Tithe

What it means

The tithe, meaning a tenth, appears before the law of Moses, when Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, and was then commanded in Israel's law to support the priests and Levites, the festivals, and the poor. Malachi rebuked Israel for withholding it.

Some churches teach that the tithe remains binding on Christians as the minimum standard of giving. They point to its place before the law and to Jesus' remark that the Pharisees should have tithed while not neglecting justice and mercy. Others hold that the New Testament nowhere commands a tithe for the church, and instead calls believers to give regularly, proportionally, cheerfully, and generously, which for many will mean more than a tenth. The Westminster and 1689 confessions do not settle the question.

Both views are held by faithful churches. What Scripture clearly forbids is treating giving as a way to purchase blessing, which the site records as prosperity teaching.

In Scripture

• Genesis 14:18-20

  Genesis 14:18-20

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  Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.

• Malachi 3:8-10

  Malachi 3:8-10

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  God rebukes Israel for robbing him in tithes and calls them to bring the full tithe.

• Matthew 23:23

  Matthew 23:23

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  Jesus says the Pharisees tithed but neglected justice, mercy, and faithfulness, which they should have practiced too.

• 1 Corinthians 16:1-2

  1 Corinthians 16:1-2

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  Believers are to set aside gifts on the first day of each week, in proportion to how they have prospered.

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

  2 Corinthians 9:6-7

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  Each should give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly, for God loves a cheerful giver.