The Bible has a lot to say about tithing. In the Old Testament, when tithes were collected from agricultural produce, they provided a form of taxation that ensured the Tabernacle (and the Temple) would be sustained and helped support the poor (Leviticus 27:30). But in the New Testament, tithing is no longer a factor after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. Several biblical passages discuss voluntary giving to help those in need (2 Corinthians 9:7).

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• Listen to the Podcast
• Question
• Answer
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Escape the Lies of the False Teachers

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Question

What exactly does the Bible say about tithing?

Answer

That’s a broad question, so let me give you an overview or a big picture of what the Bible says about the tithe, along with scriptural references. As always, we encourage you to read and study for yourself.

First, the biblical tithe was established as a commandment through the Law of Moses (Mosaic Law).  The tithe command is one of the 613 commandments of the Law of Moses.  The Law of Moses is the covenant between God and ancient Israel.  Under the covenant, ancient Israel was commanded to observe all 613 commandments of the Law to receive God’s blessings.

Deuteronomy 28: 1-2 (KJV)

And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:

² And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.

According to the Law of Moses, God required ancient Israel to pay tithes in the form of agricultural produce and cattle.

Deuteronomy 14:23 (KJV)

²³ 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.

Leviticus 27:30 (KJV)

³⁰ 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.

The tithes (food, drink, and cattle) were given to the Levitical priests, the poor, widows, the fatherless, and strangers within the gates of ancient Israel.

Wait! Ever wonder whether it’s better to give your tithes directly to the poor or the church? If so, I wrote an article for you that provides some SURPRISING insights on how to give.

Deuteronomy 6:13

¹³ Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

Also, tithes were part of ancient Israel’s religious/ceremonial worship system.

Second, the death, burial, and resurrection ushered in the New Testament.  This is why Christians are not under the Law of Moses.

Galatians 3:24-25 (KJV)

²⁴ Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

²⁵ But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Hebrews 8:13 (KJV)

¹³ In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Once the New Testament was established, tithing ceased. If you notice that throughout the New Testament, there is NO mention of Christians practicing tithing. The reason is that New Testament Christians practiced voluntary, Spirit-led giving.

Wait for a moment! Do you need more PROOF tithing isn’t for Christians? If yes, I encourage you to check out an article I wrote about tithing in the New Testament that may blow your mind.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (KJV)

16 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.

² Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

Acts 11:27-39 (KJV)

²⁷ And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

²⁸ And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

²⁹ Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

³⁰ Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are first fruits in the Bible?

First fruits refer to the first and best portion of a harvest offered to God as an act of thanksgiving and dedication. In the Old Testament, the first fruits were acknowledging God’s provision and giving thanks for His blessings. Exodus 23:19a (ESV) – “The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God.”

Escape the Lies of the False Teachers

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