Bible Verses About Tithing And Giving
Tithing is a widely discussed topic in the Bible and among Christians today. Some people view tithing as a binding command for all believers, while others see it as an Old Testament practice that has been fulfilled in Christ.
Notably, within the Old Testament and the New Testament, giving is portrayed as an act of worship, gratitude, and obedience to God.
While the Old Testament establishes the principle of tithing, the New Testament emphasizes generous and cheerful giving from the heart.
The Old Testament
Bible Verses In The Old Testament That Encourages Giving
A tithe is considered a ‘tenth’. Within the Old Testament, reasons for tithing included, supporting the Levites who served in the various sanctuaries (Numbers 18:21–24), funding religious festivals and worship (Deuteronomy 14:22–27), and caring for the poor, the fatherless and the widows. (Deuteronomy 14:28–29).
Moreover, one of the most well-known passages in the Old Testament that speaks about tithing was addressed to Israel under the Mosaic covenant.
In the book of Malachi, the Israelites were encouraged to bring their full tithes to the storehouse and were promised a blessing from God by doing so.
Malachi 3:10 reads, “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.” (KJV)
This well-known verse challenges the giver to trust God with their finances and is viewed as an application even for believers today.
Other verses in the Old Testament that encourage giving include:
Deuteronomy 16:17
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.” (NKJV)
The giver is encouraged to bless others just as God has blessed them.
Proverbs 3:9-10
9. “Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; 10. So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.” (NKJV)
The giver is encouraged to honour God with the “firstfruits” of their wealth and is promised an abundance by doing so.
Proverbs 28:27
“Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.” (ESV)
One is encouraged to help others in need whenever possible and not turn a blind eye to them.
Proverbs 11:24
“One gives freely yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” (ESV)
This verse declares that a person who gives will gain more, but those who withhold when it is in their power to give, will come to poverty.
The New Testament
In the New Testament, the focus of tithing shifts from a required percentage to an attitude of giving from the heart.
For instance, in Matthew Chapter 23:23, Jesus criticized religious leaders and scholars for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness even though they tithed.
Under the New Covenant, there is no direct command that requires Christians to tithe 10% but rather, believers are encouraged to give willingly, generously and sacrificially according to their means.
Bible Verses In The New Testament That Encourages Giving
These verses do not command Christians to tithe, but they teach principles of Christian giving:
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
6. “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (NKJV)
The verse emphasizes giving cheerfully from the heart rather than by obligation.
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.” (NKJV)
The verse highlights the principle of generosity, indicating that those who give generously will in turn receive.
Acts 20:35
“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (NKJV)
The verse is a reminder that giving is much more gratifying than receiving.
Hebrews 13:16
“But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (NKJV)
The verse affirms that charity, hospitality and generosity are acts of worship that are pleasing to God.
Takeaway
The Bible teaches about tithing in both the Old and New Testaments even though the application differs between them. The overall theme however is consistent. The message is that everything belongs to God; believers should support worship, ministry, and others in need; and give cheerfully, motivated by gratitude as opposed to obligation. The main emphasis is placed on the giver’s heart.
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