A Time To Love Verse. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: …” In addition, 1 John 4:8 says: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Followers of Christ are followers of a God who is love. God is the father of Love and everything from creation till date reflects his unfailing and unconditional love. By welcoming the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and handing over our lives to him, we are given the right to become children of God, the Father of Creation who rules sovereignty from Heaven. Heaven is his throne and the Earth is his footstool. If we are his children, we must reflect his nature of love, mercy, compassion, and righteousness through Christ.
Ephesians 5:2 – “Live a life of love.” Living a life of love is a Heavenly assignment from God who is the father of true love. Most Bible verses about love are in support of this divine truth. The path through Christ which leads to the father is paved with love. Everything that God desires from us is surrounded or centered around love. Even the Key Teachings of Jesus Christ are centered on the genuine love of God and your neighbor. The love of God and the love of your neighbor happen to be the two greatest commandments that Jesus Christ taught men and women. Love is what makes our sacrifices pleasing and acceptable to God. Without love, we cannot please God. Most Bible verses about love are pointing to this very truth.
A Time To Love Verse
At this level, many people are asking themselves lots of questions like what is love according to the Bible? Does the Bible define love the same way as the world does? How can I live a life of love and bring glory to God’s name? What are the benefits of God’s love and how many kinds of love are mentioned in the Bible? Relax on your wheelchair and grasp your cup of coffee as you continuously unfold our writing on Bible verses about love. In the process of unfolding, you’ll pick up all the answers to the worries that you might have about love in the Bible.
What the Scriptures say about Love (Everything you need to Know)
What is Love?
In the New International Version of the Bible, the word love occurs 686 times; 261 times in the New Testament and 425 times in the Old Testament. Another word to take into consideration is “Peace”. You might ask why so? It is worth nothing that the Old Testament was originally pinned in Hebrew while the New Testament in Greek. In those languages, there exist multiple words for love probably depending on the kind of love that the author was referring to. This leads us into saying that there are many kinds of loves as revealed by the Bible. For simplification purposes, we can breakdown the different types of loves into 4 kinds.
The 4 Types of Love
1. storgē
storgē (Pronounced as STOR-jay) is the kind of love in the Bible that many people are not familiar with. This Greek word clearly points to what we can refer to as Family Love. It is the affectionate bond that naturally develops between parents and children, brothers and sisters. There are lots of Biblical examples pointing to this kind of love. To list a few, we’ll point to the mutual protection between Noah and his wife, the strong love that Martha and her sister Mary had for their brother Lazarus whom Jesus Christ resurrected from dead, and the love that Jacob had for his sons. It is in this very light that we are commanded in Romans 12:10 to be devoted to one another with brotherly affection. The word “devoted” is a compound word using storge, “philostorgos,“
2. eros
Eros (Pronounced: AIR-ohs) is a Greek word for romantic or sensual love. It is is more of a physical and romantic kind of love. This kind of love is much like what we regularly see at the end of most Hallmark movies. The Biblical book titled “Song of Songs” is filled with this type of love. Let’s get some examples by reading the following scriptures. Song of Songs 1:2 – “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth- for your love is more delightful than wine.” Let’s further read Song of Songs 1:4 – “Take me away with you- let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers.” The term Eros originated from the methodological Greek God of love. Such includes physical attraction and the desires that we know. Promiscuity of all type was rampant in ancient Greek in the name of Erotic Love.
3. Philos
Philos also referred to as Philia (Pronounced: FILL-ee-uh) is the love between friends. It is the type of intimate love in the Bible that Christians practice towards each other. This Greek term directly points to the powerful emotional bond that exist within true friendship. It is the most general type of love that we regularly encounter when reading the Holy Scriptures. It encompasses love for fellow humans, respect, care and compassion for those in need.
The religious concept of brotherly love that unites believers is unique to Christianity. Jesus Christ before being crucified said in his prayers that Philia love will be an identifier of his followers. Proverbs – “A friend loves at all times.” The friendship between David and Jonathan testifies this kind of love. Although Jesus Christ had thousands of disciples, he held twelve closer than the rest. Even within the twelve, three were intensely close to him. Among the three, John was his closest friend.
4. Agape
Agape (Pronounced: Uh-GAH-pay) is the highest and most important kind of love in the Bible. It is a term used to define God’s unconditional, incomparable, and immeasurable love for humankind. Such is the divine love that comes from God, the Father of Creation who rules over Heaven and Earth. Agape love is unconditional, perfect, pure and sacrificial. The way Jesus Christ lived and died is a demonstration of this kind of love to his Father. When we love with Agape, we are seeking to give of ourselves.
This is best demonstrated in the willingness of God to give-up his only son to be sacrificed for our sake. Jesus Christ in turn accepted his Father’s will and offered himself without reserve for our sake. That’s he endured suffering, persecution, and insults for our sake on the cross at Calvary. There is nothing that we have to provide God that will bring him any gain. He simply loves us without waiting for anything in return. 1 Corinthians 13:12 – “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greater of these is love.”
A Time To Love Verse
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; …“
John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
1 John 4:8 – “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Ephesians 5:11 – “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.“
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Ecclesiastes 3:14 – “I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.“
Group 1 – A Time To Love Verse
Ecclesiastes 1:13 – “And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.”
John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.“
Jeremiah 12:1-17 – “Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart. But you, O Lord, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and set them apart for the day of slaughter. How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field wither? For the evil of those who dwell in it the beasts and the birds are swept away, because they said, “He will not see our latter end.” “If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? …“
Group 2 – A Time To Love Verse
Job 7:1-21 – “Has not man a hard service on earth, and are not his days like the days of a hired hand? Like a slave who longs for the shadow, and like a hired hand who looks for his wages, so I am allotted months of emptiness, and nights of misery are apportioned to me. When I lie down I say, ‘When shall I arise?’ But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn. My flesh is clothed with worms and dirt; my skin hardens, then breaks out afresh. ...”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; …“
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 – “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. …“
Group 3 – A Time To Love Verse
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
Philippians 1:3 – “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,”
Matthew 22:37-40 – And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Jeremiah 1:4-8 – Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 6:5 – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
Group 4 – A Time To Love Verse
John 17:1-26 – “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. …“
Luke 15:11-32 – And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. …”
Group 5 – A Time To Love Verse
2 Kings 4:8-30 – “One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.” One day he came there, and he turned into the chamber and rested there. And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite.” When he had called her, she stood before him. ...”
1 Corinthians 13:6 – “It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.“
Genesis 50:20 – “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.“
John 10:14-15 – “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.“
Leviticus 19:18 – “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.“
Group 6 – A Time To Love Verse
Song of Solomon 1:1-17 – “The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine; your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you. Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will exult and rejoice in you; we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you. I am very dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. …“
Romans 7:14-25 – “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. …“
Discover the Best Bible Verses About A Time To Love. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 says “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: …” In addition, 1 John 4:8 says: “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” Followers of Christ are followers of a God who is love. God is the father of Love and everything from creation till date reflects his unfailing and unconditional love. By welcoming the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and handing over our lives to him, we are given the right to become children of God, the Father of Creation who rules sovereignty from Heaven. Heaven is his throne and the Earth is his footstool. If we are his children, we must reflect his nature of love, mercy, compassion, and righteousness through Christ.
Ephesians 5:2 – “Live a life of love.” Living a life of love is a Heavenly assignment from God who is the father of true love. Most Bible verses about love are in support of this divine truth. The path through Christ which leads to the father is paved with love. Everything that God desires from us is surrounded or centered around love. Even the Key Teachings of Jesus Christ are centered on the genuine love of God and your neighbor. The love of God and the love of your neighbor happen to be the two greatest commandments that Jesus Christ taught men and women. Love is what makes our sacrifices pleasing and acceptable to God. Without love, we cannot please God. Most Bible verses about love are pointing to this very truth.
Bible Verses About A Time To Love
At this level, many people are asking themselves lots of questions like what is love according to the Bible? Does the Bible define love the same way as the world does? How can I live a life of love and bring glory to God’s name? What are the benefits of God’s love and how many kinds of love are mentioned in the Bible? Relax on your wheelchair and grasp your cup of coffee as you continuously unfold our writing on Bible verses about love. In the process of unfolding, you’ll pick up all the answers to the worries that you might have about love in the Bible.
What the Scriptures say about Love (Everything you need to Know)
What is Love?
In the New International Version of the Bible, the word love occurs 686 times; 261 times in the New Testament and 425 times in the Old Testament. Another word to take into consideration is “Peace”. You might ask why so? It is worth nothing that the Old Testament was originally pinned in Hebrew while the New Testament in Greek. In those languages, there exist multiple words for love probably depending on the kind of love that the author was referring to. This leads us into saying that there are many kinds of loves as revealed by the Bible. For simplification purposes, we can breakdown the different types of loves into 4 kinds.
The 4 Types of Love
1. storgē
storgē (Pronounced as STOR-jay) is the kind of love in the Bible that many people are not familiar with. This Greek word clearly points to what we can refer to as Family Love. It is the affectionate bond that naturally develops between parents and children, brothers and sisters. There are lots of Biblical examples pointing to this kind of love. To list a few, we’ll point to the mutual protection between Noah and his wife, the strong love that Martha and her sister Mary had for their brother Lazarus whom Jesus Christ resurrected from dead, and the love that Jacob had for his sons. It is in this very light that we are commanded in Romans 12:10 to be devoted to one another with brotherly affection. The word “devoted” is a compound word using storge, “philostorgos,“
2. eros
Eros (Pronounced: AIR-ohs) is a Greek word for romantic or sensual love. It is is more of a physical and romantic kind of love. This kind of love is much like what we regularly see at the end of most Hallmark movies. The Biblical book titled “Song of Songs” is filled with this type of love. Let’s get some examples by reading the following scriptures. Song of Songs 1:2 – “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth- for your love is more delightful than wine.” Let’s further read Song of Songs 1:4 – “Take me away with you- let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers.” The term Eros originated from the methodological Greek God of love. Such includes physical attraction and the desires that we know. Promiscuity of all type was rampant in ancient Greek in the name of Erotic Love.
3. Philos
Philos also referred to as Philia (Pronounced: FILL-ee-uh) is the love between friends. It is the type of intimate love in the Bible that Christians practice towards each other. This Greek term directly points to the powerful emotional bond that exist within true friendship. It is the most general type of love that we regularly encounter when reading the Holy Scriptures. It encompasses love for fellow humans, respect, care and compassion for those in need.
The religious concept of brotherly love that unites believers is unique to Christianity. Jesus Christ before being crucified said in his prayers that Philia love will be an identifier of his followers. Proverbs – “A friend loves at all times.” The friendship between David and Jonathan testifies this kind of love. Although Jesus Christ had thousands of disciples, he held twelve closer than the rest. Even within the twelve, three were intensely close to him. Among the three, John was his closest friend.
4. Agape
Agape (Pronounced: Uh-GAH-pay) is the highest and most important kind of love in the Bible. It is a term used to define God’s unconditional, incomparable, and immeasurable love for humankind. Such is the divine love that comes from God, the Father of Creation who rules over Heaven and Earth. Agape love is unconditional, perfect, pure and sacrificial. The way Jesus Christ lived and died is a demonstration of this kind of love to his Father. When we love with Agape, we are seeking to give of ourselves.
This is best demonstrated in the willingness of God to give-up his only son to be sacrificed for our sake. Jesus Christ in turn accepted his Father’s will and offered himself without reserve for our sake. That’s he endured suffering, persecution, and insults for our sake on the cross at Calvary. There is nothing that we have to provide God that will bring him any gain. He simply loves us without waiting for anything in return. 1 Corinthians 13:12 – “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greater of these is love.”
Bible Verses About A Time To Love
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; …“
John 10:11 – “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
1 John 4:8 – “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Ephesians 5:11 – “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.“
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 14:6 – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Ecclesiastes 3:14 – “I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.“
Group 1 – Bible Verses About A Time To Love
Ecclesiastes 1:13 – “And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.”
John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.“
Jeremiah 12:1-17 – “Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive? You plant them, and they take root; they grow and produce fruit; you are near in their mouth and far from their heart. But you, O Lord, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and set them apart for the day of slaughter. How long will the land mourn and the grass of every field wither? For the evil of those who dwell in it the beasts and the birds are swept away, because they said, “He will not see our latter end.” “If you have raced with men on foot, and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses? …“
Group 2 – Bible Verses About A Time To Love
Job 7:1-21 – “Has not man a hard service on earth, and are not his days like the days of a hired hand? Like a slave who longs for the shadow, and like a hired hand who looks for his wages, so I am allotted months of emptiness, and nights of misery are apportioned to me. When I lie down I say, ‘When shall I arise?’ But the night is long, and I am full of tossing till the dawn. My flesh is clothed with worms and dirt; my skin hardens, then breaks out afresh. ...”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 – “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; …“
1 Corinthians 13:1-13 – “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. …“
Group 3 – Bible Verses About A Time To Love
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
Philippians 1:3 – “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,”
Matthew 22:37-40 – And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Jeremiah 1:4-8 – Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 6:5 – “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
Group 4 – Bible Verses About A Time For Love
John 17:1-26 – “When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. …“
Luke 15:11-32 – And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. …”
Group 5 – Bible Verses About A Time For Love
2 Kings 4:8-30 – “One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.” One day he came there, and he turned into the chamber and rested there. And he said to Gehazi his servant, “Call this Shunammite.” When he had called her, she stood before him. ...”
