Tithing in the Bible: References, Principles, and Rules
Tithing refers to giving one-tenth (10%) of one’s increase, income, produce, or possessions to God. The practice appears throughout both the Old and New Testaments and is closely connected to worship, stewardship, generosity, and support for God’s work.
Major Bible References on Tithing
1. Abraham’s Tithe
Genesis 14:18–20
Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High.
Principle:
- Honor God with your increase.
- Recognize God as the source of victory and blessing.
2. Jacob’s Vow to Tithe
Genesis 28:20–22
Jacob vowed that if God blessed and protected him, he would give God a tenth of all he received.
Principle:
- Tithing can be an act of gratitude and worship.
- Giving should flow from a relationship with God.
3. The Mosaic Law on Tithing
Leviticus 27:30–33
The tithe belongs to the Lord.
Principles:
- The tithe is holy unto the Lord.
- God claims ownership over all resources.
Numbers 18:21–32
The Levites received the tithe because they had no inheritance in the land.
Principles:
- Tithes support those devoted to God’s work.
- Spiritual ministry deserves financial support.
Deuteronomy 12:5–19
Israel was instructed to bring tithes to the place God chose for worship.
Principles:
- Giving should be connected to worship.
- Tithing acknowledges God’s provision.
Deuteronomy 14:22–29
Instructions regarding annual tithes and care for the poor.
Principles:
- Tithing supports worship.
- Tithing helps the needy.
- Generosity is part of covenant living.
4. Failure to Tithe
Nehemiah 10:35–39
The people pledged to bring their tithes faithfully.
Nehemiah 13:10–12
The Levites abandoned their duties because tithes were neglected.
Principles:
- Neglecting God’s work harms ministry.
- Faithfulness in giving strengthens worship.
5. God’s Challenge Regarding Tithing
Malachi 3:8–12
“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me.”
Principles:
- Tithing reflects trust in God.
- Obedience opens the door for God’s blessing.
- God promises provision for faithful givers.
New Testament References
Jesus and Tithing
Matthew 23:23
Luke 11:42
Jesus acknowledged tithing but rebuked religious leaders for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Principle:
- Giving should never replace godly character.
- Obedience must include both generosity and righteousness.
The Priesthood of Melchizedek
Hebrews 7:1–10
The writer discusses Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek.
Principles:
- Abraham’s tithe occurred before the Law.
- Tithing demonstrates honor and reverence.
Principles of Christian Giving
2 Corinthians 9:6–8
Principles:
- Give generously.
- Give cheerfully.
- Give willingly.
- Trust God to provide.
1 Corinthians 16:1–2
Principles:
- Give regularly.
- Give proportionately according to blessing received.
Biblical Principles of Tithing
1. God Owns Everything
Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.”
Principle:
- Tithing acknowledges God’s ownership.
2. Tithing Is an Act of Worship
Deuteronomy 14:23
Principle:
- Giving is part of honoring God.
3. Tithing Requires Faith
Malachi 3:10
Principle:
- Trust God as provider.
4. Tithing Supports Ministry
Numbers 18:21
1 Corinthians 9:13–14
Principle:
- God’s servants should be supported.
5. Giving Must Be Voluntary and Joyful
2 Corinthians 9:7
Principle:
- God loves a cheerful giver.
6. Generosity Extends Beyond the Tithe
Luke 6:38
Acts 20:35
Principle:
- Believers are called to a generous lifestyle.
The Poor Tithe (Deuteronomy 14:28–29)
Every third year a special tithe was collected.
It was designated for:
- Levites
- Foreigners
- Orphans
- Widows
These groups were often economically vulnerable.
Key Principle
God connected worship with compassion.
A person could not claim devotion to God while neglecting people in need.
Four Groups Mentioned
1. Levites
Supported because they served in ministry.
2. Strangers
Foreigners living among Israel.
3. Fatherless
Children without parents.
4. Widows
Women lacking economic support.
Rules and Guidelines Concerning Tithing
Do’s
✅ Honor God first with your increase.
Proverbs 3:9–10
✅ Give consistently.
1 Corinthians 16:2
✅ Give with gratitude.
Deuteronomy 26:1–11
✅ Support God’s work and those in need.
Deuteronomy 14:28–29
✅ Give cheerfully.
2 Corinthians 9:7
Don’ts
❌ Do not give reluctantly.
2 Corinthians 9:7
❌ Do not give merely for public recognition.
Matthew 6:1–4
❌ Do not neglect justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
Matthew 23:23
❌ Do not trust money more than God.
1 Timothy 6:17–19
❌ Do not withhold what you have dedicated to God.
Malachi 3:8–10
Key Lessons About Tithing
- Tithing existed before the Law (Abraham and Jacob).
- Tithing was incorporated into Israel’s covenant system.
- Tithing supported worship, ministry, and care for the poor.
- Jesus acknowledged tithing but emphasized the greater matters of the heart.
- The New Testament emphasizes generosity, willingness, and cheerful giving.
- Giving is ultimately an expression of worship, faith, stewardship, and love for God.
Summary Scriptures
- Genesis 14:18–20
- Genesis 28:20–22
- Leviticus 27:30–33
- Numbers 18:21–32
- Deuteronomy 12:5–19
- Deuteronomy 14:22–29
- Nehemiah 10:35–39
- Nehemiah 13:10–12
- Malachi 3:8–12
- Matthew 23:23
- Luke 11:42
- Hebrews 7:1–10
- 1 Corinthians 16:1–2
- 2 Corinthians 9:6–8
- Proverbs 3:9–10
- Psalm 24:1
These passages provide the primary biblical foundation for understanding tithing, its purpose, and its role in the life of God’s people.