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The Bible teaches that tithes and offerings are an essential part of worship, stewardship, and faithfulness to God. Tithing involves returning one-tenth (10%) of one’s increase to God, while offerings are voluntary gifts given beyond the tithe. Both demonstrate gratitude, obedience, and trust in God as our provider.
The principles of tithes and offerings are found throughout both the Old and New Testaments, showing that they remain significant in a believer’s life.
The Principle of Tithing in the Old Testament
The First Mentions of Tithing
The first biblical reference to tithing appears in the book of Genesis, long before the law was given through Moses.
Genesis 14:18-20 (NKJV):
“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: ‘Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.’ And he gave him a tithe of all.”
Abraham gave a tithe (10%) of his possessions to Melchizedek, a priest of God. This shows that tithing existed before the Mosaic Law and was an act of worship and gratitude.
Later, Jacob also made a vow to give a tithe to God:
Genesis 28:20-22 (NKJV):
“Then Jacob made a vow, saying, ‘If God will be with me, and keep me in this way that I am going, and give me bread to eat and clothing to put on, so that I come back to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God. And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.’”
Jacob recognized God as his provider and promised to return a tenth of his increase to Him.
Tithing in the Mosaic Law
Under the Mosaic Law, tithing was commanded to support the Levites, who served as priests and had no land inheritance.
Leviticus 27:30 (NKJV):
“And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s. It is holy to the Lord.”
God declares that the tithe belongs to Him. It was to be holy and set apart for His purposes.
Numbers 18:21 (NKJV):
“Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting.”
The Levites were responsible for religious duties and were supported by the tithe so they could focus on God’s work.
The Blessings of Faithful Tithing
God promised to bless those who faithfully returned their tithes:
Malachi 3:10-11 (NKJV):
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, so that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” says the Lord of hosts.”
This passage teaches:
- The Tithe Belongs to God – It is to be brought to His house (the place where His work is done).
- God Promises Blessings – He will provide abundantly when we are faithful.
- God Protects – He rebukes the enemy (“the devourer”) who seeks to destroy our blessings.
Offerings: Freewill Giving to God
What Are Offerings?
Unlike tithes, which are a set 10%, offerings are voluntary gifts given out of love and gratitude for God’s blessings.
Exodus 25:1-2 (NKJV):
“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. From everyone who gives it willingly with his heart you shall take My offering.’”
God desires that offerings be given willingly, not out of obligation or pressure.
Types of Offerings in the Bible
- Freewill Offerings – Given voluntarily (Deuteronomy 16:10).
- Thank Offerings – Given as an expression of gratitude (Leviticus 22:29).
- Firstfruits Offerings – The first portion of a harvest given to God (Proverbs 3:9).
The Attitude in Giving Offerings
Paul emphasized that offerings should be given cheerfully:
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NKJV):
“But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
God blesses those who give with a joyful heart!
Tithes and Offerings in the New Testament
Jesus Endorsed Tithing
Jesus affirmed tithing while emphasizing that it should be accompanied by justice, mercy, and faith.
Matthew 23:23 (NKJV):
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”
Jesus did not abolish tithing but criticized those who tithed legalistically while ignoring love and justice.
Supporting the Gospel Ministry
Paul instructed that ministers of the gospel should be supported just as the Levites were:
1 Corinthians 9:13-14 (NKJV):
“Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.”
This confirms that tithes and offerings are still necessary to support God’s work today.
The Purpose of Tithes and Offerings Today
Tithes and offerings serve several purposes in God’s kingdom:
- Supporting the Ministry – Helping pastors, evangelists, and missionaries (1 Corinthians 9:14).
- Providing for the Church – Maintaining places of worship and outreach programs.
- Helping the Needy – Funding humanitarian and relief efforts (Proverbs 19:17).
- Expressing Worship – Demonstrating love and gratitude to God.
Conclusion: A Test of Faithfulness
Tithes and offerings are not just about money; they are about trusting God, worshiping Him, and participating in His work.
- Tithing is a biblical principle that acknowledges God as our provider.
- Offerings are a freewill expression of love and gratitude toward God.
- Faithfulness in giving brings blessings and spiritual growth.
God promises to bless and provide for those who put Him first in their finances:
Proverbs 3:9-10 (NKJV):
“Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.”
May we all be faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us!
- For more on “Tithes,” check the following link: Support the Ministry
- For more on “offerings,” check the following link: Free Will Offerings