1 Corinthians 13:6 – “It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.“
Genesis 50:20 – “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.“
John 10:14-15 – “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.“
Leviticus 19:18 – “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.“
Group 6 – Bible Verses On A Time To Love
Song of Solomon 1:1-17 – “The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s. Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is better than wine; your anointing oils are fragrant; your name is oil poured out; therefore virgins love you. Draw me after you; let us run. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will exult and rejoice in you; we will extol your love more than wine; rightly do they love you. I am very dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. …“
Romans 7:14-25 – “For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. …“
Discover the Best Tithes And Offering Verses. Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. Also, some churches over-emphasize giving. Likewise, many Christians refuse to submit to the Biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord God Almighty. We should note that tithing/giving is intended to be a great joy and a blessing. However, it is rather sad as this is not often the case in the church today. Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a clear and well-understood requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). The Old Testament Law required multiple tithes – one for the Levites, one for feast and temple use, and one for the poor inhabiting the land – summing to about 23.3 percent.
Today, most people understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system. After the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament of the Bible nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. That is, the New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income that a person should set aside but only says that gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). However, some in the Christian church have embraced the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their act of giving.
Tithes And Offering Verses
It is without a doubt that the New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. It invites us to give out of love as we are able. Sometimes that means giving over 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. Behold, it all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Whatever the case, we should always remember the Scripture that says he/she who does not love does not know God: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” – 1 John 4:8. Thus, if our giving is not backed with love, we are making a mockery/fool of ourselves for such gifts are not pleasing to the Lord God Almighty.
Every Christian should pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Of greatest importance, all tithes and offerings should be made with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As we unfold, we’ll pour more light on questions like Does the Bible require me to give 10% of my income to my church?Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?Should I tithe based on gross or net income?Will I receive blessings if I give “seed money” to a ministry?What does the Bible say about church offerings?
What Does The Scriptures Say About Tithes or Tithing
What the Old Testament says
In simple terms, “tithes” means a tenth or 10 percent. Tithing was designed specifically to meet the needs of the religious, economic, and political system of ancient Israel. Each of the twelve (12) tribes of Israel, except the tribe of Levi, initially received an allotment of land in the promised land of Canaan. The Levites were full-time assistants to Israel’s priests and were supported by a tithe offering from other eleven tribes. All families of those eleven tribes were expected to give a tenth of all produce, cattle, and flocks to the Levites. In turn, the Levites were expected to give a tenth of that to support the priests in their duties (Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:21-28). The Scriptures tell us that tithes were used to meet the needs of foreigners, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 26:12-13). Also, all Israelites were invited to be generous to those in need (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
What the New Testament says
We come across several mentions of tithing in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-9), but all refer to the Old Testament system. However, the New Testament does not give any specific rules about tithing, and most aspects of the Old Testament Law do not apply to Christians. In Matthew 23:23-24, Jesus Christ seems to support the tithe but these verses are primarily intended as a criticism of the Pharisees as hypocrites who obeyed the letter of the Law but not the Spirit of the Law. Despite the fact that they were so meticulous about the Law to the extent of tithing even the small amount of spices that they grew in household gardens, they ignored the more important matters of love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. However, Christ invites us to give generously out of love to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46).
More on what the Scriptures say about tithes
In the Old Testament, the voice of God calls on us to be generous to everyone who is in need as we can read from Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.” In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God and Savior of the World made it clear that we are obligated to be generous to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46). We can as well support our point by reading from Matthew 5:42 – “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
As Christians or followers of Jesus Christ, giving is to be done cheerfully, rather than as an obligation (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and not for the purpose of public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). The right amount to give may be more or less than ten percent, depending on one’s circumstances (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22, 21:1-4, Hebrews 13:16, 1 John 3:17). Generous giving is an acknowledgment that everything we have is a gift from God Almighty, and is to be used in His service (Luke 12:33, Acts 20:35, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:17, 1:27, 1 Peter 4:10). Instead of giving a certain amount as an obligation, we are urged to share generously of whatever blessings, talents, abilities, and wealth that God has entrusted in our care for we shall give an account someday (Romans 12:6-8).
Questions and Answers about Tithes or Tithing
1) What is the tithe?
“Tithe” is a word that comes from an Old English root meaning “one-tenth.” It is the common English translation for the Old Testament Hebrew asar word group. Back in ancient Israel, the tithe was an offering of one’s agricultural income to the Lord as an expression of thanks and dedication. It is important to understand that in the Old Testament agricultural economy, tithes were paid not in cash, gold, or goods but in crops or livestock, for only the agricultural fruit of the promised land was to be tithed – not other forms of income. Although today, we commonly think of the tithe as “10 percent” as a result, apparently there are three tithes in the Old Testament, two every year and a third every third year, or an average of 23.3 percent of one’s annual produce from the land.
There was also a promotion of freewill offering and personal giving above and beyond the tithe. Tithes were given by the patriarchs Abraham (Genesis 4:17-20) and Jacob (Genesis 28:22); a system of tithes was instituted in the law of God given through Moses (Deuteronomy 12; Deuteronomy 14 Deuteronomy 26; and the prophets rebuked the children of Israel for failing to give the tithe to God (Malachi 3:8). Although the idea of the tithe is still present in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23), it is on no occasion explicitly applied to believers. Instead, all Christians are invited to embrace freewill giving as a response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind, based on faith in God as Provider of all things (2 Corinthians 9:6-10).
2) Does the Bible require me to give 10 percent of my income to my church?
In reality, the Bible does not tell the Christian to give a certain percentage. Questions like what percentage we should give are not answered for Christians in the Bible. Nor does the Bible tell us how much of our giving should go to a church as well as how much to help the needy. It is important to understand that during Biblical times, Christians typically held their meetings in private homes or public spaces (Acts 2:46, 12:12) and did not have significant operating expenses. However, it is not the same today as modern churches need money to pay for salaries, utilities, rent or mortgage payments, supplies, and other operating expenses. Churches also need volunteers for the establishment and running of many ministries and church tasks. Apostle Paul regularly urged Christians to use their God-given gifts or talents to assist in the work of the Church of Christ (Romans 12:4-8).
3) Should my offering be computed on gross or net income?
Should my offering be computed on gross or net income? Is another modern-day question that is not answered in the Bible. In this case, we are to pray and seek God’s wisdom on how to go about it. For sure, His Spirit will touch our hearts and guide our actions.
4) Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?
The answer is No. As followers of Christ, we must pray and seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit as we listen to our conscience and consider our needs as well as those of our families (1 Timothy 5:8) when deciding how much to give. Pressure should not be put on anyone to give a certain amount of money or a certain percentage of income to a church or other ministry.
5) Will I receive blessings if I give a donation or “seed money” to a church or ministry?
The answer is No. As followers of Jesus Christ, our giving should not be one that is motivated by what we will receive in return. Instead, our giving should be motivated by love for God and His Kingdom. Giving out of love is pleasing to God who will definitely bless and see you through when you least expect it. However, it is important to note that there is no requirement in the Bible to give “seed money” to a church, preacher, or ministry, and no promise that any wealth or blessings of any kind will come as a result. Biblical verses like Matthew 13:1-9 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 are oftentimes cited in support when requesting for “seed money” and other donations, but the blessings promised here are spiritual ones.
6) Is tithing truly a matter of the heart?
Yes, of course, tithing is truly a matter of the heart. From the definition and purpose of the tithe, there is much that we can learn. The chief principle behind tithing and giving is the fact that what we do with our money shows where our heart is. Matthew 6:21 says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When we are able to give 10% or more of our income instead of keeping the money for ourselves, it shows that our heart is not tied to the money and it is a sign that our love for God is more than that for money. Surprisingly, the Bible mentions money over 800 times, and of all of Jesus’ parables, over half of them talked about money. Upon noticing this, we might ask ourselves why? It is because money is where many people get tripped up.
7) What is the difference between tithes and offerings?
Although tithes and offerings are often grouped together, they are not the same thing. A tithe is a specific amount (10% of your income) whereas an offering is a nonspecific amount that you give.
8) What does the Bible say about those paying tithes and those not paying tithes?
1 Corinthians 16:14 says “Let all that you do be done in love.” If you’ve made up your mind to regularly give a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, do so in love. If instead of regularly giving a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, you choose to go for undefined freewill giving wherever the need is in the body of Christ, do so in love. Let’s just make sure that we do all things in love. It is the love in our hearts that makes our sacrifices acceptable to God Almighty. Whatever sacrifice or offering that you are making without love, you are making a mockery of yourself. Pray and let God’s Spirit lead you on the matters of giving tithes and offerings.
Tithes And Offering Verses
Malachi 3:8-9 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.“
Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;“
2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.“
Leviticus 27:30 – “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.”
Hebrews 7:1-28 – “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. …“
Group 1 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Matthew 23:23 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
Acts 20:35 – “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
1 Corinthians 11:31 – “But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.“
Leviticus 27:32 – “And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord.”
Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Numbers 18:21 – “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,“
Genesis 14:20 – “And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.“
Group 2 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Luke 16:19-31 – “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. ...”
John 4:24 – “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
2 Kings 2:23-24 – “He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys.”
Luke 11:42 – “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Group 3 – Tithes And Offering Verses
1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 – “At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.”
Malachi 3:1-18 – “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, ...”
Group 4 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Genesis 28:20-22 – Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
Psalm 24:1 – “A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,”
Exodus 16:36 – (An omer is the tenth part of an ephah.)
John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Genesis 28:22 – “And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Group 5 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Leviticus 5:11 – “But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for the sin that he has committed a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it and shall put no frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.“
Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.“
Exodus 29:40 – “And with the first lamb a tenth seah of fine flour mingled with a fourth of a hin of beaten oil, and a fourth of a hin of wine for a drink offering.“
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
James 1:27 – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
Matthew 5:22 – “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
2 Timothy 3:15 – “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Group 6 – Tithes And Offering Verses
1 John 1:8 – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Revelation 21:8 – “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?“
Acts 20:29 – “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;“
Galatians 3:24 – “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.”
Leviticus 6:20 – “This is the offering that Aaron and his sons shall offer to the Lord on the day when he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening.“
Revelation 22:18 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,”
Group 7 – Tithes And Offering Verses
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 – “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.“
1 Corinthians 6:9 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,“
Romans 12:19 – Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.“
Romans 8:29 – “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
Group 8 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Mark 12:41-44 – “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”“
Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Matthew 7:1-2 – “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
Genesis 1:1-31 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. ...”
Group 9 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Genesis 14:1-24 – “In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, …“
Genesis 28:1-22 – “Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and directed him, “You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women. Arise, go to Paddan-aram to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father, and take as your wife from there one of the daughters of Laban your mother’s brother. God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. May he give the blessing of Abraham to you and to your offspring with you, that you may take possession of the land of your sojournings that God gave to Abraham!” Thus Isaac sent Jacob away. And he went to Paddan-aram, to Laban, the son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother. …“
Group 10 – Tithes And Offering Verses
2 Peter 1:10 – “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.“
Revelation 1:1 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,”
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
1 Peter 4:12 – “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
2 Thessalonians 3:14 – “If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.“
1 Timothy 5:16 – “If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.”
Group 11 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Colossians 2:12 – “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Philippians 4:10-19 – “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ...”
Philippians 4:15 – “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.”
Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Group 12 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Acts 2:1-47 – “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. …“
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
1 Corinthians 15:6 – “Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”
Acts 26:20 – “But declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”
Acts 2:38 – “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“
Luke 16:23 – “And in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.”
Group 13 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Matthew 16:18 – “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.“
Matthew 22:17-21 – Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Matthew 10:28 – “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.“
Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’“
Group 14 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Matthew 6:1-4 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
Group 15- Tithes And Offering Verses
Revelation 22:18-19 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
Numbers 18:26 – “Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, ‘When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.“
Group 16 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Revelation 20:10 – “And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Revelation 20:14-15 – “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.“
Group 17 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Revelation 19:8 – “It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.“
Hebrews 10:26-31 – “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” ...”
Group 18 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Galatians 6:16 – “And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.“
Colossians 1:18 – “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”
Galatians 4:6 – And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
1 Corinthians 13:3 – “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.“
Group 19 – Tithes And Offering Verses
2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
Group 20 – Tithes And Offering Verses
1 Corinthians 14:1-40 – “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. ...”
Acts 1:11 – And said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Group 21 – Tithes And Offering Verses
1 Corinthians 16:2 – “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.“
Acts 20:28 – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.“
Acts 15:29 – “That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
Group 22 – Tithes And Offering Verses
Acts 2:4 – “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 5:3-4 – But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Malachi 3:8 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.“
John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.“
Discover what Malachi 3:10 says. Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. Also, some churches over-emphasize giving. Likewise, many Christians refuse to submit to the Biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord God Almighty. We should note that tithing/giving is intended to be a great joy and a blessing. However, it is rather sad as this is not often the case in the church today. Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a clear and well-understood requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). The Old Testament Law required multiple tithes – one for the Levites, one for feast and temple use, and one for the poor inhabiting the land – summing to about 23.3 percent.
Today, most people understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system. After the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament of the Bible nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. That is, the New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income that a person should set aside but only says that gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). However, some in the Christian church have embraced the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their act of giving.
Malachi 3:10
It is without a doubt that the New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. It invites us to give out of love as we are able. Sometimes that means giving over 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. Behold, it all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Whatever the case, we should always remember the Scripture that says he/she who does not love does not know God: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” – 1 John 4:8. Thus, if our giving is not backed with love, we are making a mockery/fool of ourselves for such gifts are not pleasing to the Lord God Almighty.
