Tithe Definition: A tithe is the practice of giving one-tenth (10%) of your income or resources to God, typically through your local church. The word comes from the Old English teogoþa, meaning “tenth.”
What does it mean to pay tithes? Is it different than an offering? Do I have to make more money before I can tithe? There are so many questions when it comes to tithing. A simple tithe definition is to give a tenth part of one’s income or 10%.
Whether you’ve studied the history of the tithe or not, we hope we can explain where this term comes from Biblically and help you decide on tithing.
What Does Tithe Mean?
The etymology of the word “tithe” is derived from the Old English word “teogoþa,” which means “tenth.” In biblical terms, tithing refers to giving one-tenth, or 10 percent, of one’s income or resources to support the local church or a religious community.
The concept has deep roots in Scripture and appears throughout both the Old and New Testaments. For thousands of years, believers have practiced tithing as an act of worship, obedience, and trust in God’s provision. Today, tithing remains a cornerstone of church giving across many Christian denominations — though how it’s practiced and understood has evolved over time.
So where did it all start? Let’s trace tithing back to its earliest biblical appearances.
Where Does Tithing Come From? The Biblical Origins
Tithing has a rich and deep history in the Bible. It first appeared long before the Mosaic Law was established, making it one of the oldest recorded acts of financial worship in Scripture.
Tithing made its first appearance in the Bible when Abraham gave one-tenth of the spoils of war to Melchizedek, the priest-king of Salem (Genesis 14:18-20). The writer of Hebrews inferred that tithes were paid to a higher authority and that there was a greater priesthood than Aaron’s (Hebrews 7:4-9). Tithing as a tribute to God appeared later in Genesis when Jacob promised to give one-tenth to God if he returned home safely. But these tithes were spontaneous, and not many details were given.
Abraham’s Tithe
The concept of tithing can be traced all the way back to very early times in the book of Genesis when Abraham paid tithes and offered a tenth of his spoils of war to the priest Melchizedek. This is widely considered the first recorded tithe in the Bible.
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying,
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”
Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” — Genesis 14:18-20
Mosaic Law
Tithing became more of a structured, mandatory practice under the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 27:30-32, the Israelites were instructed to give a tenth of their crops, livestock, and their personal income as an offering to the Lord. This tithe supported the Levites, who were responsible for the religious duties of the community.
“‘A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord. Whoever would redeem any of their tithe must add a fifth of the value to it. Every tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the Lord.” — Leviticus 27:30-32
Prophet Malachi’s Message
Malachi urged the people of Israel to faithfully tithe, emphasizing that by doing so, they would experience God’s blessings. This Bible verse is often used in messages around tithing during a church service — and for good reason. It is the only place in Scripture where God invites His people to test Him.
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” — Malachi 3:10
Tithing in the Old Testament vs. New Testament
The tithing required by the Israelites was a part of the Mosaic Law in Old Testament Law. When Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Mosaic Law, the obligation to tithe was also abolished — but the principle of generous giving was amplified.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of how tithing differs between the two testaments:
| Old Testament Tithe | New Testament Giving | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mandatory under Mosaic Law | Voluntary, Spirit-led |
| Amount | Strictly 10% of income, crops, livestock | Generous and sacrificial — no fixed percentage |
| Purpose | Support Levites, temple, feasts, and the poor | Support the church, ministry, missions, and those in need |
| Enforcement | Civil and religious law with consequences | Heart-driven, motivated by gratitude and love |
| Key Verse | Malachi 3:10 | 2 Corinthians 9:7 |
Old Testament
The money (or its equivalent in crops, livestock, etc.) was used to support the clergy, maintain churches, and assist the poor. In fact, there are three different “types” of tithes. There is the Levitical, or sacred tithe, the tithe of the feasts, and the poor tithe. Each one has a slightly different purpose and significance.
“But nothing that a person owns and devotes to the LORD—whether a human being or an animal or family land—may be sold or redeemed; everything so devoted is most holy to the LORD. “No person devoted to destruction may be ransomed; they are to be put to death. A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. Whoever would redeem any of their tithe must add a fifth of the value to it. Every tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the LORD.” — Leviticus 27:28-32
New Testament
The tithe definition does of course emphasize the principles of generosity, stewardship, and giving. The New Testament encourages believers to give cheerfully and sacrificially, not merely as a legalistic obligation as opposed in the time of the Old Testament Law.
