Tithing has been a practice in many religions for centuries, and it refers to giving a tenth of one’s income to the church or a religious organization. In the Bible, there are various verses that mention tithing and its importance.
Whether you are new to the concept of tithing or looking to deepen your understanding, this blog post will explore some key Bible verses about tithing 10 percent and their significance in today’s world. So, let’s dive in and discover what the Bible has to say about this ancient practice.
Bible Verses About Tithing 10 Percent
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
In Malachi 3:10, God commands His people to bring their whole tithe into the storehouse. The tithe refers to giving a tenth of one’s income or produce to the Lord.
This verse emphasizes the importance of tithing and the blessings that follow when we are faithful in this practice. God invites His people to test Him by being obedient in giving, and He promises to pour out abundant blessings.
Leviticus 27:30
“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 establishes the principle of tithing by declaring that everything from the land, including crops and fruits, belongs to the Lord. It is a recognition that God is the ultimate owner and provider of all things.
By setting apart a tenth as holy to the Lord, we acknowledge His sovereignty and our dependence on Him.
Deuteronomy 14:22
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.”
In Deuteronomy 14:22, God instructs His people to set aside a tenth of their annual produce. This verse reiterates the commitment to tithing and underscores the importance of consistently giving a portion of our blessings back to God.
It is a reminder that all we have comes from Him, and by tithing, we honor His provision in our lives.
Genesis 14:20
“And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
In Genesis 14:20, we see an example of tithing through Abram (later known as Abraham). After a victory in battle, Abram acknowledged God’s deliverance and responded by giving a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High.
This act of gratitude and worship reveals Abram’s understanding of God’s faithfulness and his desire to honor Him.
Numbers 18:21
“I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.”
Numbers 18:21 outlines the allocation of tithes for the Levites, the tribe responsible for serving and ministering before the Lord. God designated the tithes as their inheritance.
This verse highlights the importance of supporting those who serve the Lord full-time and underscores that our tithes are not only an act of obedience but also a means to sustain ministry and service in the House of God.
2 Chronicles 31:5
“As soon as the command was spread abroad, the people of Israel gave in abundance the firstfruits of grain, wine, oil, honey, and of all the produce of the field. And they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything.”
2 Chronicles 31:5 recounts a time when the people of Israel willingly and joyfully gave their tithes and offerings in abundance. The verse emphasizes their generosity and eagerness to support the work of the Lord.
It serves as a reminder that tithing should not be viewed as a burden but as a privilege and opportunity to participate in God’s kingdom work.
Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
Proverbs 3:9-10 encourages us to honor the Lord with our wealth and the firstfruits of our crops. This verse teaches the principle of putting God first in our finances.
When we prioritize Him and faithfully give our tithes and offerings, He promises to bless us abundantly. The overflowing barns and brimming vats symbolize the provision and prosperity that come from honoring God with our giving.
Hebrews 7:8
“And here mortal men receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives.”
In Hebrews 7:8, the author refers to the human priests who receive tithes from the people on earth and draws a contrast to Jesus, who is greater than any human priest. This verse points to Jesus as the ultimate recipient of our tithes.
It reminds us that our giving is ultimately unto Him, recognizing His authority, lordship, and eternal priesthood.
Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices – mint, dill, and cumin. 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.”
In Matthew 23:23, Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for their emphasis on tithing without giving equal importance to justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This verse highlights the need for a balanced approach to our spiritual practices. Tithing is important, but it should not overshadow matters of the heart and practical expressions of love and righteousness.
Luke 18:12
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”
In Luke 18:12, the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, the Pharisee boasts about his religious practices, including tithing. While tithing itself is not condemned, Jesus uses this parable to caution against pride and self-righteousness.
This verse reminds us that tithing should be accompanied by humility and a genuine heart towards God.
Luke 11:42
“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.”
Luke 11:42 reiterates Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees, emphasizing the importance of justice and love alongside tithing. It highlights that tithing alone is not sufficient if it does not flow from a heart that also seeks justice and loves God and others.
This verse challenges us to evaluate the motivations behind our tithing and to ensure that it aligns with God’s heart for righteousness and compassion.
1 Corinthians 16:2
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”
In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul instructs the Corinthian believers to set aside money on the first day of each week for the purpose of collecting it for the assistance of the saints in Jerusalem.
Though not explicitly mentioned as tithing, this verse suggests regular and intentional giving as a practice for believers. It encourages us to be thoughtful and consistent in our financial stewardship, contributing as we are able to the needs of others.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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.”
In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Paul teaches about the principle of sowing and reaping in the context of giving. This passage underscores the importance of a generous and willing heart in our giving.
It reminds us that God appreciates cheerful givers who sow their resources generously. Our motivation should not be obligation or compulsion but a joyful response to God’s grace and provision.
Philippians 4:15-16
“Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.”
In Philippians 4:15-16, Paul commends the church in Philippi for their consistent support and generosity in giving. This verse highlights the importance of shared responsibility in meeting the needs of the church and supporting those engaged in ministry.
It also reflects the partnership and mutual relationship between the givers and recipients of financial support, affirming the interconnectedness of the body of Christ.
1 Timothy 5:17-18
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.'”
In 1 Timothy 5:17-18, Paul teaches about the proper treatment and compensation of elders and leaders in the church. This verse implies that tithes and offerings play a role in financially supporting those who labor in preaching and teaching.
