Hebrews 13:17 is not a verse justifying tithing. The author wanted the Hebrews to continue in the Christian faith. He didn’t want them to return to sacrificial or ceremonial rituals of the Mosaic Law, such as tithing. Instead, he encourages them to obey their teachers’ instructions (i.e., to follow, listen, imitate, or comply). The teacher’s role was to instruct Hebrews on how to live as Christians under the New Covenant. Let’s examine tithing in Hebrews.
One of our visitors asked whether Hebrews 13:17 can be used to justify tithing. He referred to the man-made tithe definition of 10% of your income. The language of the verse seems to suggest believers should obey their religious leaders in all matters. We discover in our study that Hebrews 13:17 can’t be used as a basis for justifying tithing.
Table of Contents
- Watch the Video
- A Matter of Context
- Obey Your Leaders
- Hebrews at the Crossroads
- A Return to the Old Ways
- True to the Faith
- The End of the Tithe
- Recap
- Outsmart the False Teachers
Watch the Video
A Matter of Context
The verse must be understood in its proper context. We must consider the purpose of the Book of Hebrews and chapter 13 specifically. Doing so gives us clarity as to why the author made the statement regarding obedience. Additionally, context helps determine whether the verse relates to the modern-day tithe. Reading the verse in its correct biblical (and historical) context prevents misinterpretations and false applications of God’s word.
Obey Your Leaders
Hebrews 13:17
17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Let’s first identify the relevant terms, individuals, and conditions. First, we must define obey. Second, we must identify who is being addressed in the letter. Third, we must determine the purpose of the letter. Finally, we must understand the role of the leaders referenced in the text. An examination of this biblical evidence is essential to answering the question of whether Hebrews 13:17 justifies tithing.
The word “obey” has several definitions. Its meaning varies depending on how it’s used in the Bible. In this case, the word appears in the New Testament. Since the text was originally written in Greek, we’ll draw its meaning from the Greek lexicon. Obey can mean imitate, follow, comply, or listen attentively. Any of these definitions would make sense within the context of the verse.
We can’t stop there. The next logical questions to ask are these:
Why did the author tell the letter recipients to obey their religious teachers?
Why did the author feel it was necessary to make such a bold statement?
Hebrews at the Crossroads
The author was addressing the Hebrews. This is obvious. But what’s key is that these Hebrews were new to Christianity. They were often described as Jewish Christians. These were people who had lived under the Mosaic Law Covenant for generations. When the Letter to the Hebrews was written, the authors encouraged them to remain steadfast in this new faith called Christianity. This is a critical point because the Hebrews faced many challenges.
For example, they faced persecution from the Roman authorities. They were being imprisoned. The author mentions Timothy’s imprisonment in verse 23. Many of them had their property taken. Additionally, other belief systems were being taught in addition to Christianity. Because of these other schools of thought, some Hebrews were tempted to stray from Christianity. The author warns them about the other doctrines in verse 9.
Hebrews 13:23
23 Notice that our brother Timothy has been released [from prison]. If he comes soon, I will see you [along with him]. (AMP)
Hebrews 13:9
9 Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. (NIV)
Hebrews 13:9
9 Do not be carried away by diverse and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be established and strengthened by grace and not by foods [rules of diet and ritualistic meals], which bring no benefit or spiritual growth to those who observe them. (AMP)
As you see, walking in the Christian faith wasn’t easy for the Hebrews. Keep in mind the Hebrews had only known the Mosaic Law. For centuries, it represented their tradition, heritage, and identity. So, it stands to reason that they had difficulty accepting, adopting, and transitioning into a new belief system.
They were learning a new way of life. So, it makes sense the author tells them to “obey” their teachers. The religious leaders were responsible for instructing them to live as Christians under a New Covenant. The author wanted the Hebrews to experience the promises of the New Covenant, which were superior to those of the Old Mosaic Law Covenant.
