Tithes are mentioned in the Gospels and Hebrews chapter 7. Many pro-tithe advocates cite these verses as proof tithing was carried over into the New Covenant. Therefore, Christians should tithe 10% of their income to the church. The fact is they aren’t correct. No Christian (Gentile) ever paid a tithe in the New Testament. In this article, you’ll discover why.
Table of Contents
- Watch the Video
- Tithing in the New Testament: How It Differs from Old Testament Tithing
- Jesus’ Teaching on Tithing in the New Testament Gospels
- Jesus Tithe Scriptures
- Bible Verses About Tithing in the New Testament KJV
- John MacArthur’s Perspective on Tithing in the New Testament
- FAQs About New Testament Tithing
- Recap
- Outsmart the False Teachers
Watch the Video
Tithing in the New Testament: How It Differs from Old Testament Tithing
Many believers ask the question: is tithe mentioned in the New Testament? The short answer is yes. However, major differences exist between the Old Testament tithe and the New Testament. In the Old Testament, God made tithing mandatory. In Exodus 22:29, tithing was a command of the Law given to Moses:
Exodus 22:29-30
“Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats.[a]
“You must give me the firstborn of your sons. 30 Do the same with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but give them to me on the eighth day.
NIV
Also, Leviticus 27:30–32 states the LORD required tithing to support the Levites.
Some Christians stick to the Old Testament law of tithing as ten percent of income.
In the New Testament, tithing takes on a voluntary nature. The focus is on thanksgiving rather than obligation. The joy associated with voluntary giving is abundant through the New Testament.
Tithing in the New Testament emphasizes devotion to God over material goods. For example, in 2 Corinthians 8-9, Paul suggested not giving out of obligation but joyfully.
He wrote: “God loves a cheerful giver.” This means Paul stresses voluntary giving to support your local church and its mission.
Also, Lord Jesus said in Luke 6:38 you’ll receive blessings when you give without expectation of return.
The New Testament demonstrates how we should reverence God with our entire being. Additionally, Scripture lets us know that blessing others also honors The Most High.
Jesus’ Teaching on Tithing in the New Testament Gospels
It’s a misconception that the Gospels are part of the New Testament. The truth is the four Gospels are a bridge between the last book of the Old Testament (Malachi) and the start of the New Testament. It was an editorial decision to place the Gospels with the New Testament because Christianity emerged after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Additionally, Jesus and his fellow Hebrews lived under the Law of Moses. The Gospels aren’t New Testament documents.
Jesus Tithe Scriptures
The four Gospels are different accounts of Jesus’ ministry. They are told from the perspectives of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each author emphasizes certain themes of Jesus’s life and ministry, according to the Holy Bible, New Living Translation © 1996.
Matthew focuses on affirming Lord Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. Mark places more emphasis on Jesus’ public ministry. Luke’s main intent was to demonstrate Jesus’ human nature.
Finally, John emphasizes Jesus’ oneness with God. Despite the various perspectives, there are many similarities in the Gospels.
Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees and scribes is a common theme. Tithes are mentioned during a few of these exchanges.
Matthew 23:23
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.
King James Version (KJV)
Luke 18:12
12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
King James Version (KJV)
Luke 11:42
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.
King James Version (KJV)
These are among the most commonly cited New Testament scriptures about tithing. Keep in mind Jesus is not condoning the practice of tithes for Christians. Tithing was strictly a Mosaic Law Covenant practice reserved for ancient Israel. Non-Hebrews (Gentiles or Gentile Christians) were not a part of this Covenant.
Jesus speaks of tithing within the context of the Law of Moses. And, again, the New Covenant hadn’t been established at this point. The Book of Acts marks the official start of the New Testament.