The Widow’s Offering: In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus commended a poor widow for giving her two small coins, highlighting the importance of giving from the heart, regardless of the amount.
“Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” — Mark 12:41-44
The emphasis on tithing in the New Testament is placed on sacrificial giving and not on the specific amount. Whoever has a cheerful heart when they give shall be blessed. God does not want us to begrudgingly give away our money. It should be a desire of our hearts to help others and help the church.
Why Do Christians Still Tithe Today?
There are many reasons why we should tithe today. Many Christians tithe, and some do it differently depending on their own interpretation of what the Bible says about tithing. It’s important that we don’t shy away from this topic during our church services. Check out our blog post to find out which part of the service works best to talk about tithing.
Obedience and Trust
Tithing reflects our obedience to God’s commands and trust in His provision. Believers demonstrate their own faith by giving a portion of their resources back to God. When we give every part of our lives, including our finances, to God, it shows our obedience. Even when the bank account feels tight, tithing is an act of declaring, “God, I trust You more than I trust this dollar.”
Supporting Ministry and Outreach
Tithes and offerings contribute to the financial sustainability of churches and ministries. They enable religious institutions to carry out their missions, support the staff, and engage in community outreach. Without tithing, many churches aren’t able to function properly. Every dollar given helps fund worship services, youth programs, missions trips, benevolence, and pastoral care.
Blessings and Gratitude
Tithing is often seen as a way to express gratitude to God for His blessings. By giving back, believers acknowledge that all they have comes from God. It is God who blesses us and provides for us, so we should be grateful and be willing to give back to God a tenth of our income. Tithing reorients our hearts — shifting our focus from accumulation to generosity and worship.
How to Start Tithing: A Practical Guide
While tithing 10% of your income is biblical, that doesn’t mean you have to be a Christian to tithe. It also doesn’t mean you’re considered a bad Christian if you don’t tithe. Research even shows that the majority of those who go to church (75% to 90%) don’t even tithe. Thankfully, God loves us when we give and when we don’t give.
Just because you might not always be in a position to give 10 percent of your income doesn’t make you lesser. But it does mean that through faith in Christ, you will be empowered to be generous with what you do have.
Pray
Tithing is actually more of a heart issue than a money issue. If you’re struggling with the idea of tithing or giving, spend some time with God, asking Him to give you wisdom and show you ways that you can help others — or even just to be more generous. Even if giving doesn’t come naturally, prayer can help soften our hearts and refocus our intentions. If we are giving with the intention of only receiving, then our hearts are not in the right place.
Allocate a Monthly Budget
It’s hard to know how much you can give if you have no clue where your money’s going. You need a plan. So you need a monthly budget! Before the month begins, you should create your own zero-based budget (where your income minus your expenses equals zero).
Start by putting aside 10% of your income for tithing, then budget for savings. After that, budget for your Four Walls (food, utilities, shelter, and transportation) and other necessities like insurance and day care. That way, you know exactly how much you can spend on things like streaming services, entertainment, and those Target runs. You may decide to give based on your taxable income or pre-tax income. You can even create a “random giving” budget line for when you want to help someone in the spur of the moment.
Budgeting often takes a minimum of three months to get the hang of. And tithing, if it isn’t a habit yet, can take some getting used to as well. As long as you’re taking steps to be more generous with what you have, you’re on the right track.
Set Up Online Giving or In-Person Giving
Many churches have tried to make tithing as easy as possible. If you go to church, they may have a way to give online (or through an app). And many churches even let you set up automatic payments each month, which is great — especially if you have a regular income.
Of course, maybe you prefer writing a check or giving cash because it’s a physical reminder of the money you’re taking out of your wallet and giving away. It really doesn’t matter if you’re giving online or in person, as long as you’re giving!
10 Bible Verses About Tithing
Here are ten powerful Scripture passages about tithing and generosity. Each one reveals something different about God’s heart for giving — and what it means for your life today.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus draws a direct line between our money and our hearts. Where we invest financially reveals what we truly value. Tithing is one way to store up treasures in heaven rather than clinging to temporary earthly wealth.
Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.”
This verse is key because Jesus affirms tithing while also putting it in proper context. He rebukes the Pharisees not for tithing, but for neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. The takeaway: tithe, yes — but never let it become a substitute for living out your faith in every other area of life.
1 Corinthians 16:2
“On every Lord’s Day each of you should put aside something from what you have earned during the week, and use it for this offering. The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn.”