Every Christian should pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Of greatest importance, all tithes and offerings should be made with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As we unfold, we’ll pour more light on questions like Does the Bible require me to give 10% of my income to my church?Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?Should I tithe based on gross or net income?Will I receive blessings if I give “seed money” to a ministry?What does the Bible say about church offerings?
What Does The Scriptures Say About Tithes or Tithing
What the Old Testament says
In simple terms, “tithes” means a tenth or 10 percent. Tithing was designed specifically to meet the needs of the religious, economic, and political system of ancient Israel. Each of the twelve (12) tribes of Israel, except the tribe of Levi, initially received an allotment of land in the promised land of Canaan. The Levites were full-time assistants to Israel’s priests and were supported by a tithe offering from other eleven tribes. All families of those eleven tribes were expected to give a tenth of all produce, cattle, and flocks to the Levites. In turn, the Levites were expected to give a tenth of that to support the priests in their duties (Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:21-28). The Scriptures tell us that tithes were used to meet the needs of foreigners, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 26:12-13). Also, all Israelites were invited to be generous to those in need (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
What the New Testament says
We come across several mentions of tithing in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-9), but all refer to the Old Testament system. However, the New Testament does not give any specific rules about tithing, and most aspects of the Old Testament Law do not apply to Christians. In Matthew 23:23-24, Jesus Christ seems to support the tithe but these verses are primarily intended as a criticism of the Pharisees as hypocrites who obeyed the letter of the Law but not the Spirit of the Law. Despite the fact that they were so meticulous about the Law to the extent of tithing even the small amount of spices that they grew in household gardens, they ignored the more important matters of love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. However, Christ invites us to give generously out of love to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46).
More on what the Scriptures say about tithes
In the Old Testament, the voice of God calls on us to be generous to everyone who is in need as we can read from Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.” In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God and Savior of the World made it clear that we are obligated to be generous to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46). We can as well support our point by reading from Matthew 5:42 – “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
As Christians or followers of Jesus Christ, giving is to be done cheerfully, rather than as an obligation (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and not for the purpose of public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). The right amount to give may be more or less than ten percent, depending on one’s circumstances (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22, 21:1-4, Hebrews 13:16, 1 John 3:17). Generous giving is an acknowledgment that everything we have is a gift from God Almighty, and is to be used in His service (Luke 12:33, Acts 20:35, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:17, 1:27, 1 Peter 4:10). Instead of giving a certain amount as an obligation, we are urged to share generously of whatever blessings, talents, abilities, and wealth that God has entrusted in our care for we shall give an account someday (Romans 12:6-8).
Questions and Answers about Tithes or Tithing
1) What is the tithe?
“Tithe” is a word that comes from an Old English root meaning “one-tenth.” It is the common English translation for the Old Testament Hebrew asar word group. Back in ancient Israel, the tithe was an offering of one’s agricultural income to the Lord as an expression of thanks and dedication. It is important to understand that in the Old Testament agricultural economy, tithes were paid not in cash, gold, or goods but in crops or livestock, for only the agricultural fruit of the promised land was to be tithed – not other forms of income. Although today, we commonly think of the tithe as “10 percent” as a result, apparently there are three tithes in the Old Testament, two every year and a third every third year, or an average of 23.3 percent of one’s annual produce from the land.
There was also a promotion of freewill offering and personal giving above and beyond the tithe. Tithes were given by the patriarchs Abraham (Genesis 4:17-20) and Jacob (Genesis 28:22); a system of tithes was instituted in the law of God given through Moses (Deuteronomy 12; Deuteronomy 14 Deuteronomy 26; and the prophets rebuked the children of Israel for failing to give the tithe to God (Malachi 3:8). Although the idea of the tithe is still present in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23), it is on no occasion explicitly applied to believers. Instead, all Christians are invited to embrace freewill giving as a response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind, based on faith in God as Provider of all things (2 Corinthians 9:6-10).
2) Does the Bible require me to give 10 percent of my income to my church?
In reality, the Bible does not tell the Christian to give a certain percentage. Questions like what percentage we should give are not answered for Christians in the Bible. Nor does the Bible tell us how much of our giving should go to a church as well as how much to help the needy. It is important to understand that during Biblical times, Christians typically held their meetings in private homes or public spaces (Acts 2:46, 12:12) and did not have significant operating expenses. However, it is not the same today as modern churches need money to pay for salaries, utilities, rent or mortgage payments, supplies, and other operating expenses. Churches also need volunteers for the establishment and running of many ministries and church tasks. Apostle Paul regularly urged Christians to use their God-given gifts or talents to assist in the work of the Church of Christ (Romans 12:4-8).
3) Should my offering be computed on gross or net income?
Should my offering be computed on gross or net income? Is another modern-day question that is not answered in the Bible. In this case, we are to pray and seek God’s wisdom on how to go about it. For sure, His Spirit will touch our hearts and guide our actions.
4) Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?
The answer is No. As followers of Christ, we must pray and seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit as we listen to our conscience and consider our needs as well as those of our families (1 Timothy 5:8) when deciding how much to give. Pressure should not be put on anyone to give a certain amount of money or a certain percentage of income to a church or other ministry.
5) Will I receive blessings if I give a donation or “seed money” to a church or ministry?
The answer is No. As followers of Jesus Christ, our giving should not be one that is motivated by what we will receive in return. Instead, our giving should be motivated by love for God and His Kingdom. Giving out of love is pleasing to God who will definitely bless and see you through when you least expect it. However, it is important to note that there is no requirement in the Bible to give “seed money” to a church, preacher, or ministry, and no promise that any wealth or blessings of any kind will come as a result. Biblical verses like Matthew 13:1-9 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 are oftentimes cited in support when requesting for “seed money” and other donations, but the blessings promised here are spiritual ones.
6) Is tithing truly a matter of the heart?
Yes, of course, tithing is truly a matter of the heart. From the definition and purpose of the tithe, there is much that we can learn. The chief principle behind tithing and giving is the fact that what we do with our money shows where our heart is. Matthew 6:21 says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When we are able to give 10% or more of our income instead of keeping the money for ourselves, it shows that our heart is not tied to the money and it is a sign that our love for God is more than that for money. Surprisingly, the Bible mentions money over 800 times, and of all of Jesus’ parables, over half of them talked about money. Upon noticing this, we might ask ourselves why? It is because money is where many people get tripped up.
7) What is the difference between tithes and offerings?
Although tithes and offerings are often grouped together, they are not the same thing. A tithe is a specific amount (10% of your income) whereas an offering is a nonspecific amount that you give.
8) What does the Bible say about those paying tithes and those not paying tithes?
1 Corinthians 16:14 says “Let all that you do be done in love.” If you’ve made up your mind to regularly give a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, do so in love. If instead of regularly giving a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, you choose to go for undefined freewill giving wherever the need is in the body of Christ, do so in love. Let’s just make sure that we do all things in love. It is the love in our hearts that makes our sacrifices acceptable to God Almighty. Whatever sacrifice or offering that you are making without love, you are making a mockery of yourself. Pray and let God’s Spirit lead you on the matters of giving tithes and offerings.
Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Malachi 3:8-9 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.“
2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.“
Leviticus 27:30 – “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.”
Hebrews 7:1-28 – “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. …“
Group 1 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;“
Numbers 18:21 – “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,“
Genesis 14:20 – “And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.“
Matthew 23:23 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
Acts 20:35 – “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
1 Corinthians 11:31 – “But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.“
Leviticus 27:32 – “And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord.”
Group 2 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Luke 16:19-31 – “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. ...”
John 4:24 – “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
2 Kings 2:23-24 – “He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys.”
Luke 11:42 – “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Group 3 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 – “At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.”
Malachi 3:1-18 – “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, ...”
Group 4 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Genesis 28:22 – “And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Genesis 28:20-22 – Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
Psalm 24:1 – “A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,”
Exodus 16:36 – (An omer is the tenth part of an ephah.)
Group 5 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Leviticus 5:11 – “But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for the sin that he has committed a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it and shall put no frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.“
Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.“
Exodus 29:40 – “And with the first lamb a tenth seah of fine flour mingled with a fourth of a hin of beaten oil, and a fourth of a hin of wine for a drink offering.“
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
James 1:27 – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
Matthew 5:22 – “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
2 Timothy 3:15 – “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Group 6 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Acts 20:29 – “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;“
Galatians 3:24 – “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.”
Leviticus 6:20 – “This is the offering that Aaron and his sons shall offer to the Lord on the day when he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening.“
Revelation 22:18 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,”
1 John 1:8 – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Revelation 21:8 – “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?“
Group 7 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
1 Corinthians 6:9 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,“
Romans 12:19 – Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.“
Romans 8:29 – “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 – “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.“
Group 8 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Matthew 7:1-2 – “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
Genesis 1:1-31 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. ...”
Mark 12:41-44 – “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”“
Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Group 9 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Genesis 28:1-22 – “Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and directed him, “You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women. Arise, go to Paddan-aram to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father, and take as your wife from there one of the daughters of Laban your mother’s brother. God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. May he give the blessing of Abraham to you and to your offspring with you, that you may take possession of the land of your sojournings that God gave to Abraham!” Thus Isaac sent Jacob away. And he went to Paddan-aram, to Laban, the son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother. …“
Genesis 14:1-24 – “In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, …“
Group 10 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
1 Peter 4:12 – “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
2 Thessalonians 3:14 – “If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.“
1 Timothy 5:16 – “If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.”
2 Peter 1:10 – “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.“
Revelation 1:1 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,”
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
Group 11 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Philippians 4:15 – “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.”
Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Colossians 2:12 – “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Philippians 4:10-19 – “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ...”
Group 12 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
1 Corinthians 15:6 – “Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”
Acts 26:20 – “But declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”
Acts 2:38 – “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“
Luke 16:23 – “And in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.”
Acts 2:1-47 – “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. …“
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Group 13 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Matthew 16:18 – “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.“
Matthew 22:17-21 – Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Matthew 10:28 – “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.“
Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’“
Group 14 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Matthew 6:1-4 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
Group 15- Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Revelation 22:18-19 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
Numbers 18:26 – “Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, ‘When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.“
Group 16 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Revelation 20:10 – “And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Revelation 20:14-15 – “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.“
Group 17 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Revelation 19:8 – “It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.“
Hebrews 10:26-31 – “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” ...”
Group 18 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Galatians 6:16 – “And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.“
Colossians 1:18 – “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”
Galatians 4:6 – And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
1 Corinthians 13:3 – “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.“
Group 19 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
Group 20 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
1 Corinthians 14:1-40 – “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. ...”
Acts 1:11 – And said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Group 21 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
1 Corinthians 16:2 – “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.“
Acts 20:28 – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.“
Acts 15:29 – “That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
Group 22 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth (Malachi 3:10)
Acts 2:4 – “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 5:3-4 – But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Malachi 3:8 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.“
John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.“
Discover the Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth. Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. Also, some churches over-emphasize giving. Likewise, many Christians refuse to submit to the Biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord God Almighty. We should note that tithing/giving is intended to be a great joy and a blessing. However, it is rather sad as this is not often the case in the church today. Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a clear and well-understood requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). The Old Testament Law required multiple tithes – one for the Levites, one for feast and temple use, and one for the poor inhabiting the land – summing to about 23.3 percent.
Today, most people understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system. After the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament of the Bible nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. That is, the New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income that a person should set aside but only says that gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). However, some in the Christian church have embraced the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their act of giving.
Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
It is without a doubt that the New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. It invites us to give out of love as we are able. Sometimes that means giving over 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. Behold, it all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Whatever the case, we should always remember the Scripture that says he/she who does not love does not know God: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” – 1 John 4:8. Thus, if our giving is not backed with love, we are making a mockery/fool of ourselves for such gifts are not pleasing to the Lord God Almighty.
Every Christian should pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Of greatest importance, all tithes and offerings should be made with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As we unfold, we’ll pour more light on questions like Does the Bible require me to give 10% of my income to my church?Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?Should I tithe based on gross or net income?Will I receive blessings if I give “seed money” to a ministry?What does the Bible say about church offerings?
What Does The Scriptures Say About Tithes or Tithing
What the Old Testament says
In simple terms, “tithes” means a tenth or 10 percent. Tithing was designed specifically to meet the needs of the religious, economic, and political system of ancient Israel. Each of the twelve (12) tribes of Israel, except the tribe of Levi, initially received an allotment of land in the promised land of Canaan. The Levites were full-time assistants to Israel’s priests and were supported by a tithe offering from other eleven tribes. All families of those eleven tribes were expected to give a tenth of all produce, cattle, and flocks to the Levites. In turn, the Levites were expected to give a tenth of that to support the priests in their duties (Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:21-28). The Scriptures tell us that tithes were used to meet the needs of foreigners, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 26:12-13). Also, all Israelites were invited to be generous to those in need (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
What the New Testament says
We come across several mentions of tithing in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-9), but all refer to the Old Testament system. However, the New Testament does not give any specific rules about tithing, and most aspects of the Old Testament Law do not apply to Christians. In Matthew 23:23-24, Jesus Christ seems to support the tithe but these verses are primarily intended as a criticism of the Pharisees as hypocrites who obeyed the letter of the Law but not the Spirit of the Law. Despite the fact that they were so meticulous about the Law to the extent of tithing even the small amount of spices that they grew in household gardens, they ignored the more important matters of love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. However, Christ invites us to give generously out of love to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46).