It emphasizes the principle of fair wages and the responsibility of the church to provide for the needs of its leaders as they faithfully serve in their ministry roles.
Hebrews 7:1-10
“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means ‘king of righteousness’; then also, ‘king of Salem’ means ‘king of peace.’ Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever. Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their fellow Israelites—even though they also are descended from Abraham. This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater. In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.”
Hebrews 7:1-10 presents the unique priesthood of Melchizedek. This passage points out that even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, acknowledging his authority and priesthood.
The author of Hebrews contrasts this priesthood with the Levitical priesthood, highlighting its superiority. This passage serves as a reminder that tithing existed before the Law of Moses and continues to hold significance beyond the Old Testament system.
It points to Jesus as our eternal high priest after the pattern and order of Melchizedek, providing further insight into the spiritual significance of tithing.
Malachi 3:8
“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings.”
Malachi 3:8 begins the passage in which God confronts the people of Israel for their failure to bring the whole tithe and offerings. This verse exposes the seriousness of withholding tithes and offerings from God as robbing Him. It frames tithing as an act of obedience, trust, and faithfulness towards God. It serves as a reminder that our financial resources are ultimately His, and He expects us to honor Him with our giving.
Luke 12:33
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”
In Luke 12:33, Jesus instructs His followers to sell their possessions and give to the poor. This verse reveals the heart of generosity and sacrifice that Jesus calls His disciples to embrace.
While it does not explicitly mention tithing, it embodies the spirit of radical giving and selflessness. It challenges us to consider how we can use our resources to bless others and store up treasures in heaven.
Acts 4:32-35
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power, the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time, those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
Acts 4:32-35 describes the communal living and generosity among the early believers. This passage paints a picture of a community that held all possessions in common and willingly sold their possessions to provide for one another.
Again, while tithing is not explicitly mentioned, this passage demonstrates the principle of radical generosity, sacrificial giving, and caring for the needs of the church.
Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:24-25 emphasizes the principle of generosity and the blessings that come with it. This passage teaches that a generous person not only receives temporal blessings but also experiences the refreshing and satisfaction that comes from giving. It suggests that by giving freely, we open ourselves up to the abundant provision and favor of God.
Matthew 6:1-4
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So, when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
In Matthew 6:1-4, Jesus teaches about the motive behind our giving. This passage cautions against giving for the sake of recognition or praise from others. Instead, it encourages us to give in secret, with a genuine heart of compassion and love for those in need.
By doing so, we receive a reward from our Heavenly Father rather than seeking validation from people.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you: a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38 teaches the principle of sowing and reaping. This verse assures us that as we give, we will receive in abundance.
The imagery of a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over illustrates the generous return that comes from our giving. It emphasizes the principle that the measure we use in giving is the same measure that will be used in blessing us.
2 Corinthians 8:12
“For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”
In 2 Corinthians 8:12, Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to give according to their means and willingness. This verse highlights that God values the heart behind our giving more than the quantity.
It reassures those who may feel inadequate in their ability to give that their gifts are acceptable when they are offered with a sincere heart and a spirit of generosity.
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Acts 20:35 records a teaching of Paul, in which he quotes Jesus’ words that it is more blessed to give than to receive. This verse underscores the joy and fulfillment found in giving. It reminds us that as we extend help and support to others, particularly the weak and those in need, we experience a greater sense of blessing and satisfaction than if we were solely focused on receiving.
These verses provide an extensive collection of passages that speak directly or indirectly about tithing and giving. They reveal the biblical principles and teachings surrounding the practice of giving a tenth of our income or produce to the Lord.
Tithing is portrayed as an act of obedience, worship, and faith, acknowledging God as the ultimate provider and owner of all things. The verses also highlight the blessings that come from tithing, both in material and spiritual realms.
They teach about the importance of supporting the work of the Lord, caring for the needs of the church, and compassionately giving to the poor and needy. Additionally, the verses remind us that giving must be done with the right heart and motives, emphasizing humility, gratitude, and a genuine desire to honor God and serve others.
As we apply these principles in our lives, we participate in God’s kingdom work and invite His abundant provision and favor into our lives.
What does the Bible say About Tithing 10 Percent?
Tithing, in biblical terms, refers to the practice of giving one-tenth (10 percent) of one’s income or resources to support religious institutions or charitable causes. The concept of tithing is found primarily in the Old Testament, particularly in books like Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It was a commandment given to the Israelites under the Mosaic Law.
In the Old Testament, tithes were primarily given to support the Levitical priesthood and to provide for the needs of the temple and its services. This practice was considered an expression of obedience and gratitude towards God for His provisions.
However, in the New Testament, Jesus didn’t specifically command His followers to tithe, and there’s no fixed percentage mentioned. Instead, He emphasized principles of generosity, sacrificial giving, and a cheerful heart. In passages like Matthew 6:1-4 and 2 Corinthians 9:7, the emphasis is on giving from a genuine desire to help others and to honor God, rather than adhering to a specific percentage.
Some Christians continue to practice tithing as a guideline for giving, interpreting it as a baseline for their generosity. Others believe that under the New Covenant, believers are called to give according to their means, as stated in 1 Corinthians 16:2, “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income.”
Ultimately, interpretations of tithing can vary widely among Christian denominations and individual believers. It’s crucial for individuals to prayerfully consider their giving in light of their own faith, understanding of Scripture, and financial situation.