What Is Tithing? A Complete Biblical Guide
Tithing is one of the oldest acts of worship in Scripture. Whether you are new to the concept or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide walks through what the Bible says, which verses apply, and how to put it into practice.
What Is Tithing?
The word tithe comes from the Old English teotha, meaning “tenth.” In its simplest definition, tithing is the practice of giving 10% of your income or increase to God — typically through the local church or a ministry. It is an act of worship that acknowledges God as the ultimate source of every resource you have.
The 10% principle appears throughout the Old Testament as a standard of faithful giving. It was not framed as optional generosity but as a foundational act of obedience — returning to God what already belongs to Him.
The Old Testament roots of tithing go back even before the Mosaic Law. Abraham gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20), and Jacob vowed to give a tenth to God at Bethel (Genesis 28:22). By the time the Law was formally given, the tithe was codified as a specific obligation for God's people — supporting the Levites, the temple, and those in need.
Key Bible Verses on Tithing
These passages form the biblical foundation for the practice of tithing across both the Old and New Testament traditions.
"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."
This is the most cited tithing verse in the Old Testament. God directly invites His people to test His faithfulness through their obedience in giving — a rare and remarkable promise.
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops."
The concept of "firstfruits" meant giving from the first and best of what you received, not the leftovers. It reflects a posture of trust — acknowledging that everything comes from God.
"And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
This is one of the earliest recorded tithes in Scripture — Abraham giving a tenth to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High. It predates the Mosaic Law, showing that the practice of giving a tenth has deep roots.
"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."
Under the Mosaic Law, the tithe was formally established as belonging to God. The language is explicit: it is not a gift from you to God — it already belongs to Him.
Tithe vs. Offering: What's the Difference?
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct in both definition and purpose.
- Exactly 10% of your income or increase
- Considered a baseline obligation in the Old Testament
- Typically directed to the local church or storehouse
- Described as “holy to the Lord” in Leviticus 27:30
- A fixed, consistent percentage — not circumstantial
- Any gift given above and beyond the tithe
- Voluntary — motivated by gratitude or a specific need
- Can go to missions, charities, or individuals in need
- No fixed amount — given as led by the Spirit
- Reflects generosity, not obligation
In practice, many Christians tithe first (10%) and then give offerings as they feel led — treating the tithe as a floor, not a ceiling, for generosity.
Should You Tithe on Gross or Net Income?
This is one of the most common practical questions Christians ask. The Bible does not spell out gross versus net — so thoughtful believers land in different places. Here are both views presented fairly.
Tithe on Gross
Those who tithe on gross income argue that the firstfruits principle (Proverbs 3:9) points to giving from your total earnings before deductions. The gross amount reflects what God actually provided — taxes are simply what is owed to Caesar afterward. Many see this as the more generous and faith-forward posture.
Tithe on Net
Those who tithe on net (take-home) pay reason that you can only give from what you actually control. You cannot spend the taxes withheld before you receive your paycheck, so giving 10% of what you take home is a faithful and honest reflection of your available increase. Both views are held by sincere, generous believers.
Not sure what 10% of your income looks like? Our built-in tithe calculator handles both gross and net — weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or annual.
Try the Calculator →Do Christians Still Tithe Today?
This question touches on the relationship between the Old Testament Law and the New Covenant — a topic where faithful theologians hold different views.
The Old Testament View
Under the Mosaic Law, tithing was commanded and specific — a tenth of crops, herds, and produce went to support the Levites, the temple, and the poor. It was embedded in the covenant life of Israel, tied to land, harvest, and the priesthood system.
The New Testament Perspective
The New Testament does not repeat the tithe as a formal law for believers — but it raises the bar on generosity. Paul's instruction in 2 Corinthians reframes giving around the heart, not the percentage:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”— 2 Corinthians 9:7
At the same time, Jesus did not dismiss tithing — He affirmed it while pointing to something deeper. In Matthew 23:23, He rebuked the Pharisees not for tithing but for neglecting what mattered most:
“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.”— Matthew 23:23
Most Christian traditions today treat tithing as a wise starting point for giving — not a legal requirement, but a meaningful, biblical benchmark that reflects faithful stewardship and a heart oriented toward God rather than money.
Why People Tithe
For most believers, tithing is less about obligation and more about what it does to the heart.
Faith Discipline
Tithing is one of the few tangible ways to practice trusting God with something concrete. Writing that check or automating that transfer is an act of belief — that God provides and that His economy works differently than the world's.
Generosity Formation
Consistently giving trains you away from scarcity thinking. Over time, tithers report that the practice reshapes how they view money entirely — from something to hold tightly to something held loosely.
Trust in God's Provision
When you tithe, you are not hoping God will cover the gap — you are declaring that He already has. It reframes your finances around sufficiency rather than fear, aligning with Malachi 3:10's promise of overflow.
Supporting Ministry
The tithe funds the local church — pastors, programs, missions, and outreach. Your giving is part of something larger than a personal spiritual discipline; it is what makes collective ministry possible.
Faith Tools to Support Your Giving Journey
Practical tools built for believers who want to go beyond reading about faith and actually practice it.
Tithe Calculator
Calculate exactly what 10% of your income looks like — gross, net, weekly, monthly, or annual. Fast and free.
Prayer Generator
Generate a personal prayer for your giving journey — whether you are just starting to tithe or deepening your generosity practice.
Bible Verse Generator
Get scripture tailored to your specific faith question — including verses on generosity, stewardship, and financial trust.
Grow Beyond the Calculation
Tithing is a starting point, not a finish line. If you are ready to build a deeper, more consistent faith practice — prayer, scripture, and daily devotion are all part of the journey.