More on what the Scriptures say about tithes
In the Old Testament, the voice of God calls on us to be generous to everyone who is in need as we can read from Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.” In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God and Savior of the World made it clear that we are obligated to be generous to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46). We can as well support our point by reading from Matthew 5:42 – “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
As Christians or followers of Jesus Christ, giving is to be done cheerfully, rather than as an obligation (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and not for the purpose of public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). The right amount to give may be more or less than ten percent, depending on one’s circumstances (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22, 21:1-4, Hebrews 13:16, 1 John 3:17). Generous giving is an acknowledgment that everything we have is a gift from God Almighty, and is to be used in His service (Luke 12:33, Acts 20:35, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:17, 1:27, 1 Peter 4:10). Instead of giving a certain amount as an obligation, we are urged to share generously of whatever blessings, talents, abilities, and wealth that God has entrusted in our care for we shall give an account someday (Romans 12:6-8).
Questions and Answers about Tithes or Tithing
1) What is the tithe?
“Tithe” is a word that comes from an Old English root meaning “one-tenth.” It is the common English translation for the Old Testament Hebrew asar word group. Back in ancient Israel, the tithe was an offering of one’s agricultural income to the Lord as an expression of thanks and dedication. It is important to understand that in the Old Testament agricultural economy, tithes were paid not in cash, gold, or goods but in crops or livestock, for only the agricultural fruit of the promised land was to be tithed – not other forms of income. Although today, we commonly think of the tithe as “10 percent” as a result, apparently there are three tithes in the Old Testament, two every year and a third every third year, or an average of 23.3 percent of one’s annual produce from the land.
There was also a promotion of freewill offering and personal giving above and beyond the tithe. Tithes were given by the patriarchs Abraham (Genesis 4:17-20) and Jacob (Genesis 28:22); a system of tithes was instituted in the law of God given through Moses (Deuteronomy 12; Deuteronomy 14 Deuteronomy 26; and the prophets rebuked the children of Israel for failing to give the tithe to God (Malachi 3:8). Although the idea of the tithe is still present in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23), it is on no occasion explicitly applied to believers. Instead, all Christians are invited to embrace freewill giving as a response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind, based on faith in God as Provider of all things (2 Corinthians 9:6-10).
2) Does the Bible require me to give 10 percent of my income to my church?
In reality, the Bible does not tell the Christian to give a certain percentage. Questions like what percentage we should give are not answered for Christians in the Bible. Nor does the Bible tell us how much of our giving should go to a church as well as how much to help the needy. It is important to understand that during Biblical times, Christians typically held their meetings in private homes or public spaces (Acts 2:46, 12:12) and did not have significant operating expenses. However, it is not the same today as modern churches need money to pay for salaries, utilities, rent or mortgage payments, supplies, and other operating expenses. Churches also need volunteers for the establishment and running of many ministries and church tasks. Apostle Paul regularly urged Christians to use their God-given gifts or talents to assist in the work of the Church of Christ (Romans 12:4-8).
3) Should my offering be computed on gross or net income?
Should my offering be computed on gross or net income? Is another modern-day question that is not answered in the Bible. In this case, we are to pray and seek God’s wisdom on how to go about it. For sure, His Spirit will touch our hearts and guide our actions.
4) Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?
The answer is No. As followers of Christ, we must pray and seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit as we listen to our conscience and consider our needs as well as those of our families (1 Timothy 5:8) when deciding how much to give. Pressure should not be put on anyone to give a certain amount of money or a certain percentage of income to a church or other ministry.
5) Will I receive blessings if I give a donation or “seed money” to a church or ministry?
The answer is No. As followers of Jesus Christ, our giving should not be one that is motivated by what we will receive in return. Instead, our giving should be motivated by love for God and His Kingdom. Giving out of love is pleasing to God who will definitely bless and see you through when you least expect it. However, it is important to note that there is no requirement in the Bible to give “seed money” to a church, preacher, or ministry, and no promise that any wealth or blessings of any kind will come as a result. Biblical verses like Matthew 13:1-9 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 are oftentimes cited in support when requesting for “seed money” and other donations, but the blessings promised here are spiritual ones.
6) Is tithing truly a matter of the heart?
Yes, of course, tithing is truly a matter of the heart. From the definition and purpose of the tithe, there is much that we can learn. The chief principle behind tithing and giving is the fact that what we do with our money shows where our heart is. Matthew 6:21 says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When we are able to give 10% or more of our income instead of keeping the money for ourselves, it shows that our heart is not tied to the money and it is a sign that our love for God is more than that for money. Surprisingly, the Bible mentions money over 800 times, and of all of Jesus’ parables, over half of them talked about money. Upon noticing this, we might ask ourselves why? It is because money is where many people get tripped up.
7) What is the difference between tithes and offerings?
Although tithes and offerings are often grouped together, they are not the same thing. A tithe is a specific amount (10% of your income) whereas an offering is a nonspecific amount that you give.
8) What does the Bible say about those paying tithes and those not paying tithes?
1 Corinthians 16:14 says “Let all that you do be done in love.” If you’ve made up your mind to regularly give a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, do so in love. If instead of regularly giving a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, you choose to go for undefined freewill giving wherever the need is in the body of Christ, do so in love. Let’s just make sure that we do all things in love. It is the love in our hearts that makes our sacrifices acceptable to God Almighty. Whatever sacrifice or offering that you are making without love, you are making a mockery of yourself. Pray and let God’s Spirit lead you on the matters of giving tithes and offerings.
Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Malachi 3:8-9 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.“
Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;“
2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.“
Leviticus 27:30 – “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.”
Hebrews 7:1-28 – “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. …“
Group 1 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Numbers 18:21 – “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,“
Genesis 14:20 – “And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.“
Matthew 23:23 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
Acts 20:35 – “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
1 Corinthians 11:31 – “But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.“
Leviticus 27:32 – “And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord.”
Group 2 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Luke 16:19-31 – “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. ...”
John 4:24 – “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
2 Kings 2:23-24 – “He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys.”
Luke 11:42 – “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Group 3 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Malachi 3:1-18 – “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, ...”
1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 – “At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.”
Group 4 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Genesis 28:22 – “And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Genesis 28:20-22 – Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
Psalm 24:1 – “A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,”
Exodus 16:36 – (An omer is the tenth part of an ephah.)
Group 5 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Leviticus 5:11 – “But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for the sin that he has committed a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it and shall put no frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.“
Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.“
Exodus 29:40 – “And with the first lamb a tenth seah of fine flour mingled with a fourth of a hin of beaten oil, and a fourth of a hin of wine for a drink offering.“
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
James 1:27 – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
Matthew 5:22 – “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
2 Timothy 3:15 – “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Group 6 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
1 John 1:8 – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Revelation 21:8 – “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?“
Acts 20:29 – “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;“
Galatians 3:24 – “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.”
Leviticus 6:20 – “This is the offering that Aaron and his sons shall offer to the Lord on the day when he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening.“
Revelation 22:18 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,”
Group 7 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
1 Corinthians 6:9 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,“
Romans 12:19 – Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.“
Romans 8:29 – “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 – “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.“
Group 8 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Matthew 7:1-2 – “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
Genesis 1:1-31 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. ...”
Mark 12:41-44 – “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”“
Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Group 9 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Genesis 14:1-24 – “In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, …“
Genesis 28:1-22 – “Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and directed him, “You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women. Arise, go to Paddan-aram to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father, and take as your wife from there one of the daughters of Laban your mother’s brother. God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. May he give the blessing of Abraham to you and to your offspring with you, that you may take possession of the land of your sojournings that God gave to Abraham!” Thus Isaac sent Jacob away. And he went to Paddan-aram, to Laban, the son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother. …“
Group 10 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
1 Peter 4:12 – “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
2 Thessalonians 3:14 – “If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.“
1 Timothy 5:16 – “If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.”
2 Peter 1:10 – “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.“
Revelation 1:1 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,”
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
Group 11 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Colossians 2:12 – “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Philippians 4:10-19 – “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ...”
Philippians 4:15 – “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.”
Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Group 12 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
1 Corinthians 15:6 – “Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”
Acts 26:20 – “But declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”
Acts 2:38 – “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“
Luke 16:23 – “And in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.”
Acts 2:1-47 – “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. …“
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Group 13 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Matthew 10:28 – “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.“
Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’“
Matthew 16:18 – “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.“
Matthew 22:17-21 – Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Group 14 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Matthew 6:1-4 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
Group 15- Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Revelation 22:18-19 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
Numbers 18:26 – “Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, ‘When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.“
Group 16 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Revelation 20:10 – “And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Revelation 20:14-15 – “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.“
Group 17 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Revelation 19:8 – “It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.“
Hebrews 10:26-31 – “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” ...”
Group 18 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Galatians 6:16 – “And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.“
Colossians 1:18 – “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”
Galatians 4:6 – And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
1 Corinthians 13:3 – “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.“
Group 19 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
Group 20 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
1 Corinthians 14:1-40 – “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. ...”
Acts 1:11 – And said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Group 21 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
1 Corinthians 16:2 – “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.“
Acts 20:28 – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.“
Acts 15:29 – “That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
Group 22 – Bible Verse About Tithing One Tenth
Acts 2:4 – “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 5:3-4 – But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Malachi 3:8 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.“
John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.“
Discover The Bible Verse On Tithing 10 Percent NIV. Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. Also, some churches over-emphasize giving. Likewise, many Christians refuse to submit to the Biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord God Almighty. We should note that tithing/giving is intended to be a great joy and a blessing. However, it is rather sad as this is not often the case in the church today. Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a clear and well-understood requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). The Old Testament Law required multiple tithes – one for the Levites, one for feast and temple use, and one for the poor inhabiting the land – summing to about 23.3 percent.
Today, most people understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system. After the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament of the Bible nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. That is, the New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income that a person should set aside but only says that gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). However, some in the Christian church have embraced the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their act of giving.
Bible Verse On Tithing 10 Percent NIV
It is without a doubt that the New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. It invites us to give out of love as we are able. Sometimes that means giving over 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. Behold, it all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Whatever the case, we should always remember the Scripture that says he/she who does not love does not know God: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” – 1 John 4:8. Thus, if our giving is not backed with love, we are making a mockery/fool of ourselves for such gifts are not pleasing to the Lord God Almighty.
Every Christian should pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Of greatest importance, all tithes and offerings should be made with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “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” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As we unfold, we’ll pour more light on questions like Does the Bible require me to give 10% of my income to my church?Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?Should I tithe based on gross or net income?Will I receive blessings if I give “seed money” to a ministry?What does the Bible say about church offerings?
What Does The Scriptures Say About Tithes or Tithing
What the Old Testament says
In simple terms, “tithes” means a tenth or 10 percent. Tithing was designed specifically to meet the needs of the religious, economic, and political system of ancient Israel. Each of the twelve (12) tribes of Israel, except the tribe of Levi, initially received an allotment of land in the promised land of Canaan. The Levites were full-time assistants to Israel’s priests and were supported by a tithe offering from other eleven tribes. All families of those eleven tribes were expected to give a tenth of all produce, cattle, and flocks to the Levites. In turn, the Levites were expected to give a tenth of that to support the priests in their duties (Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:21-28). The Scriptures tell us that tithes were used to meet the needs of foreigners, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 26:12-13). Also, all Israelites were invited to be generous to those in need (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
What the New Testament says
We come across several mentions of tithing in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-9), but all refer to the Old Testament system. However, the New Testament does not give any specific rules about tithing, and most aspects of the Old Testament Law do not apply to Christians. In Matthew 23:23-24, Jesus Christ seems to support the tithe but these verses are primarily intended as a criticism of the Pharisees as hypocrites who obeyed the letter of the Law but not the Spirit of the Law. Despite the fact that they were so meticulous about the Law to the extent of tithing even the small amount of spices that they grew in household gardens, they ignored the more important matters of love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. However, Christ invites us to give generously out of love to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46).
More on what the Scriptures say about tithes
In the Old Testament, the voice of God calls on us to be generous to everyone who is in need as we can read from Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.“ In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God and Savior of the World made it clear that we are obligated to be generous to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46). We can as well support our point by reading from Matthew 5:42 – “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.“
As Christians or followers of Jesus Christ, giving is to be done cheerfully, rather than as an obligation (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and not for the purpose of public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). The right amount to give may be more or less than ten percent, depending on one’s circumstances (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22, 21:1-4, Hebrews 13:16, 1 John 3:17). Generous giving is an acknowledgment that everything we have is a gift from God Almighty, and is to be used in His service (Luke 12:33, Acts 20:35, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:17, 1:27, 1 Peter 4:10). Instead of giving a certain amount as an obligation, we are urged to share generously of whatever blessings, talents, abilities, and wealth that God has entrusted in our care for we shall give an account someday (Romans 12:6-8).
Questions and Answers about Tithes or Tithing
1) What is the tithe?
“Tithe” is a word that comes from an Old English root meaning “one-tenth.” It is the common English translation for the Old Testament Hebrew asar word group. Back in ancient Israel, the tithe was an offering of one’s agricultural income to the Lord as an expression of thanks and dedication. It is important to understand that in the Old Testament agricultural economy, tithes were paid not in cash, gold, or goods but in crops or livestock, for only the agricultural fruit of the promised land was to be tithed – not other forms of income. Although today, we commonly think of the tithe as “10 percent” as a result, apparently there are three tithes in the Old Testament, two every year and a third every third year, or an average of 23.3 percent of one’s annual produce from the land.
There was also a promotion of freewill offering and personal giving above and beyond the tithe. Tithes were given by the patriarchs Abraham (Genesis 4:17-20) and Jacob (Genesis 28:22); a system of tithes was instituted in the law of God given through Moses (Deuteronomy 12; Deuteronomy 14 Deuteronomy 26; and the prophets rebuked the children of Israel for failing to give the tithe to God (Malachi 3:8). Although the idea of the tithe is still present in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23), it is on no occasion explicitly applied to believers. Instead, all Christians are invited to embrace freewill giving as a response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind, based on faith in God as Provider of all things (2 Corinthians 9:6-10).
