15 Bible Verses About Tithing
Tithing is a biblical principle that invites us to trust God with our finances and experience the joy of giving. These 15 powerful Bible verses remind us that tithing is an act of worship, obedience and faith. When we bring our tithes, we acknowledge God as the source of all we have and participate in His work of building His kingdom.
1. Proverbs 3:9 – Honor the Lord with Your Wealth
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops."
These verses teach us to prioritize giving to God from our income. When we honor God with our firstfruits, meaning the first and best of what we receive, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him. Tithing is a tangible way to put God first in our lives.
2. Genesis 14:20 – Abram Gives a Tenth
"And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
This verse records the first instance of tithing in the Bible. After God gave Abram victory in battle, Abram gave a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek, a priest of God. This act of giving was a way of acknowledging God's blessing and provision. Abram's example reminds us that tithing is a form of worship and gratitude for all God has done for us.
3. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 – Generosity and Good Deeds
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
These verses link generosity with storing up eternal treasures. Tithing is not just a financial practice, but a spiritual discipline that shapes our character. When we give generously and engage in good deeds, we invest in things that will last forever. Tithing helps us hold loosely to earthly possessions and focus on the life that truly matters.
4. Deuteronomy 14:22 – Setting Aside a Tenth
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.”
This verse instructs God's people to consistently set aside a tenth of their income for God. Tithing is a discipline that helps us prioritize God in our finances and remember that He is the source of all we have. By setting aside our tithe first, we demonstrate our trust in God's provision and our commitment to honoring Him with our resources.
5. 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Give Cheerfully
“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.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of our attitude in giving. God doesn't want us to give grudgingly or out of obligation, but with a cheerful heart. When we give willingly and joyfully, it reflects our trust in God and our desire to be part of His work. Tithing should come from a place of love and gratitude, not guilt or pressure.
6. Malachi 3:10 – Bring the Whole Tithe
"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 verse is a call to obedience and trust. God challenges us to bring our full tithe and see how He will bless us in return. It's a powerful reminder that when we put God first in our finances, He promises to provide for us abundantly. Tithing is not about giving out of obligation, but about honoring and trusting God with our resources and experiencing His faithfulness.
7. Luke 6:38 – Give and It Will Be Given
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This verse teaches the principle of reciprocity in giving. When we give generously, God promises to bless us in return. The image of a good measure, pressed down and overflowing, illustrates the abundance God pours out on those who give.
8. Matthew 23:23 – Not Neglecting Tithing
“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.”
In this verse, Jesus affirms the practice of tithing but also emphasizes the importance of living out God's values. Tithing should go hand in hand with pursuing justice, showing mercy, and being faithful to God. While giving a tenth is important, it's not a substitute for a life surrendered to God. Tithing is an outward expression of an inward commitment to put God first.
9. Leviticus 27:30 – A Tithe Is Holy
“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.”
This verse emphasizes that the tithe belongs to God and is holy. When we tithe, we're not just giving money, but we're dedicating a portion of our income back to God. Tithing is an act of worship that acknowledges God's ownership of all we have. It's a way of keeping our hearts aligned with God's priorities and purposes.
10. 1 Chronicles 29:14 – Everything Comes from God
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
This verse reminds us that everything we have comes from God. When we tithe, we're simply giving back to God what already belongs to Him. Tithing is an expression of gratitude and recognition that God is the source of all our blessings.
11. Acts 4:34-35 – Sharing with Those in Need
“that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
These verses describe how the early church shared their resources to care for those in need. When we give generously, we participate in God's heart for justice and compassion. Tithing allows us to be a blessing to others and make a difference in our community.
12. Nehemiah 13:12 – Bringing Contributions
“All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil into the storerooms.”
This verse shows the people of Judah bringing their tithes to the temple storerooms. Tithing is a practical way of supporting God's work and ensuring that there are resources for ministry. When we bring our tithes, we're investing in the mission of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom. Our giving enables the church to reach out, disciple and impact the world for Christ.
13. Ezekiel 44:30 – Giving the Best to God
“The best of all the firstfruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests. You are to give them the first portion of your ground meal so that a blessing may rest on your household.”
This verse instructs God's people to give the best of their firstfruits. Tithing isn't about giving God our leftovers, but about giving Him our first and best. When we tithe, we're declaring that God is our top priority and that we trust Him to meet our needs.
14. Amos 4:4 – Bringing Tithes Every Three Years
“Go to Bethel and sin; go to Gilgal and sin yet more. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three years.”
This verse, spoken in a context of rebuke, reveals that tithing was a regular practice for God's people. Bringing tithes every three years was part of their worship and obedience to God. While this verse confronts empty religion, it also highlights the importance of consistent giving. Tithing is not a one-time act, but a lifestyle of generosity and dedication to God.
15. 2 Chronicles 31:5 – Responding to God's Command
“As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.”
This verse shows the Israelites responding eagerly to God's command to tithe. They gave generously and abundantly, bringing a tithe of all their produce. Tithing is a way of responding to God's goodness and obeying His instructions. When we recognize all that God has done for us, giving becomes a joyful and natural response.
As we embrace the practice of tithing, let's remember that tithing is a spiritual discipline that shapes our character, strengthens our faith and allows us to be a blessing to others. As we give generously and consistently, may we experience the truth that God is faithful to provide for our needs and pour out His blessings in our lives.
FAQ
What is tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth of one's income or resources to God, typically through the local church. It's a way of honoring God with our finances and supporting His work.
Is tithing still relevant for Christians today?
Yes, tithing is still a valuable principle for Christians today. While we're no longer under the Old Testament law, tithing is a timeless practice verified by Jesus Himself that teaches us to put God first, trust Him with our resources and participate in His mission.
What if I can't afford to tithe?
If you're in a difficult financial situation, start by giving what you can and trust God to provide. Remember, tithing is not about the amount, but about the heart behind the giving. As you're faithful with what you have, God will honor your obedience and meet your needs.
How should I tithe?
Typically, tithing is done through giving to your local church. Many churches offer online giving options or have a designated time during the service to collect tithes and offerings. The key is to give consistently, generously and with a cheerful heart.
What are the benefits of tithing?
Tithing has many spiritual and practical benefits. It helps us develop a heart of generosity, trust in God's provision and experience the joy of giving. Tithing also supports the work of the church and allows us to make a difference in our community and beyond. As we give, God promises to bless us in return and use our giving to advance His kingdom.
