What does the Bible say about tithing? What does God say in answer to your question? Let’s discuss.
[Adapted by permission from an article titled, ‘The Biblical Teaching on Tithes’ by Dr. Steven R. Cook.]
I took a picture of a sign on an apartment complex that said, “TITHE IF YOU LOVE JESUS” (Malachi 3:8). That verse reads:
“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me. But you say, “How have we robbed You?” In tithes and offerings.”
Someone living there thought it necessary to display this message to others, and it revealed her theology. So, will you “tithe if you love Jesus”?
What Does Tithe Mean?
Tithe Means One-tenth
The word tithe means “to give a tenth.” The Bible first mentioned tithing when Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of the spoils of war after defeating Chedorlaomer at the Valley of Shaveh (Genesis 14:17-20). Later, Jacob vowed to give God a tenth of his possessions if God protected him on a journey (Genesis 28:20-22).
One Time Events
Those accounts appear as one-time acts, not directed by God, and never repeated in Scripture. It wasn’t until about five hundred years later that tithing became mandatory for Israel under the Mosaic Law (ca.1445 B.C.). God designed the Law to regulate Israel’s values and behavior, morally, religiously, socially, economically, etc.
Multiple Tithes (Taxes)
Within the Mosaic Law, God required Israel to pay several tithes as a form of taxation. Some have estimated these tithes added up to a tax of about 23% per year.
The tithe consisted of produce and livestock (Leviticus 27:30-32) and was given to the Levites for their ministry (Numbers 18:21-24). The Levites, in turn, gave a tithe of the tithe to the Priests for their service (Numbers 18:25-28). Lastly, a tithe was taken every third year to help the poor, the aliens, the orphans, and the widows.
A Welfare Tithe
This tithe was comparable to a social welfare system for the most unfortunate in society:
“At the end of three years you must bring forth all the tithe of your produce the same year and lay it up within your gates. Then the Levite (because he has no portion or inheritance with you), the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your gates, shall come and shall eat and be satisfied, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do” (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
The tithe was gathered into a “storehouse,” which referred to a large room as described:
“They had stored the contributions, the frankincense, the vessels, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and fresh oil, as required, for the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the contribution for the priests” (Nehemiah 13:5).
Robbing God
Withholding the tithe was robbing God, the Levites, and the less fortunate in society who depended on it for daily living (Malachi 3:6-11).
Abuse of the Tithe
Sadly, some pastors have mishandled Malachi 3:8-10 and applied it to the Church, browbeating Christians and encouraging them to feel guilty for not giving money to the church. Some have even required church members to show their annual tax returns or have publicly posted their yearly contributions. Pastors who use Malachi 3:8-10 against Christians display both an ignorance of God’s Word and a spiritual immaturity in leadership. Malachi 3:8-10 has nothing to do with the Church.
A New Law
Israel and the Church are both God’s people. However, Israel was under “the Law” of Moses (John 1:17), whereas the Church is under the “Law of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:11; Galatians 6:2). Israel’s priests could only be from the tribe of Levi (Numbers 3:6-7). In contrast, all Christians are priests to God (Revelation 1:6).
Joyful Giving
Israel worshiped at the Temple (Exodus 40:18-38; 2 Chronicles 8:14-16), but the Christian’s body is the temple of the Lord, and they gather locally where they want (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Israel offered animal sacrifices to God (Leviticus 4:1-35). In contrast, Christians offer spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5). Israel tithed from the produce of their land (Deuteronomy 14:22-23; 28-29; Numbers 18:21), but there is no tithe required from Christians, only a joyful attitude when giving, “for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Giving Should be Systematic
To Christians, the apostle Paul mentions systematic giving (1 Corinthians 16:1-2), but nowhere specifies an amount. Giving 10% is fine if it’s a voluntary action. We should give the determined amount regularly.
Giving to Leaders
The financial support of the Pastor is in line with Scripture (Galatians 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). However, the apostle Paul supported his ministry to model sacrificial living (Acts 20:32-35). Giving systematically and joyfully is consistent with New Testament teaching (1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 9:7). The Bible also tells us:
“The laborer (God’s minister) is worthy of his reward (pay)” (1 Timothy 5:18).
Everything is God’s
When we consider how much to give, we should realize all we have is on loan from God, for the Lord declares:
“The earth belongs to the Lord, and its fullness, the world, and those who dwell in it” (Psalm 24:1).
“For every wild animal of the forest is Mine (God’s), and the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:10).
“‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, says the Lord of Hosts” (Hag 2:8).
Love and Loyalty
Our giving to the Lord tests our love and loyalty, for what we give is already His. Giving back to Him means we trust and support His work in the world. David captures this well, saying,
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so freely as this? For everything comes from You, even from Your own hand we have given to You” (1 Chronicles 29:14).
Summary
Tithing was for Israel under the Law of Moses and God didn’t command it for Church Age believers.
Tithing for Israel was like paying taxes and contributing to a welfare fund.
Giving now must be joyful and systematic.
Giving shows love and loyalty to our Lord.