2) Does the Bible require me to give 10 percent of my income to my church?
In reality, the Bible does not tell the Christian to give a certain percentage. Questions like what percentage we should give are not answered for Christians in the Bible. Nor does the Bible tell us how much of our giving should go to a church as well as how much to help the needy. It is important to understand that during Biblical times, Christians typically held their meetings in private homes or public spaces (Acts 2:46, 12:12) and did not have significant operating expenses. However, it is not the same today as modern churches need money to pay for salaries, utilities, rent or mortgage payments, supplies, and other operating expenses. Churches also need volunteers for the establishment and running of many ministries and church tasks. Apostle Paul regularly urged Christians to use their God-given gifts or talents to assist in the work of the Church of Christ (Romans 12:4-8).
3) Should my offering be computed on gross or net income?
Should my offering be computed on gross or net income? Is another modern-day question that is not answered in the Bible. In this case, we are to pray and seek God’s wisdom on how to go about it. For sure, His Spirit will touch our hearts and guide our actions.
4) Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?
The answer is No. As followers of Christ, we must pray and seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit as we listen to our conscience and consider our needs as well as those of our families (1 Timothy 5:8) when deciding how much to give. Pressure should not be put on anyone to give a certain amount of money or a certain percentage of income to a church or other ministry.
5) Will I receive blessings if I give a donation or “seed money” to a church or ministry?
The answer is No. As followers of Jesus Christ, our giving should not be one that is motivated by what we will receive in return. Instead, our giving should be motivated by love for God and His Kingdom. Giving out of love is pleasing to God who will definitely bless and see you through when you least expect it. However, it is important to note that there is no requirement in the Bible to give “seed money” to a church, preacher, or ministry, and no promise that any wealth or blessings of any kind will come as a result. Biblical verses like Matthew 13:1-9 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 are oftentimes cited in support when requesting for “seed money” and other donations, but the blessings promised here are spiritual ones.
6) Is tithing truly a matter of the heart?
Yes, of course, tithing is truly a matter of the heart. From the definition and purpose of the tithe, there is much that we can learn. The chief principle behind tithing and giving is the fact that what we do with our money shows where our heart is. Matthew 6:21 says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When we are able to give 10% or more of our income instead of keeping the money for ourselves, it shows that our heart is not tied to the money and it is a sign that our love for God is more than that for money. Surprisingly, the Bible mentions money over 800 times, and of all of Jesus’ parables, over half of them talked about money. Upon noticing this, we might ask ourselves why? It is because money is where many people get tripped up.
7) What is the difference between tithes and offerings?
Although tithes and offerings are often grouped together, they are not the same thing. A tithe is a specific amount (10% of your income) whereas an offering is a nonspecific amount that you give.
8) What does the Bible say about those paying tithes and those not paying tithes?
1 Corinthians 16:14 says “Let all that you do be done in love.” If you’ve made up your mind to regularly give a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, do so in love. If instead of regularly giving a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, you choose to go for undefined freewill giving wherever the need is in the body of Christ, do so in love. Let’s just make sure that we do all things in love. It is the love in our hearts that makes our sacrifices acceptable to God Almighty. Whatever sacrifice or offering that you are making without love, you are making a mockery of yourself. Pray and let God’s Spirit lead you on the matters of giving tithes and offerings.
Bible Verse On Tithing 10 Percent NIV
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.“
Numbers 18:21 – “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.“
Numbers 18:28 – “In this way you also will present an offering to the Lord from all the tithes you receive from the Israelites. From these tithes you must give the Lord’s portion to Aaron the priest.”
Numbers 18:24 – “Instead, I give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present as an offering to the Lord. That is why I said concerning them: ‘They will have no inheritance among the Israelites.’”
Group 1 – Bible Verse On Tithing 10 Percent NIV
Deuteronomy 12:11 – “Then to the place the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his Name—there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the Lord.“
Deuteronomy 12:6 – “there bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks.”
Deuteronomy 14:28 – “At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns,“
Deuteronomy 14:22 – “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.“
Deuteronomy 26:1 – “When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it,“
2 Chronicles 31:12 – “Then they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts. Konaniah, a Levite, was the overseer in charge of these things, and his brother Shimei was next in rank.”
Group 2 – Bible Verse On Tithing 10 Percent NIV
Nehemiah 10:38 – “A priest descended from 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.“
Nehemiah 10:37 – “Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God, to the priests, the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and olive oil. And we will bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all the towns where we work.”
Nehemiah 13:5 – “and he had provided him with a large room formerly used to store the grain offerings and incense and temple articles, and also the tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil prescribed for the Levites, musicians and gatekeepers, as well as the contributions for the priests.”
Nehemiah 12:44 – “At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, firstfruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites.“
Group 3 – Bible Verse On Tithing 10 Percent NIV
Amos 4:4 – “Go to Bethel and sin; go to Gilgal and sin yet more. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three years.“
Nehemiah 13:12 – “All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil into the storerooms.”
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.
Malachi 3:6 – “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.“
Discover The Bible Verse On Tithing 10 Percent KJV. Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. Also, some churches over-emphasize giving. Likewise, many Christians refuse to submit to the Biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord God Almighty. We should note that tithing/giving is intended to be a great joy and a blessing. However, it is rather sad as this is not often the case in the church today. Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a clear and well-understood requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). The Old Testament Law required multiple tithes – one for the Levites, one for feast and temple use, and one for the poor inhabiting the land – summing to about 23.3 percent.
Today, most people understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system. After the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament of the Bible nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. That is, the New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income that a person should set aside but only says that gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). However, some in the Christian church have embraced the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their act of giving.
Bible Verse On Tithing 10 Percent KJV
It is without a doubt that the New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. It invites us to give out of love as we are able. Sometimes that means giving over 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. Behold, it all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Whatever the case, we should always remember the Scripture that says he/she who does not love does not know God: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” – 1 John 4:8. Thus, if our giving is not backed with love, we are making a mockery/fool of ourselves for such gifts are not pleasing to the Lord God Almighty.
Every Christian should pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Of greatest importance, all tithes and offerings should be made with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As we unfold, we’ll pour more light on questions like Does the Bible require me to give 10% of my income to my church?Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?Should I tithe based on gross or net income?Will I receive blessings if I give “seed money” to a ministry?What does the Bible say about church offerings?
What Does The Scriptures Say About Tithes or Tithing
What the Old Testament says
In simple terms, “tithes” means a tenth or 10 percent. Tithing was designed specifically to meet the needs of the religious, economic, and political system of ancient Israel. Each of the twelve (12) tribes of Israel, except the tribe of Levi, initially received an allotment of land in the promised land of Canaan. The Levites were full-time assistants to Israel’s priests and were supported by a tithe offering from other eleven tribes. All families of those eleven tribes were expected to give a tenth of all produce, cattle, and flocks to the Levites. In turn, the Levites were expected to give a tenth of that to support the priests in their duties (Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:21-28). The Scriptures tell us that tithes were used to meet the needs of foreigners, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 26:12-13). Also, all Israelites were invited to be generous to those in need (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
What the New Testament says
We come across several mentions of tithing in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-9), but all refer to the Old Testament system. However, the New Testament does not give any specific rules about tithing, and most aspects of the Old Testament Law do not apply to Christians. In Matthew 23:23-24, Jesus Christ seems to support the tithe but these verses are primarily intended as a criticism of the Pharisees as hypocrites who obeyed the letter of the Law but not the Spirit of the Law. Despite the fact that they were so meticulous about the Law to the extent of tithing even the small amount of spices that they grew in household gardens, they ignored the more important matters of love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. However, Christ invites us to give generously out of love to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46).
More on what the Scriptures say about tithes
In the Old Testament, the voice of God calls on us to be generous to everyone who is in need as we can read from Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth.” In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God and Savior of the World made it clear that we are obligated to be generous to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46). We can as well support our point by reading from Matthew 5:42 – “Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.“
As Christians or followers of Jesus Christ, giving is to be done cheerfully, rather than as an obligation (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and not for the purpose of public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). The right amount to give may be more or less than ten percent, depending on one’s circumstances (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22, 21:1-4, Hebrews 13:16, 1 John 3:17). Generous giving is an acknowledgment that everything we have is a gift from God Almighty, and is to be used in His service (Luke 12:33, Acts 20:35, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:17, 1:27, 1 Peter 4:10). Instead of giving a certain amount as an obligation, we are urged to share generously of whatever blessings, talents, abilities, and wealth that God has entrusted in our care for we shall give an account someday (Romans 12:6-8).
Questions and Answers about Tithes or Tithing
1) What is the tithe?
“Tithe” is a word that comes from an Old English root meaning “one-tenth.” It is the common English translation for the Old Testament Hebrew asar word group. Back in ancient Israel, the tithe was an offering of one’s agricultural income to the Lord as an expression of thanks and dedication. It is important to understand that in the Old Testament agricultural economy, tithes were paid not in cash, gold, or goods but in crops or livestock, for only the agricultural fruit of the promised land was to be tithed – not other forms of income. Although today, we commonly think of the tithe as “10 percent” as a result, apparently there are three tithes in the Old Testament, two every year and a third every third year, or an average of 23.3 percent of one’s annual produce from the land.
There was also a promotion of freewill offering and personal giving above and beyond the tithe. Tithes were given by the patriarchs Abraham (Genesis 4:17-20) and Jacob (Genesis 28:22); a system of tithes was instituted in the law of God given through Moses (Deuteronomy 12; Deuteronomy 14 Deuteronomy 26; and the prophets rebuked the children of Israel for failing to give the tithe to God (Malachi 3:8). Although the idea of the tithe is still present in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23), it is on no occasion explicitly applied to believers. Instead, all Christians are invited to embrace freewill giving as a response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind, based on faith in God as Provider of all things (2 Corinthians 9:6-10).
2) Does the Bible require me to give 10 percent of my income to my church?
In reality, the Bible does not tell the Christian to give a certain percentage. Questions like what percentage we should give are not answered for Christians in the Bible. Nor does the Bible tell us how much of our giving should go to a church as well as how much to help the needy. It is important to understand that during Biblical times, Christians typically held their meetings in private homes or public spaces (Acts 2:46, 12:12) and did not have significant operating expenses. However, it is not the same today as modern churches need money to pay for salaries, utilities, rent or mortgage payments, supplies, and other operating expenses. Churches also need volunteers for the establishment and running of many ministries and church tasks. Apostle Paul regularly urged Christians to use their God-given gifts or talents to assist in the work of the Church of Christ (Romans 12:4-8).
3) Should my offering be computed on gross or net income?
Should my offering be computed on gross or net income? Is another modern-day question that is not answered in the Bible. In this case, we are to pray and seek God’s wisdom on how to go about it. For sure, His Spirit will touch our hearts and guide our actions.
4) Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?
The answer is No. As followers of Christ, we must pray and seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit as we listen to our conscience and consider our needs as well as those of our families (1 Timothy 5:8) when deciding how much to give. Pressure should not be put on anyone to give a certain amount of money or a certain percentage of income to a church or other ministry.
5) Will I receive blessings if I give a donation or “seed money” to a church or ministry?
The answer is No. As followers of Jesus Christ, our giving should not be one that is motivated by what we will receive in return. Instead, our giving should be motivated by love for God and His Kingdom. Giving out of love is pleasing to God who will definitely bless and see you through when you least expect it. However, it is important to note that there is no requirement in the Bible to give “seed money” to a church, preacher, or ministry, and no promise that any wealth or blessings of any kind will come as a result. Biblical verses like Matthew 13:1-9 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 are oftentimes cited in support when requesting for “seed money” and other donations, but the blessings promised here are spiritual ones.
6) Is tithing truly a matter of the heart?
Yes, of course, tithing is truly a matter of the heart. From the definition and purpose of the tithe, there is much that we can learn. The chief principle behind tithing and giving is the fact that what we do with our money shows where our heart is. Matthew 6:21 says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When we are able to give 10% or more of our income instead of keeping the money for ourselves, it shows that our heart is not tied to the money and it is a sign that our love for God is more than that for money. Surprisingly, the Bible mentions money over 800 times, and of all of Jesus’ parables, over half of them talked about money. Upon noticing this, we might ask ourselves why? It is because money is where many people get tripped up.
7) What is the difference between tithes and offerings?
Although tithes and offerings are often grouped together, they are not the same thing. A tithe is a specific amount (10% of your income) whereas an offering is a nonspecific amount that you give.
8) What does the Bible say about those paying tithes and those not paying tithes?
1 Corinthians 16:14 says “Let all that you do be done in love.” If you’ve made up your mind to regularly give a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, do so in love. If instead of regularly giving a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, you choose to go for undefined freewill giving wherever the need is in the body of Christ, do so in love. Let’s just make sure that we do all things in love. It is the love in our hearts that makes our sacrifices acceptable to God Almighty. Whatever sacrifice or offering that you are making without love, you are making a mockery of yourself. Pray and let God’s Spirit lead you on the matters of giving tithes and offerings.
Bible Verse On Tithing 10 Percent KJV
Malachi 3:10 – “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to ...”
Genesis 28:20-22 – “And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the LORD be my God: And this stone ...”
