Tithing is discussed in various parts of the Bible. Notable references include: Genesis 14:20, Leviticus 27:30-32, Deuteronomy 14:22-29, Malachi 3:10, Matthew 23:23, Luke 11:42.
Genesis 14:20
And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
Genesis 14:20
Leviticus 27:30-32
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 the tithe of the herd, or of the flock, even of whatsoever passeth under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord.
Leviticus 27:30-32
Deuteronomy 14:22-29
Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year…And thou shalt eat before the Lord thy God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear the Lord thy God always…At the end of three years thou shalt bring forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, and shalt lay it up within thy gates..
Deuteronomy 14:22-29
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 receive it.
Malachi 3:10
Matthew 23:23
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Matthew 23:23
Luke 11:42
But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Luke 11:42
What is the importance of tithing according to the Bible?
In the heart of the Bible, tithing is a practice that goes beyond merely giving; it’s about recognizing and honoring God’s sovereignty and goodness in our lives. From Genesis to Luke, the scripture weaves a narrative that highlights tithing as an expression of gratitude, obedience, and reverence towards God. It’s not just about the act of giving a portion of what we have; it’s about acknowledging that everything we possess is a blessing from above and that by returning a fraction, we are participating in a divine cycle of blessing and provision.
In Genesis 14:20, we see Abram giving tithes to Melchizedek, a priest of the Most High God, as a response to God’s deliverance and provision. This moment sets a foundational example of tithing as a response to God’s faithfulness. It’s not merely a transaction or a religious duty; it’s a heartfelt act of worship and thanksgiving for God’s intervention and care in our lives.
Leviticus 27:30-32 elevates the concept of tithing from an act of individual gratitude to a communal and holy ordinance. The scripture specifies that the tithe belongs to the Lord and is holy, emphasizing that what we give is not just a portion of our material wealth but a sacred offering that acknowledges God’s ultimate ownership over all that we have. This passage calls us to view our possessions through the lens of stewardship rather than ownership, reminding us that we are caretakers of God’s blessings.
Deuteronomy 14:22-29 expands on the practice of tithing, instructing the Israelites to set aside a tenth of all their produce each year. This act of tithing was not just about obedience; it was designed to teach them to always live in the fear and reverence of the Lord. The scripture also introduces an element of communal celebration and provision for the less fortunate, highlighting tithing as a means of fostering community, generosity, and reliance on God’s provision.
Malachi 3:10 brings a powerful promise associated with tithing, inviting believers to test God’s faithfulness by bringing their tithes to the storehouse. This verse reveals tithing as an act of faith that triggers divine response, promising an outpouring of blessings so abundant that there won’t be room enough to store them. It’s a call to trust in God’s provision and to participate in the unfolding of His generosity.
The New Testament, in passages like Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42, while affirming the practice of tithing, also brings a cautionary perspective. Jesus critiques those who tithe meticulously but neglect the more significant matters of the law such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. These passages remind us that tithing, while important, is part of a broader spectrum of our relationship with God that encompasses love, compassion, and justice.
In summary, tithing according to the Bible is a multifaceted practice that encompasses gratitude, worship, obedience, community, and faith. It’s a tangible expression of our recognition of God’s sovereignty and provision, an act of faith in His ongoing provision, and a testament to our role as stewards of His blessings. Through tithing, we align ourselves with God’s heart, participating in a cycle of blessing that extends beyond our individual lives into the broader community and the kingdom of God.