Tithing is one of the most profound practices in the Christian faith, often discussed in the context of generosity, faith, and stewardship. The Bible speaks extensively about giving, not just as an act of obedience, but also as an expression of love for God and for others. In this article, we explore over 100 scriptures from both the Old and New Testaments that teach about tithing and giving, offering insights into why and how Christians are called to give back to God.
25+ Scriptures about Giving
1. Genesis 14:20 (NIV)
“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 giving a tenth to Melchizedek is one of the earliest examples of tithing, showing a response of gratitude to God for His blessings.
2. Genesis 28:22 (NIV)
“And this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God’s house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”
Jacob vows to give a tenth of all he receives to God, marking the continuation of the practice of tithing as a form of devotion.
3. Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)
“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.”
This scripture establishes the tithe as a holy offering dedicated to the Lord, applicable to the produce of the land.
4. Leviticus 27:32 (NIV)
“The entire tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the Lord.”
This further clarifies that the tithe applies not just to produce, but also to livestock, reinforcing the concept of setting aside a tenth of all.
5. Numbers 18:21 (NIV)
“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.”
God designates the Levites as the recipients of the tithe, highlighting their role in ministering to the people.
6. Numbers 18:26 (NIV)
“Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the Lord’s offering.”
This passage emphasizes that even the Levites are to give a portion of the tithe back to God as a further act of obedience.
7. Deuteronomy 12:6 (NIV)
“There bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give, your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.”
Here, God instructs the Israelites to bring various offerings, including tithes, to the place He chooses, reinforcing the idea of giving back to God in various ways.
8. Deuteronomy 14:22 (NIV)
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.”
This reinforces the importance of setting aside a tenth of one’s produce, emphasizing the consistency of tithing as a part of God’s law.
9. Deuteronomy 14:28 (NIV)
“At the end of every third year, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns.”
A specific command regarding tithing every third year, when the tithe is to be given to the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows.
10. Deuteronomy 26:12 (NIV)
“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.”
The tithe is not only for the Levites but also for those in need, demonstrating the social justice aspect of giving in the Old Testament.
11. 2 Chronicles 31:5 (NIV)
“As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil, and honey, and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.”
During King Hezekiah’s reign, the people responded to the call to give generously, including their tithes, to support the work of the temple.
12. 2 Chronicles 31:6 (NIV)
“The people of Israel and Judah, who lived in the towns of Judah, also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things dedicated to the Lord their God, and they piled them in heaps.”
This scripture further exemplifies the enthusiasm and dedication with which the Israelites gave their tithes to support God’s work.
13. Nehemiah 10:37 (NIV)
“Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God, to the priests, the tithes of our land and of the crops of all our fruit trees.”
In the time of Nehemiah, the people renewed their commitment to bring their tithes to the temple, emphasizing their dedication to God’s house.
14. Malachi 3:8-10 (NIV)
“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 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 is one of the most well-known passages on tithing, with God promising to bless those who bring the full tithe into His storehouse.
15. Matthew 23:23 (NIV)
“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.”
Jesus acknowledges the practice of tithing but also emphasizes that justice, mercy, and faithfulness are equally important. This scripture reminds Christians that while tithing is essential, it should not overshadow the deeper ethical and spiritual duties.
16. Luke 11:42 (NIV)
“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.”
Similar to Matthew 23:23, Jesus critiques the Pharisees for their focus on tithing at the expense of greater moral principles, reminding believers that giving must come from the heart and be coupled with compassion and justice.
17. Luke 18:12 (NIV)
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”
This verse, from the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, illustrates the Pharisee’s pride in his religious acts, including tithing, without genuine humility or relationship with God.
18. Acts 4:34-35 (NIV)
“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 directly about tithing, this passage reflects the spirit of generous giving that permeates the early church, where members willingly shared their resources.
19. Romans 12:8 (NIV)
“If it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously.”
Paul encourages Christians to give generously as part of their service to others, aligning with the heart of tithing and offering.
20. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
“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.”
This passage underscores the importance of giving with the right heart, which is the true spirit of tithing. God desires cheerful, voluntary giving, not out of obligation.
21. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV)
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
A reminder that generous giving results in abundant blessings, whether in the form of material provision or spiritual reward.
22. Philippians 4:18 (NIV)
“I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.”
Paul praises the Philippians for their generous gifts, likening them to a pleasing offering to God.
23. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV)
“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.”
Paul exhorts the rich to be generous, a reminder that material wealth is temporary and should be used for good purposes.
24. Hebrews 7:1-10 (NIV)
“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.”
The writer of Hebrews discusses the significance of Melchizedek, further affirming the practice of tithing as an established principle even before the law was given.
25. Revelation 21:24 (NIV)
“The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it.”
While this passage is about the New Jerusalem, it symbolizes the ultimate submission of all to God, including bringing offerings and treasures into His kingdom.
Conclusion
These 25 scriptures offer a strong foundation for understanding the biblical principles surrounding tithing and giving. From the early examples of Abram and Jacob to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, the Bible consistently encourages generosity, reminding us that everything we have belongs to God and that we are to give joyfully, with a heart that seeks to honor Him in all things. Through tithing, Christians participate in the kingdom work, supporting ministry, helping the needy, and acknowledging God’s provision in their lives. As we reflect on these scriptures, may we be inspired to live lives marked by generous hearts, faithful stewardship, and a deep love for God and His people.
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