2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.“
Mark 12:41-44 – “And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his …“
Malachi 3:8-12 – “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be …“
Group 1 – Bible Verse On Tithing 10 Percent KJV
2 Corinthians 9:6 – “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.“
Malachi 3:8 – “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.“
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.“
Acts 20:35 – “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.“
Hebrews 7:1-28 – “For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and …“
Group 2 – Bible Verse On Tithing 10 Percent KJV
Matthew 6:1-4 – “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in …“
Luke 21:1-4 – “And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all …“
Leviticus 27:30-33 – “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD’s: it is holy unto the LORD. And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof. And concerning …“
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.“
Group 3 – Bible Verse On Tithing 10 Percent KJV
Deuteronomy 15:7-11 – “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto ...”
Hebrews 13:5 – “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
Matthew 6:4 – “That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.”
Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.”
Learn How To Tithe Correctly. Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. Also, some churches over-emphasize giving. Likewise, many Christians refuse to submit to the Biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord God Almighty. We should note that tithing/giving is intended to be a great joy and a blessing. However, it is rather sad as this is not often the case in the church today. Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a clear and well-understood requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). The Old Testament Law required multiple tithes – one for the Levites, one for feast and temple use, and one for the poor inhabiting the land – summing to about 23.3 percent.
Today, most people understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system. After the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament of the Bible nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. That is, the New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income that a person should set aside but only says that gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). However, some in the Christian church have embraced the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their act of giving.
How To Tithe Correctly
It is without a doubt that the New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. It invites us to give out of love as we are able. Sometimes that means giving over 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. Behold, it all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Whatever the case, we should always remember the Scripture that says he/she who does not love does not know God: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” – 1 John 4:8. Thus, if our giving is not backed with love, we are making a mockery/fool of ourselves for such gifts are not pleasing to the Lord God Almighty.
Every Christian should pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Of greatest importance, all tithes and offerings should be made with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As we unfold, we’ll pour more light on questions like Does the Bible require me to give 10% of my income to my church?Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?Should I tithe based on gross or net income?Will I receive blessings if I give “seed money” to a ministry?What does the Bible say about church offerings?
What Does The Scriptures Say About Tithes or Tithing
What the Old Testament says
In simple terms, “tithes” means a tenth or 10 percent. Tithing was designed specifically to meet the needs of the religious, economic, and political system of ancient Israel. Each of the twelve (12) tribes of Israel, except the tribe of Levi, initially received an allotment of land in the promised land of Canaan. The Levites were full-time assistants to Israel’s priests and were supported by a tithe offering from other eleven tribes. All families of those eleven tribes were expected to give a tenth of all produce, cattle, and flocks to the Levites. In turn, the Levites were expected to give a tenth of that to support the priests in their duties (Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:21-28). The Scriptures tell us that tithes were used to meet the needs of foreigners, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 26:12-13). Also, all Israelites were invited to be generous to those in need (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
What the New Testament says
We come across several mentions of tithing in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-9), but all refer to the Old Testament system. However, the New Testament does not give any specific rules about tithing, and most aspects of the Old Testament Law do not apply to Christians. In Matthew 23:23-24, Jesus Christ seems to support the tithe but these verses are primarily intended as a criticism of the Pharisees as hypocrites who obeyed the letter of the Law but not the Spirit of the Law. Despite the fact that they were so meticulous about the Law to the extent of tithing even the small amount of spices that they grew in household gardens, they ignored the more important matters of love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. However, Christ invites us to give generously out of love to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46).
More on what the Scriptures say about tithes
In the Old Testament, the voice of God calls on us to be generous to everyone who is in need as we can read from Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.” In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God and Savior of the World made it clear that we are obligated to be generous to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46). We can as well support our point by reading from Matthew 5:42 – “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
As Christians or followers of Jesus Christ, giving is to be done cheerfully, rather than as an obligation (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and not for the purpose of public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). The right amount to give may be more or less than ten percent, depending on one’s circumstances (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22, 21:1-4, Hebrews 13:16, 1 John 3:17). Generous giving is an acknowledgment that everything we have is a gift from God Almighty, and is to be used in His service (Luke 12:33, Acts 20:35, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:17, 1:27, 1 Peter 4:10). Instead of giving a certain amount as an obligation, we are urged to share generously of whatever blessings, talents, abilities, and wealth that God has entrusted in our care for we shall give an account someday (Romans 12:6-8).
Questions and Answers about Tithes or Tithing
1) What is the tithe?
“Tithe” is a word that comes from an Old English root meaning “one-tenth.” It is the common English translation for the Old Testament Hebrew asar word group. Back in ancient Israel, the tithe was an offering of one’s agricultural income to the Lord as an expression of thanks and dedication. It is important to understand that in the Old Testament agricultural economy, tithes were paid not in cash, gold, or goods but in crops or livestock, for only the agricultural fruit of the promised land was to be tithed – not other forms of income. Although today, we commonly think of the tithe as “10 percent” as a result, apparently there are three tithes in the Old Testament, two every year and a third every third year, or an average of 23.3 percent of one’s annual produce from the land.
There was also a promotion of freewill offering and personal giving above and beyond the tithe. Tithes were given by the patriarchs Abraham (Genesis 4:17-20) and Jacob (Genesis 28:22); a system of tithes was instituted in the law of God given through Moses (Deuteronomy 12; Deuteronomy 14 Deuteronomy 26; and the prophets rebuked the children of Israel for failing to give the tithe to God (Malachi 3:8). Although the idea of the tithe is still present in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23), it is on no occasion explicitly applied to believers. Instead, all Christians are invited to embrace freewill giving as a response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind, based on faith in God as Provider of all things (2 Corinthians 9:6-10).
2) Does the Bible require me to give 10 percent of my income to my church?
In reality, the Bible does not tell the Christian to give a certain percentage. Questions like what percentage we should give are not answered for Christians in the Bible. Nor does the Bible tell us how much of our giving should go to a church as well as how much to help the needy. It is important to understand that during Biblical times, Christians typically held their meetings in private homes or public spaces (Acts 2:46, 12:12) and did not have significant operating expenses. However, it is not the same today as modern churches need money to pay for salaries, utilities, rent or mortgage payments, supplies, and other operating expenses. Churches also need volunteers for the establishment and running of many ministries and church tasks. Apostle Paul regularly urged Christians to use their God-given gifts or talents to assist in the work of the Church of Christ (Romans 12:4-8).
3) Should my offering be computed on gross or net income?
Should my offering be computed on gross or net income? Is another modern-day question that is not answered in the Bible. In this case, we are to pray and seek God’s wisdom on how to go about it. For sure, His Spirit will touch our hearts and guide our actions.
4) Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?
The answer is No. As followers of Christ, we must pray and seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit as we listen to our conscience and consider our needs as well as those of our families (1 Timothy 5:8) when deciding how much to give. Pressure should not be put on anyone to give a certain amount of money or a certain percentage of income to a church or other ministry.
5) Will I receive blessings if I give a donation or “seed money” to a church or ministry?
The answer is No. As followers of Jesus Christ, our giving should not be one that is motivated by what we will receive in return. Instead, our giving should be motivated by love for God and His Kingdom. Giving out of love is pleasing to God who will definitely bless and see you through when you least expect it. However, it is important to note that there is no requirement in the Bible to give “seed money” to a church, preacher, or ministry, and no promise that any wealth or blessings of any kind will come as a result. Biblical verses like Matthew 13:1-9 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 are oftentimes cited in support when requesting for “seed money” and other donations, but the blessings promised here are spiritual ones.
6) Is tithing truly a matter of the heart?
Yes, of course, tithing is truly a matter of the heart. From the definition and purpose of the tithe, there is much that we can learn. The chief principle behind tithing and giving is the fact that what we do with our money shows where our heart is. Matthew 6:21 says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When we are able to give 10% or more of our income instead of keeping the money for ourselves, it shows that our heart is not tied to the money and it is a sign that our love for God is more than that for money. Surprisingly, the Bible mentions money over 800 times, and of all of Jesus’ parables, over half of them talked about money. Upon noticing this, we might ask ourselves why? It is because money is where many people get tripped up.
7) What is the difference between tithes and offerings?
Although tithes and offerings are often grouped together, they are not the same thing. A tithe is a specific amount (10% of your income) whereas an offering is a nonspecific amount that you give.
8) What does the Bible say about those paying tithes and those not paying tithes?
1 Corinthians 16:14 says “Let all that you do be done in love.” If you’ve made up your mind to regularly give a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, do so in love. If instead of regularly giving a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, you choose to go for undefined freewill giving wherever the need is in the body of Christ, do so in love. Let’s just make sure that we do all things in love. It is the love in our hearts that makes our sacrifices acceptable to God Almighty. Whatever sacrifice or offering that you are making without love, you are making a mockery of yourself. Pray and let God’s Spirit lead you on the matters of giving tithes and offerings.
How To Tithe Correctly
Malachi 3:8-9 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.“
Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;“
2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.“
Leviticus 27:30 – “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.”
Hebrews 7:1-28 – “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. …“
Group 1 – How To Tithe Correctly
Matthew 23:23 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
Acts 20:35 – “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
1 Corinthians 11:31 – “But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.“
Leviticus 27:32 – “And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord.”
Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Numbers 18:21 – “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,“
Genesis 14:20 – “And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.“
Group 2 – How To Tithe Correctly
Luke 16:19-31 – “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. ...”
John 4:24 – “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Malachi 3:1-18 – “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, ...”
Group 3 – How To Tithe Correctly
2 Kings 2:23-24 – “He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys.”
Luke 11:42 – “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 – “At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.”
Group 4 – How To Tithe Correctly
John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Genesis 28:22 – “And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Genesis 28:20-22 – Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
Psalm 24:1 – “A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,”
Exodus 16:36 – (An omer is the tenth part of an ephah.)
Group 5 – How To Tithe Correctly
James 1:27 – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
Matthew 5:22 – “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
2 Timothy 3:15 – “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Leviticus 5:11 – “But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for the sin that he has committed a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it and shall put no frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.“
Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.“
Exodus 29:40 – “And with the first lamb a tenth seah of fine flour mingled with a fourth of a hin of beaten oil, and a fourth of a hin of wine for a drink offering.“
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Group 6 – How To Tithe Correctly
Acts 20:29 – “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;“
Galatians 3:24 – “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.”
Leviticus 6:20 – “This is the offering that Aaron and his sons shall offer to the Lord on the day when he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening.“
Revelation 22:18 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,”
1 John 1:8 – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Revelation 21:8 – “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?“
Group 7 – How To Tithe Correctly
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 – “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.“
1 Corinthians 6:9 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,“
Romans 12:19 – Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.“
Romans 8:29 – “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
Group 8 – How To Tithe Correctly
Mark 12:41-44 – “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”“
Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Matthew 7:1-2 – “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
Genesis 1:1-31 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. ...”
Group 9 – How To Tithe Correctly
Genesis 28:1-22 – “Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and directed him, “You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women. Arise, go to Paddan-aram to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father, and take as your wife from there one of the daughters of Laban your mother’s brother. God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. May he give the blessing of Abraham to you and to your offspring with you, that you may take possession of the land of your sojournings that God gave to Abraham!” Thus Isaac sent Jacob away. And he went to Paddan-aram, to Laban, the son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother. …“
Genesis 14:1-24 – “In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, …“
Group 10 – How To Tithe Correctly
2 Peter 1:10 – “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.“
Revelation 1:1 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,”
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
1 Peter 4:12 – “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
2 Thessalonians 3:14 – “If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.“
1 Timothy 5:16 – “If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.”
Group 11 – How To Tithe Correctly
Colossians 2:12 – “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Philippians 4:10-19 – “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ...”
Philippians 4:15 – “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.”
Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Group 12 – How To Tithe Correctly
Acts 2:1-47 – “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. …“
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
1 Corinthians 15:6 – “Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”
Acts 26:20 – “But declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”
Acts 2:38 – “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“
Luke 16:23 – “And in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.”
Group 13 – How To Tithe Correctly
Matthew 16:18 – “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.“
Matthew 22:17-21 – Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Matthew 10:28 – “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.“
Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’“
Group 14 – How To Tithe Correctly
Matthew 6:1-4 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
Group 15- How To Tithe Correctly
Revelation 22:18-19 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
Numbers 18:26 – “Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, ‘When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.“
Group 16 – How To Tithe Correctly
Revelation 20:10 – “And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Revelation 20:14-15 – “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.“
Group 17 – How To Tithe Correctly
Revelation 19:8 – “It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.“
Hebrews 10:26-31 – “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” ...”
Group 18 – How To Tithe Correctly
Galatians 6:16 – “And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.“
Colossians 1:18 – “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”
Galatians 4:6 – And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
1 Corinthians 13:3 – “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.“
Group 19 – How To Tithe Correctly
2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
Group 20 – How To Tithe Correctly
1 Corinthians 14:1-40 – “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. ...”
Acts 1:11 – And said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Group 21 – How To Tithe Correctly
1 Corinthians 16:2 – “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.“
Acts 20:28 – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.“
Acts 15:29 – “That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
Group 22 – How To Tithe Correctly
Acts 2:4 – “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 5:3-4 – But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Malachi 3:8 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.“
John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.“
Discover Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament. Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. Also, some churches over-emphasize giving. Likewise, many Christians refuse to submit to the Biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord God Almighty. We should note that tithing/giving is intended to be a great joy and a blessing. However, it is rather sad as this is not often the case in the church today. Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a clear and well-understood requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). The Old Testament Law required multiple tithes – one for the Levites, one for feast and temple use, and one for the poor inhabiting the land – summing to about 23.3 percent.
Today, most people understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system. After the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament of the Bible nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. That is, the New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income that a person should set aside but only says that gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). However, some in the Christian church have embraced the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their act of giving.
Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
It is without a doubt that the New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. It invites us to give out of love as we are able. Sometimes that means giving over 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. Behold, it all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Whatever the case, we should always remember the Scripture that says he/she who does not love does not know God: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” – 1 John 4:8. Thus, if our giving is not backed with love, we are making a mockery/fool of ourselves for such gifts are not pleasing to the Lord God Almighty.
Every Christian should pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Of greatest importance, all tithes and offerings should be made with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As we unfold, we’ll pour more light on questions like Does the Bible require me to give 10% of my income to my church?Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?Should I tithe based on gross or net income?Will I receive blessings if I give “seed money” to a ministry?What does the Bible say about church offerings?
What Does The Scriptures Say About Tithes or Tithing
What the Old Testament says
In simple terms, “tithes” means a tenth or 10 percent. Tithing was designed specifically to meet the needs of the religious, economic, and political system of ancient Israel. Each of the twelve (12) tribes of Israel, except the tribe of Levi, initially received an allotment of land in the promised land of Canaan. The Levites were full-time assistants to Israel’s priests and were supported by a tithe offering from other eleven tribes. All families of those eleven tribes were expected to give a tenth of all produce, cattle, and flocks to the Levites. In turn, the Levites were expected to give a tenth of that to support the priests in their duties (Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:21-28). The Scriptures tell us that tithes were used to meet the needs of foreigners, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 26:12-13). Also, all Israelites were invited to be generous to those in need (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
What the New Testament says
We come across several mentions of tithing in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-9), but all refer to the Old Testament system. However, the New Testament does not give any specific rules about tithing, and most aspects of the Old Testament Law do not apply to Christians. In Matthew 23:23-24, Jesus Christ seems to support the tithe but these verses are primarily intended as a criticism of the Pharisees as hypocrites who obeyed the letter of the Law but not the Spirit of the Law. Despite the fact that they were so meticulous about the Law to the extent of tithing even the small amount of spices that they grew in household gardens, they ignored the more important matters of love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. However, Christ invites us to give generously out of love to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46).
More on what the Scriptures say about tithes
In the Old Testament, the voice of God calls on us to be generous to everyone who is in need as we can read from Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.” In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God and Savior of the World made it clear that we are obligated to be generous to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46). We can as well support our point by reading from Matthew 5:42 – “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
As Christians or followers of Jesus Christ, giving is to be done cheerfully, rather than as an obligation (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and not for the purpose of public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). The right amount to give may be more or less than ten percent, depending on one’s circumstances (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22, 21:1-4, Hebrews 13:16, 1 John 3:17). Generous giving is an acknowledgment that everything we have is a gift from God Almighty, and is to be used in His service (Luke 12:33, Acts 20:35, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:17, 1:27, 1 Peter 4:10). Instead of giving a certain amount as an obligation, we are urged to share generously of whatever blessings, talents, abilities, and wealth that God has entrusted in our care for we shall give an account someday (Romans 12:6-8).
Questions and Answers about Tithes or Tithing
1) What is the tithe?
“Tithe” is a word that comes from an Old English root meaning “one-tenth.” It is the common English translation for the Old Testament Hebrew asar word group. Back in ancient Israel, the tithe was an offering of one’s agricultural income to the Lord as an expression of thanks and dedication. It is important to understand that in the Old Testament agricultural economy, tithes were paid not in cash, gold, or goods but in crops or livestock, for only the agricultural fruit of the promised land was to be tithed – not other forms of income. Although today, we commonly think of the tithe as “10 percent” as a result, apparently there are three tithes in the Old Testament, two every year and a third every third year, or an average of 23.3 percent of one’s annual produce from the land.
There was also a promotion of freewill offering and personal giving above and beyond the tithe. Tithes were given by the patriarchs Abraham (Genesis 4:17-20) and Jacob (Genesis 28:22); a system of tithes was instituted in the law of God given through Moses (Deuteronomy 12; Deuteronomy 14 Deuteronomy 26; and the prophets rebuked the children of Israel for failing to give the tithe to God (Malachi 3:8). Although the idea of the tithe is still present in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23), it is on no occasion explicitly applied to believers. Instead, all Christians are invited to embrace freewill giving as a response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind, based on faith in God as Provider of all things (2 Corinthians 9:6-10).
2) Does the Bible require me to give 10 percent of my income to my church?
In reality, the Bible does not tell the Christian to give a certain percentage. Questions like what percentage we should give are not answered for Christians in the Bible. Nor does the Bible tell us how much of our giving should go to a church as well as how much to help the needy. It is important to understand that during Biblical times, Christians typically held their meetings in private homes or public spaces (Acts 2:46, 12:12) and did not have significant operating expenses. However, it is not the same today as modern churches need money to pay for salaries, utilities, rent or mortgage payments, supplies, and other operating expenses. Churches also need volunteers for the establishment and running of many ministries and church tasks. Apostle Paul regularly urged Christians to use their God-given gifts or talents to assist in the work of the Church of Christ (Romans 12:4-8).
3) Should my offering be computed on gross or net income?
Should my offering be computed on gross or net income? Is another modern-day question that is not answered in the Bible. In this case, we are to pray and seek God’s wisdom on how to go about it. For sure, His Spirit will touch our hearts and guide our actions.
4) Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?
The answer is No. As followers of Christ, we must pray and seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit as we listen to our conscience and consider our needs as well as those of our families (1 Timothy 5:8) when deciding how much to give. Pressure should not be put on anyone to give a certain amount of money or a certain percentage of income to a church or other ministry.
5) Will I receive blessings if I give a donation or “seed money” to a church or ministry?
The answer is No. As followers of Jesus Christ, our giving should not be one that is motivated by what we will receive in return. Instead, our giving should be motivated by love for God and His Kingdom. Giving out of love is pleasing to God who will definitely bless and see you through when you least expect it. However, it is important to note that there is no requirement in the Bible to give “seed money” to a church, preacher, or ministry, and no promise that any wealth or blessings of any kind will come as a result. Biblical verses like Matthew 13:1-9 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 are oftentimes cited in support when requesting for “seed money” and other donations, but the blessings promised here are spiritual ones.
6) Is tithing truly a matter of the heart?
Yes, of course, tithing is truly a matter of the heart. From the definition and purpose of the tithe, there is much that we can learn. The chief principle behind tithing and giving is the fact that what we do with our money shows where our heart is. Matthew 6:21 says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When we are able to give 10% or more of our income instead of keeping the money for ourselves, it shows that our heart is not tied to the money and it is a sign that our love for God is more than that for money. Surprisingly, the Bible mentions money over 800 times, and of all of Jesus’ parables, over half of them talked about money. Upon noticing this, we might ask ourselves why? It is because money is where many people get tripped up.
7) What is the difference between tithes and offerings?
Although tithes and offerings are often grouped together, they are not the same thing. A tithe is a specific amount (10% of your income) whereas an offering is a nonspecific amount that you give.
8) What does the Bible say about those paying tithes and those not paying tithes?
1 Corinthians 16:14 says “Let all that you do be done in love.” If you’ve made up your mind to regularly give a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, do so in love. If instead of regularly giving a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, you choose to go for undefined freewill giving wherever the need is in the body of Christ, do so in love. Let’s just make sure that we do all things in love. It is the love in our hearts that makes our sacrifices acceptable to God Almighty. Whatever sacrifice or offering that you are making without love, you are making a mockery of yourself. Pray and let God’s Spirit lead you on the matters of giving tithes and offerings.
Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Malachi 3:8-9 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.“
Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;“
2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.“
Leviticus 27:30 – “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.”
Hebrews 7:1-28 – “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. …“
Group 1 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Matthew 23:23 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
Acts 20:35 – “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
1 Corinthians 11:31 – “But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.“
Leviticus 27:32 – “And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord.”
Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Numbers 18:21 – “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,“
Genesis 14:20 – “And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.“
Group 2 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Luke 16:19-31 – “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. ...”
John 4:24 – “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Malachi 3:1-18 – “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, ...”
Group 3 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
2 Kings 2:23-24 – “He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys.”
Luke 11:42 – “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 – “At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.”
Group 4 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Genesis 28:20-22 – Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
Psalm 24:1 – “A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,”
Exodus 16:36 – (An omer is the tenth part of an ephah.)
John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Genesis 28:22 – “And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Group 5 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Leviticus 5:11 – “But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for the sin that he has committed a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it and shall put no frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.“
Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.“
Exodus 29:40 – “And with the first lamb a tenth seah of fine flour mingled with a fourth of a hin of beaten oil, and a fourth of a hin of wine for a drink offering.“
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
James 1:27 – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
Matthew 5:22 – “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
2 Timothy 3:15 – “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Group 6 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
1 John 1:8 – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Revelation 21:8 – “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?“
Acts 20:29 – “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;“
Galatians 3:24 – “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.”
Leviticus 6:20 – “This is the offering that Aaron and his sons shall offer to the Lord on the day when he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening.“
Revelation 22:18 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,”
Group 7 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 – “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.“
1 Corinthians 6:9 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,“
Romans 12:19 – Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.“
Romans 8:29 – “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
Group 8 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Matthew 7:1-2 – “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
Genesis 1:1-31 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. ...”
Mark 12:41-44 – “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”“
Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Group 9 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Genesis 14:1-24 – “In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, …“
Genesis 28:1-22 – “Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and directed him, “You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women. Arise, go to Paddan-aram to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father, and take as your wife from there one of the daughters of Laban your mother’s brother. God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. May he give the blessing of Abraham to you and to your offspring with you, that you may take possession of the land of your sojournings that God gave to Abraham!” Thus Isaac sent Jacob away. And he went to Paddan-aram, to Laban, the son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother. …“
Group 10 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
1 Peter 4:12 – “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
2 Thessalonians 3:14 – “If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.“
1 Timothy 5:16 – “If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.”
2 Peter 1:10 – “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.“
Revelation 1:1 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,”
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
Group 11 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Colossians 2:12 – “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Philippians 4:10-19 – “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ...”
Philippians 4:15 – “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.”
Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Group 12 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Acts 2:1-47 – “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. …“
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
1 Corinthians 15:6 – “Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”
Acts 26:20 – “But declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”
Acts 2:38 – “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“
Luke 16:23 – “And in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.”
Group 13 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Matthew 10:28 – “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.“
Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’“
Matthew 16:18 – “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.“
Matthew 22:17-21 – Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Group 14 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Matthew 6:1-4 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
Group 15- Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Revelation 22:18-19 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
Numbers 18:26 – “Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, ‘When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.“
Group 16 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Revelation 20:10 – “And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Revelation 20:14-15 – “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.“
Group 17 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Revelation 19:8 – “It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.“
Hebrews 10:26-31 – “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” ...”
Group 18 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
Group 19 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Galatians 6:16 – “And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.“
Colossians 1:18 – “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”
Galatians 4:6 – And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
1 Corinthians 13:3 – “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.“
Group 20 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
1 Corinthians 16:2 – “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.“
Acts 20:28 – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.“
Acts 15:29 – “That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
Group 21 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
1 Corinthians 14:1-40 – “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. ...”
Acts 1:11 – And said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Group 22 – Tithes And Offering Scriptures In The New Testament
Acts 2:4 – “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 5:3-4 – But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Malachi 3:8 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.“
John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.“
Discover Bible Verses About Tithing. Many Christians struggle with the issue of tithing. Also, some churches over-emphasize giving. Likewise, many Christians refuse to submit to the Biblical exhortations about making offerings to the Lord God Almighty. We should note that tithing/giving is intended to be a great joy and a blessing. However, it is rather sad as this is not often the case in the church today. Tithing is an Old Testament concept. The tithe was a clear and well-understood requirement of the Law in which the Israelites were to give 10 percent of the crops they grew and the livestock they raised to the tabernacle/temple (Leviticus 27:30; Numbers 18:26; Deuteronomy 14:24; 2 Chronicles 31:5). The Old Testament Law required multiple tithes – one for the Levites, one for feast and temple use, and one for the poor inhabiting the land – summing to about 23.3 percent.
Today, most people understand the Old Testament tithe as a method of taxation to provide for the needs of the priests and Levites in the sacrificial system. After the death of Jesus Christ fulfilled the Law, the New Testament of the Bible nowhere commands, or even recommends, that Christians submit to a legalistic tithe system. That is, the New Testament nowhere designates a percentage of income that a person should set aside but only says that gifts should be “in keeping with income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). However, some in the Christian church have embraced the 10 percent figure from the Old Testament tithe and applied it as a “recommended minimum” for Christians in their act of giving.
Bible Verses About Tithing
It is without a doubt that the New Testament talks about the importance and benefits of giving. It invites us to give out of love as we are able. Sometimes that means giving over 10 percent; sometimes that may mean giving less. Behold, it all depends on the ability of the Christian and the needs of the body of Christ. Whatever the case, we should always remember the Scripture that says he/she who does not love does not know God: “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” – 1 John 4:8. Thus, if our giving is not backed with love, we are making a mockery/fool of ourselves for such gifts are not pleasing to the Lord God Almighty.
Every Christian should pray and seek God’s wisdom in the matter of participating in tithing and/or how much to give (James 1:5). Of greatest importance, all tithes and offerings should be made with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As we unfold, we’ll pour more light on questions like Does the Bible require me to give 10% of my income to my church?Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?Should I tithe based on gross or net income?Will I receive blessings if I give “seed money” to a ministry?What does the Bible say about church offerings?
