What Does the Bible Say About Tithing?
The tithe — a tenth — appears early in Scripture and is formalized in the Law of Moses as bringing a tenth of one's increase to God (Malachi 3:10; Proverbs 3:9-10). It expressed that everything belongs to God and that He receives the "firstfruits," not the leftovers.
The New Testament shifts the emphasis from a fixed percentage to the posture of the giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says each person should give "as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Many Christians still use the tithe as a helpful baseline for generous, regular giving, while understanding that the deeper principle is wholehearted, joyful stewardship rather than a legal quota.
Key Bible Verses
“"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this," says Yahweh of Armies, "if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there will not be room enough for."”
Malachi 3:10 (WEB)
“Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly, or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 (WEB)
“Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase: so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
Proverbs 3:9-10 (WEB)
Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible (public domain).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Do Christians have to tithe 10 percent?
- The tithe (a tenth) comes from the Old Testament Law. The New Testament emphasizes cheerful, generous giving 'as each has decided in his heart' (2 Corinthians 9:7) rather than a fixed percentage. Many Christians use 10 percent as a baseline while treating the heart of giving as the key issue.