Tithing is one of those topics that can make people uncomfortable fast. Maybe you grew up hearing about it every Sunday and it felt like pressure. Maybe you’ve never tithed and you’re not sure if you’re supposed to. Maybe you want to give more but money is tight and guilt is louder than grace.
Wherever you’re coming from, God’s Word has a lot to say about tithing — and it’s more nuanced, more generous, and more freeing than you might expect. This isn’t about guilt. It’s about understanding what God invites you into when He asks for the first portion of what you earn.
Where Tithing Started
The practice of giving a tenth — which is what “tithe” literally means — shows up long before the Law of Moses. It’s woven into the story of God’s people from the very beginning.
“Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” — Genesis 14:20b (NIV)
Abram (later Abraham) gave a tenth of his war spoils to Melchizedek, a priest of God Most High. No one told him to. There was no law requiring it. It was a voluntary act of worship and gratitude. That’s significant — tithing predates the rules. It started as a heart response.
“‘Of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.’” — Genesis 28:22b (NIV)
Jacob made this promise to God after his encounter at Bethel. Again — no law, no commandment. Just a man responding to God’s faithfulness with a commitment to give back.
Tithing Under the Law
When God gave the Law to Israel through Moses, tithing became formalized. It was part of how the community of faith functioned — supporting the priests, caring for the poor, and maintaining worship.
“‘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 (NIV)
The tithe belonged to God. It wasn’t a suggestion or a nice gesture. It was acknowledgment that everything comes from Him and the first portion goes back to Him.
“‘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.’” — Malachi 3:10 (NIV)
This verse is remarkable for two reasons. First, God calls withholding the tithe “robbing” Him (Malachi 3:8). That’s strong language. Second, He invites you to test Him — the only place in Scripture where He does this. He’s saying, “Try it. Give first, and watch what I do.” That’s not a demand. That’s a dare rooted in confidence.
“‘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 (NIV)
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What Jesus Said About Tithing
Jesus didn’t abolish tithing. He deepened it. His concern wasn’t with the percentage — it was with the posture of the heart behind the giving.
“‘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.’” — Matthew 23:23 (NIV)
Notice what Jesus says at the end: “without neglecting the former.” He affirmed tithing. He just refused to let it exist without justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You can tithe perfectly and still miss the point if your heart isn’t in it.
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything — all she had to live on.’” — Mark 12:41-44 (NIV)
Jesus doesn’t measure generosity by the amount. He measures it by the sacrifice. The widow gave two coins and Jesus said she gave more than everyone. That reframes everything.
Tithing in the New Testament Church
The New Testament doesn’t give Christians a rigid tithing law. What it does give is a principle of generous, sacrificial, joyful giving that arguably goes beyond ten percent.
“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 (NIV)
Cheerful. Decided in your heart. Not reluctant. Not forced. This is the New Testament standard: give because you want to, because you’ve wrestled with it before God, because generosity has become part of who you are.
“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.” — 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV)
Paul encouraged systematic, proportional, planned giving. Not random or emotional, but intentional. Many Christians use the ten percent tithe as a starting point and then grow from there as God provides.
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” — 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)
Common Questions About Tithing
Should I tithe on gross or net income?
The Bible doesn’t specify. Some Christians tithe on their gross income, others on net. The real question isn’t about the math — it’s about the heart. Start where you can and let God lead you from there. He’s not standing over you with a calculator. He’s looking at your willingness.
Should I tithe if I’m in debt?
This is a personal decision between you and God. Some people find that tithing even during financial hardship deepens their trust in God and shifts their priorities in helpful ways. Others start with a smaller percentage and increase as debt decreases. There’s no condemnation either way. If you’re working to get out of debt, our guide on getting out of debt God’s way can help.
Where should my tithe go?
Traditionally, the tithe goes to your local church — the community where you worship, grow, and are fed spiritually. Beyond the tithe, many Christians give additional offerings to missions, charities, and individuals in need. The tithe supports the work of your church. Offerings support the work of the kingdom beyond it.
It’s About Trust, Not Obligation
Tithing, at its best, is an act of trust. You’re saying, “God, I believe you’re the source of everything I have, and I trust you with the first portion.” It’s not a payment for blessings. It’s not a religious tax. It’s an ongoing declaration that your security is in God, not in your paycheck.
If you’ve never tithed, start somewhere. Start with something. And if you’ve been tithing faithfully for years, let these verses refresh your why.
For more wisdom on finances and faith, explore our Bible verses about generosity or read about what the Bible says about money.
The Faithful app can help you stay grounded in God’s Word as you grow in generosity. Save the verses that challenge you, set daily reminders, and build a rhythm of Scripture that shapes how you think about everything — including your money.
A Prayer for Finances
Lord, I’m anxious about money. Help me trust Your provision. Give me wisdom to steward what You’ve entrusted to me. Free me from the grip of financial fear and teach me to be generous even when it feels risky. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does God promise financial prosperity?
No. The ‘prosperity gospel’ misrepresents Scripture. God promises to meet your needs (Philippians 4:19), not necessarily your wants. True prosperity is contentment in Christ.
Should Christians tithe?
Tithing (giving 10%) is a biblical principle that teaches trust in God’s provision. While the New Testament emphasizes generous, cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7), tithing is a great starting point.
Is it wrong to be rich?
No. The Bible warns against loving money, not having it. What matters is your heart posture and generosity toward others.
Keep Growing in Faith
For a deeper dive into this topic, explore our complete guide: Finances: A Complete Faith-Based Guide.
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