What Does The Scriptures Say About Tithes or Tithing
What the Old Testament says
In simple terms, “tithes” means a tenth or 10 percent. Tithing was designed specifically to meet the needs of the religious, economic, and political system of ancient Israel. Each of the twelve (12) tribes of Israel, except the tribe of Levi, initially received an allotment of land in the promised land of Canaan. The Levites were full-time assistants to Israel’s priests and were supported by a tithe offering from other eleven tribes. All families of those eleven tribes were expected to give a tenth of all produce, cattle, and flocks to the Levites. In turn, the Levites were expected to give a tenth of that to support the priests in their duties (Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:21-28). The Scriptures tell us that tithes were used to meet the needs of foreigners, orphans, and widows (Deuteronomy 26:12-13). Also, all Israelites were invited to be generous to those in need (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).
What the New Testament says
We come across several mentions of tithing in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42, 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-9), but all refer to the Old Testament system. However, the New Testament does not give any specific rules about tithing, and most aspects of the Old Testament Law do not apply to Christians. In Matthew 23:23-24, Jesus Christ seems to support the tithe but these verses are primarily intended as a criticism of the Pharisees as hypocrites who obeyed the letter of the Law but not the Spirit of the Law. Despite the fact that they were so meticulous about the Law to the extent of tithing even the small amount of spices that they grew in household gardens, they ignored the more important matters of love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. However, Christ invites us to give generously out of love to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46).
More on what the Scriptures say about tithes
In the Old Testament, the voice of God calls on us to be generous to everyone who is in need as we can read from Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs.” In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God and Savior of the World made it clear that we are obligated to be generous to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46). We can as well support our point by reading from Matthew 5:42 – “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
As Christians or followers of Jesus Christ, giving is to be done cheerfully, rather than as an obligation (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and not for the purpose of public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). The right amount to give may be more or less than ten percent, depending on one’s circumstances (Matthew 19:21, Luke 18:22, 21:1-4, Hebrews 13:16, 1 John 3:17). Generous giving is an acknowledgment that everything we have is a gift from God Almighty, and is to be used in His service (Luke 12:33, Acts 20:35, 1 Timothy 6:17-19, James 1:17, 1:27, 1 Peter 4:10). Instead of giving a certain amount as an obligation, we are urged to share generously of whatever blessings, talents, abilities, and wealth that God has entrusted in our care for we shall give an account someday (Romans 12:6-8).
Questions and Answers about Tithes or Tithing
1) What is the tithe?
“Tithe” is a word that comes from an Old English root meaning “one-tenth.” It is the common English translation for the Old Testament Hebrew asar word group. Back in ancient Israel, the tithe was an offering of one’s agricultural income to the Lord as an expression of thanks and dedication. It is important to understand that in the Old Testament agricultural economy, tithes were paid not in cash, gold, or goods but in crops or livestock, for only the agricultural fruit of the promised land was to be tithed – not other forms of income. Although today, we commonly think of the tithe as “10 percent” as a result, apparently there are three tithes in the Old Testament, two every year and a third every third year, or an average of 23.3 percent of one’s annual produce from the land.
There was also a promotion of freewill offering and personal giving above and beyond the tithe. Tithes were given by the patriarchs Abraham (Genesis 4:17-20) and Jacob (Genesis 28:22); a system of tithes was instituted in the law of God given through Moses (Deuteronomy 12; Deuteronomy 14 Deuteronomy 26; and the prophets rebuked the children of Israel for failing to give the tithe to God (Malachi 3:8). Although the idea of the tithe is still present in the New Testament (Matthew 23:23), it is on no occasion explicitly applied to believers. Instead, all Christians are invited to embrace freewill giving as a response to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the savior of mankind, based on faith in God as Provider of all things (2 Corinthians 9:6-10).
2) Does the Bible require me to give 10 percent of my income to my church?
In reality, the Bible does not tell the Christian to give a certain percentage. Questions like what percentage we should give are not answered for Christians in the Bible. Nor does the Bible tell us how much of our giving should go to a church as well as how much to help the needy. It is important to understand that during Biblical times, Christians typically held their meetings in private homes or public spaces (Acts 2:46, 12:12) and did not have significant operating expenses. However, it is not the same today as modern churches need money to pay for salaries, utilities, rent or mortgage payments, supplies, and other operating expenses. Churches also need volunteers for the establishment and running of many ministries and church tasks. Apostle Paul regularly urged Christians to use their God-given gifts or talents to assist in the work of the Church of Christ (Romans 12:4-8).
3) Should my offering be computed on gross or net income?
Should my offering be computed on gross or net income? Is another modern-day question that is not answered in the Bible. In this case, we are to pray and seek God’s wisdom on how to go about it. For sure, His Spirit will touch our hearts and guide our actions.
4) Am I obligated to give to my church even if I am having trouble paying my bills?
The answer is No. As followers of Christ, we must pray and seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit as we listen to our conscience and consider our needs as well as those of our families (1 Timothy 5:8) when deciding how much to give. Pressure should not be put on anyone to give a certain amount of money or a certain percentage of income to a church or other ministry.
5) Will I receive blessings if I give a donation or “seed money” to a church or ministry?
The answer is No. As followers of Jesus Christ, our giving should not be one that is motivated by what we will receive in return. Instead, our giving should be motivated by love for God and His Kingdom. Giving out of love is pleasing to God who will definitely bless and see you through when you least expect it. However, it is important to note that there is no requirement in the Bible to give “seed money” to a church, preacher, or ministry, and no promise that any wealth or blessings of any kind will come as a result. Biblical verses like Matthew 13:1-9 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 are oftentimes cited in support when requesting for “seed money” and other donations, but the blessings promised here are spiritual ones.
6) Is tithing truly a matter of the heart?
Yes, of course, tithing is truly a matter of the heart. From the definition and purpose of the tithe, there is much that we can learn. The chief principle behind tithing and giving is the fact that what we do with our money shows where our heart is. Matthew 6:21 says: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” When we are able to give 10% or more of our income instead of keeping the money for ourselves, it shows that our heart is not tied to the money and it is a sign that our love for God is more than that for money. Surprisingly, the Bible mentions money over 800 times, and of all of Jesus’ parables, over half of them talked about money. Upon noticing this, we might ask ourselves why? It is because money is where many people get tripped up.
7) What is the difference between tithes and offerings?
Although tithes and offerings are often grouped together, they are not the same thing. A tithe is a specific amount (10% of your income) whereas an offering is a nonspecific amount that you give.
8) What does the Bible say about those paying tithes and those not paying tithes?
1 Corinthians 16:14 says “Let all that you do be done in love.” If you’ve made up your mind to regularly give a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, do so in love. If instead of regularly giving a specific percentage of your income as a tithe, you choose to go for undefined freewill giving wherever the need is in the body of Christ, do so in love. Let’s just make sure that we do all things in love. It is the love in our hearts that makes our sacrifices acceptable to God Almighty. Whatever sacrifice or offering that you are making without love, you are making a mockery of yourself. Pray and let God’s Spirit lead you on the matters of giving tithes and offerings.
Bible Verses About Tithing
Malachi 3:8-9 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.“
Proverbs 3:9 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;“
2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.“
Leviticus 27:30 – “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.”
Hebrews 7:1-28 – “For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever. See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. …“
Group 1 – Bible Verses About Tithing
Matthew 23:23 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
Acts 20:35 – “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
1 Corinthians 11:31 – “But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged.“
Leviticus 27:32 – “And every tithe of herds and flocks, every tenth animal of all that pass under the herdsman’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord.”
Malachi 3:10 – “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.”
Numbers 18:21 – “To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting,“
Genesis 14:20 – “And blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.“
Group 2 – Bible Verses About Tithing
Malachi 3:1-18 – “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years. “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, ...”
Luke 16:19-31 – “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. ...”
John 4:24 – “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
Group 3 – Bible Verses About Tithing
2 Kings 2:23-24 – “He went up from there to Bethel, and while he was going up on the way, some small boys came out of the city and jeered at him, saying, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” And he turned around, and when he saw them, he cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two she-bears came out of the woods and tore forty-two of the boys.”
Luke 11:42 – “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
1 Timothy 5:8 – “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Deuteronomy 14:28-29 – “At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.”
Group 4 – Bible Verses About Tithing
Genesis 28:20-22 – Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
Psalm 24:1 – “A Psalm of David. The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,”
Exodus 16:36 – (An omer is the tenth part of an ephah.)
John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Genesis 28:22 – “And this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”
James 5:16 – “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Group 5 – Bible Verses About Tithing
James 1:27 – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
Matthew 5:22 – “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
2 Timothy 3:15 – “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”
Leviticus 5:11 – “But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for the sin that he has committed a tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it and shall put no frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.“
Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before me.“
Exodus 29:40 – “And with the first lamb a tenth seah of fine flour mingled with a fourth of a hin of beaten oil, and a fourth of a hin of wine for a drink offering.“
Colossians 3:16 – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”
Group 6 – Bible Verses About Tithing
1 John 1:8 – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Revelation 21:8 – “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Colossians 3:5 – “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 – “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?“
Acts 20:29 – “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock;“
Galatians 3:24 – “So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.”
Leviticus 6:20 – “This is the offering that Aaron and his sons shall offer to the Lord on the day when he is anointed: a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a regular grain offering, half of it in the morning and half in the evening.“
Revelation 22:18 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,”
Group 7 – Bible Verses About Tithing
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 – “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.“
1 Corinthians 6:9 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,“
Romans 12:19 – Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Romans 10:9 – “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.“
Romans 8:29 – “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
Group 8 – Bible Verses About Tithing
Matthew 7:1-2 – “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”
Genesis 1:1-31 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. ...”
Mark 12:41-44 – “And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”“
Mark 16:16 – “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Group 9 – Bible Verses About Tithing
Genesis 28:1-22 – “Then Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and directed him, “You must not take a wife from the Canaanite women. Arise, go to Paddan-aram to the house of Bethuel your mother’s father, and take as your wife from there one of the daughters of Laban your mother’s brother. God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may become a company of peoples. May he give the blessing of Abraham to you and to your offspring with you, that you may take possession of the land of your sojournings that God gave to Abraham!” Thus Isaac sent Jacob away. And he went to Paddan-aram, to Laban, the son of Bethuel the Aramean, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s mother. …“
Genesis 14:1-24 – “In the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of Goiim, these kings made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). And all these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). Twelve years they had served Chedorlaomer, but in the thirteenth year they rebelled. In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him came and defeated the Rephaim in Ashteroth-karnaim, the Zuzim in Ham, the Emim in Shaveh-kiriathaim, …“
Group 10 – Bible Verses About Tithing
1 Peter 4:12 – “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
2 Thessalonians 3:14 – “If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.“
1 Timothy 5:16 – “If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.”
2 Peter 1:10 – “Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.“
Revelation 1:1 – “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,”
1 Peter 5:8 – “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”
Group 11 – Bible Verses About Tithing
Colossians 2:12 – “Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”
Philippians 4:10-19 – “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. ...”
Philippians 4:15 – “And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only.”
Galatians 6:1 – “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”
1 Corinthians 11:26 – “For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”
Group 12 – Bible Verses About Tithing
Acts 2:1-47 – “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. …“
Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
1 Corinthians 15:6 – “Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.”
Acts 26:20 – “But declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.”
Acts 2:38 – “And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.“
Luke 16:23 – “And in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.”
Group 13 – Bible Verses About Tithing
Matthew 16:18 – “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.“
Matthew 22:17-21 – Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, “Whose likeness and inscription is this?” They said, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
Matthew 10:28 – “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.“
Matthew 7:21-23 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’“
Group 14 – Bible Verses About Tithing
Matthew 6:1-4 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Ecclesiastes 9:10 – “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
Group 15- Bible Verses About Tithing
Revelation 22:18-19 – “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.”
Numbers 18:26 – “Moreover, you shall speak and say to the Levites, ‘When you take from the people of Israel the tithe that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall present a contribution from it to the Lord, a tithe of the tithe.“
Group 16 – Bible Verses About Tithing
Revelation 20:10 – “And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Revelation 20:14-15 – “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.“
Group 17 – Bible Verses About Tithing
Revelation 19:8 – “It was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.“
Hebrews 10:26-31 – “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” ...”
Group 18 – Bible Verses About Tithing
2 Timothy 2:15 – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”
Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
1 Timothy 6:10 – “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
Group 19 – Bible Verses About Tithing
Galatians 6:16 – “And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.“
Colossians 1:18 – “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.”
Galatians 4:6 – And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
1 Corinthians 13:3 – “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.“
Group 20 – Bible Verses On Tithing
1 Corinthians 16:2 – “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.“
Acts 20:28 – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.“
Acts 15:29 – “That you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.”
Group 21 – Bible Verses On Tithing
1 Corinthians 14:1-40 – “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation. The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. ...”
Acts 1:11 – And said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”
Group 22 – Bible Verses On Tithing
Acts 2:4 – “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Acts 5:3-4 – But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Malachi 3:8 – “Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.“
John 3:16-17 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.“
Bestofchristianity.com is a Global Media Ministry. As a Christian Website and Online Evangelical Ministry, Best Of Christianity focuses on the teachings of Jesus Christ, the power of the Holy spirit, and above all the Love of God. It uses the Bible as the foundation to knowing and obeying God. It steps in at the command of Jesus Christ to take the holy gospel to the four corners of the world so that those who believe in him can have eternal life. Under the authority of Jesus Christ, we are Apostolic and Prophetic sons and daughters of God sent out to set the captives free, heal the sick, bring deliverance, give sight to the blind, strengthen the lame to walk and above all lead souls to heaven. It is in the Christian light that we analyze topics like Prosperity, Wealth, Debt free, Credits, Finance, and Money in the Bible.
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