Tithing, the practice of giving a portion of one’s income or resources to God, is a biblical principle that has been a foundational aspect of Christian stewardship and faith for centuries. Rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, tithing is not just a financial obligation but an expression of faith, trust, and obedience to God. It serves as a reminder that everything we have ultimately belongs to Him and that we are called to honor Him with our first fruits.
While the concept of tithing often evokes a variety of interpretations, it is essential to understand its biblical significance in order to practice it faithfully. Tithing reflects God’s commands and encourages believers to prioritize Him above all else in their lives. Through tithing, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty, trust in His provision, and demonstrate a heart of generosity.
In this article, we will explore 25 Bible verses that teach about the practice of giving tithes. These verses not only highlight the act of tithing but also provide valuable insight into the attitude, purpose, and spiritual benefits of giving. Whether you are new to tithing or have been practicing it for years, these Scriptures will inspire and encourage you to live generously, trusting God with your resources.
1. 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.”
This well-known verse speaks to the principle of tithing with a promise. God invites His people to test Him by faithfully bringing their tithes, assuring them that He will bless them abundantly in return. Tithing is a step of faith that brings blessings from God.
2. 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.”
Tithing is not just about money but encompasses everything God has given us. This verse emphasizes that a portion of all our resources, whether agricultural, financial, or otherwise, belongs to the Lord and should be given back to Him.
3. 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.”
This passage encourages believers to honor God with their wealth and firstfruits—the best portion of their income. God promises that when we prioritize Him in our giving, He will bless us abundantly.
4. 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 this verse, Jesus acknowledges the practice of tithing but emphasizes that it must be accompanied by a heart of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Tithing is important, but it is not the only measure of righteousness.
5. 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.”
Paul highlights the principle of generosity, which extends beyond just tithing. While tithing is a biblical practice, believers are encouraged to give cheerfully and generously, trusting that God will bless their willingness to give.
6. Deuteronomy 14:22-23
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.”
The tithe is a way to honor God and learn to revere Him. In this passage, the Israelites are instructed to bring their tithe to a designated place and partake in it before the Lord, reinforcing the spiritual importance of the practice.
7. Hebrews 7:1-2
“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.’”
This passage references Abraham’s giving of a tithe to Melchizedek, a priest of God. The act of tithing was seen as an acknowledgment of God’s authority and a demonstration of reverence and respect.
8. Luke 18:12
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”
This verse shows that tithing was practiced during Jesus’ time, even by those who were outwardly pious. However, Jesus emphasizes that the true value of giving lies not in the amount or ritual but in the condition of the heart.
9. 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.”
Paul instructs the Corinthians to set aside a portion of their income regularly for the work of the ministry. This verse supports the practice of planned, consistent giving as part of worship.
10. 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.”
God accuses His people of robbing Him by failing to bring their tithes and offerings. Tithing is seen as a rightful way to honor God, and neglecting it is viewed as a form of dishonor and disobedience.
11. Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Tithing is not merely about the money; it is about where our heart is. This verse emphasizes that our financial giving reflects our priorities and our commitment to God.
12. Nehemiah 10:38
“The priest the descendant of Aaron is to accompany the Levites when they receive the tithes, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury.”
This verse provides a glimpse into the organizational aspect of tithing in the Old Testament, where tithes were received and managed by the Levites in the temple.
13. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
While not directly about tithing, this passage encourages generosity in the use of wealth. The principle of tithing fits within this broader context of using one’s resources to honor God and bless others.
14. Exodus 23:19
“Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.”
The firstfruits represent the best and first portion of one’s harvest or income. This verse emphasizes that tithing should be done with the best of what we have, demonstrating our trust in God’s provision.
15. Acts 4:34-35
“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.”
While not explicitly about tithing, this passage shows the early church’s commitment to generosity and the sharing of resources. It highlights a community where believers took care of each other’s needs, reflecting the spirit of giving.
16. Psalm 96:8
“Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.”
This verse calls for the bringing of offerings as a form of honoring God. Tithing is part of the offering we bring before God as an acknowledgment of His worth and glory.
17. 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.”
Paul encourages generous giving based on one’s ability, not their lack. Tithing should be done with a willing heart, recognizing that God accepts what we give according to our means.
18. Genesis 14:20
“And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”
Abram’s act of tithing after his victory demonstrates an offering of thanksgiving and acknowledgment of God’s provision and faithfulness.
19. Luke 11:42
“Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.”
Here, Jesus condemns the Pharisees for their focus on legalistic tithing without the deeper heart of love and justice. Tithing should not be a substitute for righteousness and compassion.
20. Deuteronomy 26:12
“When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied.”
Tithing not only supports the work of the ministry but also helps care for those in need. The tithe was to be distributed to the marginalized in society.
21. 2 Chronicles 31:5
“As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, oil and honey, and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.”
This verse speaks of a time when the Israelites responded generously to God’s command, bringing their tithes to honor Him and support the work of His house.
22. Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
This verse encourages Christians to practice generosity and care for those in need, which aligns with the heart of tithing—sharing resources with those who require assistance.
23. Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Tithing is a way of seeking first God’s kingdom, demonstrating trust in His provision. God promises to provide for those who prioritize Him above all else.
24. Galatians 6:6
“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.”
This verse encourages believers to support those who teach them the Word, which can be seen as part of the practice of tithing and generosity toward the work of the ministry.
25. 1 Chronicles 29:9
“The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord.”
Tithing should be done with a willing and wholehearted heart. This verse illustrates the joy that comes from giving to the Lord freely, without reluctance.
Conclusion
Tithing is a biblical principle that teaches us to honor God with our resources. These 25 Bible verses about giving tithes show that tithing is not only an act of obedience but also an act of worship, trust, and love for God. As believers, we are called to give not out of obligation but with a joyful and generous heart, knowing that our offerings support the work of God’s kingdom and help those in need. May these Scriptures encourage and inspire you to faithfully and joyfully honor God with your tithes and offerings.
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