Last Sunday, my oldest son was finding his seat after worship and realized, I haven’t tithed in a while!
He quickly pulled out his phone and submitted a tenth of his most recent paycheck. It felt good to give again.
But why had he stopped tithing?
For over a year, he and his wife had been in recovery mode. After going unofficially bankrupt in 2023, they had to relocate up north to carve away at debt and save for a home.
It was a painful season where they barely had enough for groceries. Naturally, the tithe and tithing took a back seat.
Today, they’re financially stable. With only a small amount of debt and growing savings, they’ve chosen to tithe again. But this raises a common question: Why tithe in the first place?
The Origin of Tithe
First, let’s define tithe. The official meaning is “tenth.”
Financially, tithe is understood as ten percent of what you earn.
The tithe and tithing has its origins in ancient Hebrew culture. Moses set it up as a way to support the Levites, who couldn’t own land.
But the concept of tithing shows up even before that.
The first mention of the tenth occurs in Genesis 14 when Abram approached Melchizedek’s territory. After defeating a vast and threatening army, Abram crossed over Melchizedek’s border.
Now, in those days, entering another leader’s territory required one of two options:
- Pay a tribute and pass safely.
- Refuse and risk a fight.
In Abram’s case, he honored Melchizedek by giving a tenth of all his spoils:
He [Melchizedek] blessed him [Abram] 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.”
He [Abram] gave him [Melchizedek] a tenth of all. – Genesis 14:20 NASB
Abram recognized God’s protection and used this gift as a sign of worship. It laid the groundwork for the tithe for Moses that we see later in Scripture.
Tithing as a Tax
When God led Israel out of Egypt, He established the tithe and tithing as a means to support the Levites–an administrative class who served in the temple:
“‘They [the Levites] will receive no inheritance among the Israelites. Instead, I give to the Levites as their inheritance the tithes that the Israelites present as an offering to the Lord. That is why I said concerning them: ‘They will have no inheritance among the Israelites.‘” – Numbers 18:21, 24 NIV
Interestingly, the Levites didn’t just work in the temple. They also served as physicians, law enforcement, and even mold inspectors!
Israel had no king, so the tithe sustained this administrative class who handled all the duties of daily life.
What else does the Bible say about Tithe?
Perhaps the most famous example of the tithe in Scripture is Malachi 3:10, where God commands, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.” I’m sure you’ve heard it read from the pulpit.
Jesus also spoke about tithe in the New Testament. In Matthew 23:23, He affirmed the Pharisees should keep the tithe, but emphasized that it should never replace the deeper matters of the heart:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
Jesus supported tithing (“these [tithes] you ought to have done…”) but emphasized that it should come from a heart of obedience, not mere obligation.
So, Do we Still Tithe?
If you’re part of a local church and are enjoying its benefits, you should consider giving the tithe. Honor your tribe, which Paul makes clear in 1 Corinthians 9:14.
Churches need financial support to pay their staff, afford rent, and support outreach. View it as a “tax” for the services you receive (childcare, worship, community).
Just as you wouldn’t wander into a store and take advantage of its services, we shouldn’t take advantage of our churches who invest time and energy to provide community and outreach.
But still, some may wonder: Is there ever a reason not to tithe?
The answer comes down to a matter of legalism. Are you “tithing” to protect yourself from the Devourer (Malachi 3:10) which means you are under the Law for protection—not grace. Or are you “tithing” to honor God from a freewill offering of gratitude and worship (Genesis 14:20) where Abram offered a tenth of all his increase?
If you’re struggling to pay rent or groceries, it’s entirely wise and responsible to put your family first. Just like my son paused his church-giving to gain stability, you too have permission to step back and protect your family.
That said, when clients face severe financial setbacks, I encourage them to give an offering (even if it’s one dollar). Remarkably, every time I suggest this, the client comes back and reports unexpected provision.
Conclusion
If you still feel uncomfortable about the tithe and tithing, ask God how He wants you to give. For me, it helps to know that my church needs resources to spread the gospel. But I also recognize the importance of directly supporting widows and orphans, so I look for those opportunities when possible.
Unfortunately, some leaders have abused the tithe and it makes people nervous. If you’re struggling with this topic, ask God how to give, then make a plan to support it.
PS: For an in-depth look at tithe, check out my manual: Prosperous Soul Online: Advanced.