Bible Verses About Tithing in the New Testament KJV
The only mention of tithes in the New Testament (KJV) is in the Letter to the Hebrews. In the KJV, tithes appear five times in Chapter 7. Here are Bible verses about tithing in the New Testament:
Hebrews 7:5-6
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
King James Version (KJV)
Hebrews 7:8-9
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
King James Version (KJV)
Many tithe advocates use these verses as evidence that tithing applies to New Testament Christians. The problem with their position is they miss the point of the passage. They overlook the author’s purpose for writing this letter.
Chapter 7 does not promote tithing among Christians. First, the letter is for and about Hebrews, not Gentiles. Second, the author is making a case for why the priesthood of Jesus Christ is superior to Melchizedek and the Levitical priesthood.
Upon further reading, the author points out Christ had to come because the Law (including tithing) was ineffective (Hebrews 7:11) and the Law (including tithing) had to change (Hebrews 7:12).
John MacArthur’s Perspective on Tithing in the New Testament
John MacArthur is a pastor and theologian known for his conservative views on theology and his critiques of the prosperity gospel. Here are some quotes from him regarding tithing and the prosperity gospel:
In the Old Testament, there were two forms of giving, one being mandatory and the other being voluntary. The mandatory giving was for the government, and the voluntary giving was for God. As the Levitical priests were responsible for the civil government, tithes were considered mandatory taxes used to fund Israel’s national budget.
In the New Testament, Christians are not obligated to give tithes anymore but rather encouraged to give voluntarily to the church and God according to their means. Jesus, in passages such as Matthew 22:15-22, Matthew 23:23, and Romans 13:1-7, was referring to the Old Testament command on tithing and not reinstating it as a requirement.
John MacArthur is a pastor, author, and theologian who has been a prominent figure in the Christian community for many decades. He is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and the President of The Master’s University and Seminary.
He has also been a popular Bible teacher on radio and television and has written many books on theology and Christian living. He is known for his conservative views on theology and critiques of the prosperity gospel.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bob Jones University and a Master of Theology degree from Talbot Theological Seminary. He has been in ministry for over 50 years and is still actively preaching and teaching.
FAQs About New Testament Tithing
Is Tithing Still Required in the New Testament?
In the New Testament, there is no explicit commandment that requires Christians to pay tithes as was mandated in the Old Testament. Instead, the focus shifts to generous giving, cheerful giving, and giving according to one’s ability. For instance, in 2 Corinthians 9:7, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to give not grudgingly or of necessity but cheerfully as they purpose in their hearts.
Additionally, in Acts 4:32-35, the early Christians are described as having all things in common, selling their possessions, and distributing the proceeds to anyone in need. This reflects a shift from a legalistic requirement to give a specific percentage to a more grace-based and generous approach to giving.
What Does Jesus Say About Tithing in the New Testament?
In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of tithing occasionally. In Matthew 23:23 (KJV), He says, “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.”
Here, Jesus criticizes the religious leaders for being meticulous in tithing even the smallest herbs, yet neglecting the more important aspects of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faith.
Similarly, in Luke 11:42 (KJV), Jesus says, “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.” In these passages, Jesus does not explicitly command His followers to tithe. Still, he acknowledges the practice of tithing and emphasizes the importance of not neglecting the more significant aspects of the law.
While Jesus acknowledges tithing in these passages, the New Testament as a whole shifts the emphasis from a legalistic requirement to give a specific percentage to principles of generous and cheerful giving, as seen in passages like 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Recap
Where do you find tithes in the New Testament? The only place is Hebrews chapter 7, which appears five times in the KJV. The other time the tithe is mentioned is in the four Gospels. However, the Gospels aren’t New Testament documents.
The New Covenant wasn’t established until after the resurrection of Jesus. There was no such thing as a New Covenant or Christians during his ministry. The New Testament church starts with the Book of Acts. So, hopefully, this clarifies where you find tithing in New Testament verses.
Outsmart the False Teachers
If you want to discover more tithe facts, I encourage you to get a copy of The Tithing Hoax. This book provides in-depth information on how to give the RIGHT way. It also offers helpful tips based on Scripture.
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Thanks for reading, and be blessed!