A Return to the Old Ways
It’s evident in Hebrews 13:9 the Hebrews often returned to the Mosaic Law ceremonial practices. This is also supported by history. Bible scholars suspect the Letter to the Hebrews was written before the Second Jewish Temple was destroyed. If so, the tithing system was still in place. Note that tithing was a ceremonial ritual involving animal (blood) sacrifices. The author references Mosaic Law’s sacrificial practices throughout the Book of Hebrews.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the relationship between Hebrews 13:17 and the Old Covenant tithing system. The focus here is understanding the purpose of the Letter to the Hebrews.
True to the Faith
The author’s objective was to encourage them to remain steadfast in their newfound Christian faith. How does the author do this? First, he establishes the superiority of Jesus Christ. The author proclaims Jesus’ ministry exceeded the works of past prophets, including Moses. The author also elevates Jesus above the angels.
Hebrews 1:1-3
God’s Final Word: His Son
1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. (NIV)
Hebrews 3:1-6
3 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.
3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house.
4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.
5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after;
6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
Hebrews 1:5
The Son Superior to Angels
5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”[a]? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”[b]? (NIV)
Second, he makes the case that the priesthood of Christ is superior to the Levitical priesthood. Keep in mind the tribe of Levi consisted of priests and their assistants. The Lord set aside the tithe for them.
The Levites administered the Mosaic Law and conducted ceremonial rituals for ancient Israel. The Levitical priests sacrificed animals and sprinkled the blood on the altar to atone for ancient Israel’s sins. Again, this practice was part of the tithing system.
Finally, the author argues that Jesus was the last perfect sacrifice. The shedding of his blood made tithing (animal and blood sacrifices) obsolete. His death on the cross put an end to the Mosaic Law Covenant. The author even points out that the Old Covenant was temporary, including tithing. What’s permanent now is the New Covenant, which is eternal.
What’s the bottom line?
The death, burial, and resurrection ended the Mosaic Law Covenant, the Levitical priesthood, and tithing.
Hebrews 4:14
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[a] Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. (NIV)
Hebrews 7:28
28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak [frail, sinful, dying men], but the word of the oath [of God], which came after [the institution of] the Law, permanently appoints [as priest] a Son [a]who has been made perfect forever.(AMP)
Hebrews 8:1-10
The High Priest of a New Covenant
8 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.
3 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”[a] 6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.
7 For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. 8 But God found fault with the people and said[b]:
“The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.
9 It will not be like the covenant I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
10 This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (NIV)
The End of the Tithe
The biblical tithe was always crops and herds paid to the tribe of Levi. This tithing system ended with Jesus Christ’s death. Additionally, the New Testament does not provide a new type of tithe. New Testament Christians didn’t practice tithing. Scripture doesn’t support the doctrine requiring Christians to pay the church 10% of their income.
Money was collected for the saints throughout the New Testament. However, there was no set amount required. Plus, giving money wasn’t referred to as tithes or tithing. New Testament Christians gave voluntary, freewill offerings, not tithes.
1 Corinthians 16:1-3
The Collection for the Lord’s People
16 Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 3 Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. (NIV)
Recap
Hebrews 13:17 is not a verse justifying tithing. The point of Hebrews 13:17 is simple. The author wanted the Jewish Christians to continue in the Christian faith. He didn’t want them to lose hope amid persecution. Also, he didn’t want them to return to sacrificial or ceremonial rituals of the Mosaic Law, such as tithing. Instead, he encourages them to obey their teachers’ instructions (i.e., to follow, listen, imitate, or comply). The teacher’s role was to instruct Hebrews on how to live as Christians under the New Covenant.
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews makes it clear Jesus ended the Old Covenant along with the Levitical priesthood and the tithing system. Additionally, the Bible doesn’t imply, suggest or state Old Covenant tithing was replaced with paying 10% of one’s income to the church. Using Hebrews 13:17 to justify tithing ignores the proper context of the book of Hebrews and rejects Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Outsmart the False Teachers
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the tithe doctrines, don’t worry! You can start by reading The Tithing Hoax, where we break down everything you need to know about tithing. We explain why Christians don’t have to tithe and provide biblical verses to back it up. So don’t let anyone tell you you’re going to hell if you don’t tithe.
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