Paul encourages consistent, proportional giving — not sporadic or last-minute. Setting aside your tithe on a regular schedule (weekly, biweekly, or monthly) turns generosity into a habit rather than an afterthought.
Romans 12:1
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
While this verse is not specifically about money, it frames all of life as an offering. Tithing is one tangible way we present ourselves as living sacrifices. When we give financially, we worship God with more than just our words.
2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
This is the agricultural principle of giving: you get back in proportion to what you plant. Generous tithers don’t give to “get rich” — but they do position themselves to experience God’s faithfulness in ways that stingy living never allows.
Exodus 35:21
“Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work.”
Notice the phrase “whose heart moved him.” True giving is never forced or guilt-driven. When your heart is aligned with God’s purposes, generosity flows naturally. This is the spirit behind every tithe and offering.
1 Chronicles 29:11-12
“Everything in heaven and earth is Yours, O LORD. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all.”
David’s prayer reminds us of a humbling truth: everything already belongs to God. We are not giving God “our” money — we are returning a portion of what He entrusted to us. This perspective transforms tithing from an obligation into a privilege.
Deuteronomy 8:18
“Remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
It’s easy to take credit for our income, our career, or our success. This verse is a powerful reset: God is the source of every ability you have to earn a living. Tithing is simply acknowledging that truth with your wallet.
Deuteronomy 16:17
“Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.”
Proportional giving is the biblical standard. Whether you earn $30,000 or $300,000, the principle is the same: give according to how God has blessed you. Tithing at 10% scales with your income and keeps giving personal and meaningful.
Luke 6:38
“If you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give — large or small — will be used to measure what is given back to you.”
Jesus paints a vivid picture of overflowing generosity. The “return” may not always be financial — it could be peace, provision, relationships, or spiritual growth. But the promise is clear: God honors those who give freely and faithfully.
Tithing Fast Facts & Statistics
- 5% of churchgoers tithe (Church Development).
- Out of the 247 million U.S. citizens identifying as Christians, 1.5 million people tithe (Sharefaith).
- 77% of tithers give more than 10% (Health Research Funding).
- Churchgoers age 35-44 are two times as likely to give with an app compared to those age 24-34 (Vanco Churchgoer Giving Study).
- Statistics show that adding an online giving option increases church donations by 32%.
- 30% of churchgoers 45-54 years of age say they prefer making donations with their credit or debit cards.
- Churchgoers age 24-34 prefer to donate with their credit cards more than any other demographic.
- Women make up three quarters of North American donors (Nonprofit Tech for Good).
- Baby boomers give $613 more each year than donors under 40 (Philanthropy Daily).
- People who regularly attend services give an average of $1,737 more to faith each year than those who do not even attend once a month (Philanthropy Daily).
Frequently Asked Questions About Tithing
Is tithing required in the New Testament?
The New Testament does not command a specific 10% tithe. However, it strongly encourages generous, sacrificial giving. Many Christians still use 10% as a baseline because it provides a practical starting point rooted in biblical tradition.
Do I tithe on gross or net income?
The Bible doesn’t specify gross vs. net. Some Christians tithe on gross income (before taxes) as a way of giving God their “firstfruits.” Others tithe on net income (take-home pay). The most important thing is giving with a willing heart, not the exact calculation method.
What is the difference between a tithe and an offering?
A tithe is traditionally 10% of your income given to your local church. An offering is any gift given above and beyond the tithe — to missions, benevolence funds, special projects, or people in need. Both are biblical forms of worship through giving.
What happens if I can’t afford to tithe?
God does not condemn anyone who genuinely cannot give 10%. Start where you can — even 1% or 2% — and grow from there. The Bible emphasizes the heart behind the gift, not the dollar amount. Pray, budget wisely, and trust God to provide as you take steps of faithfulness.
Will You Tithe?
Hopefully, we’ve helped to answer any questions you might have had about the tithe definition. Tithing remains important to this day no matter the religious organization. It’s all about giving from the heart, so take time to pray and ask God what you should do.
More Resources on Church Giving
- Critical Do’s and Don’ts For Church Tithes & Offering
- Are Church Donations Tax Deductible? Frequently Asked Questions
- 29 Powerful Tithes and Offering Verses To Use In Your Next Worship Service
- Church Donations: Giving Platforms, Tax Deductions and More
- 5 Biblical Reasons to Give - Plus 15 Tithing Verses