' comes from the Hebrew word 'ma'aser' meaning 'tenth part.' It was established in the Old Testament as a way to support the Levitical priesthood and the work of the temple.
Does the New Testament require tithing?
The New Testament does not explicitly command a specific percentage for giving. Instead, it emphasizes cheerful, sacrificial, and proportional giving based on one's means. Christians are called to generous stewardship rather than legalistic compliance. Many believers use the tithe (10%) as a guideline while recognizing that New Testament giving is heart-driven.
What did Malachi say about tithing?
Malachi 3:8-12 contains God's challenge to bring the full tithe into the storehouse, with the promise of blessing for obedience. God accuses Israel of "robbing" Him by withholding tithes and offers to "open the windows of heaven" for those who faithfully give. This passage emphasizes both the seriousness of withholding what belongs to God and His generous response to faithful giving.
Should Christians tithe on gross or net income?
Scripture does not specify gross versus net. This is a matter of personal conviction and prayerful decision. Some argue for gross (the "firstfruits" principle), while others give from net (what they actually receive). The key is consistent, prayerful, cheerful giving—not legalistic calculation.
Can tithes be given to organizations other than the local church?
The "storehouse" principle in Malachi suggests the local faith community should be the primary recipient. However, many believers also support parachurch ministries, missions, and charitable organizations. The New Testament emphasizes supporting those who teach (Galatians 6:6) and helping those in need (2 Corinthians 9:12-13).
What if I can't afford to tithe?
God evaluates giving based on willingness and sacrifice, not absolute amount (2 Corinthians 8:12). If you cannot give 10%, start where you are and grow. Many who have faithfully given even when struggling testify to God's provision. Pray, budget, and trust God while growing in generosity.
Last updated: March 31, 2026