Is tithing Biblical?

When the offering is taken in church, you often hear it called our “tithes and offerings.” Where do we get that concept? A tithe is actually an Old Testament word that meant “a tenth.” So is it really Biblical to “tithe” today or is that just the church’s way of putting their members on a guilt trip so that they give more money? Are we really commanded in the Bible to give 10% of all of our income in the offering?

To answer these questions we must start in the Old Testament. How was giving done way back then? It is obvious that the concept of tithing can be seen. Abraham paid tithes to the priest, Melchizedek, who was a type of Christ (Genesis 28:20-22). This was done 400 years prior to the Law, so obviously the whole concept of tithing is not just a matter of the Law. In Genesis 28:20-22, Jacob promised a tithe to God (again before the Law was put into place). The Law certainly included tithing (Leviticus 27:30-33), but do you realize that it required much more than 10%? Under the Law, the Jews were required to pay 3 tithes. The first 10% was paid yearly to support the priests. The second 10% was also paid yearly to pay for national feasts and holidays. However, a third tithe was also required every 3 years to help support orphans and widows (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). If you put these 3 tithes together, it meant that the Jews under the Law gave an average of 23% of their income yearly. Gee, 10% is not sounding too bad right now, is it?

In Proverbs 3:9-10, the basic principle for Old Testament giving was stated as something that was to be done generously and as a priority. You were to give to God first. In fact, according to Malachi 3:10, not tithing was seen as robbing God.

Did tithing carry over to the New Testament? It was obviously taking place in Jesus’ day (see Matthew 6:1-4 and Luke 11:42). In fact, Jesus Himself endorsed the tithe in Matthew 23:23. Tithing was also taught by Paul as a means by which Gospel ministers were to be supported in the New Testament church (First Corinthians 9:7-14). However, nowhere in the New Testament is a specific percentage ever required. Paul does give us some specific instructions for giving, however, in First Corinthians 16:1-2.

First, our giving is to be a priority. It is to be done on the first day of every week. In other words, it is to be systematic and regular. We are to give to the Lord first, not simply a portion of whatever is left over. Second, giving is to include each one of us. It is a command for every believer in order to be obedient (even the poor as seen in Mark 12:41-44). Finally, we are to give as we have prospered. In other words, it isn’t about a specific percentage. It is all about giving my best. That is the New Testament standard of giving. That’s what the widow gave when she put in the two small copper coins in Mark 12:41-44. That’s what the little boy gave in John 6:1-13 when he gave his entire lunch to Jesus. And most certainly that is what God gave when He gave His only begotten Son to be the sacrifice for our sin. So rest easy...it’s not about giving 10%. The question that you must honestly answer is, “Are your giving your best?” Now that is a soul-searching type of question. Are you really giving God your best in the offering?