Is Tithing in the Bible What We Think It Is?

Tithing in the Bible:

Many Christians grow up hearing the same message: “You should tithe.” The word itself sounds undeniably biblical, and for many people it feels like a clear command from God. But the more time I’ve spent studying Scripture, the more I’ve realized something surprising. What many churches call a tithe today does not actually look the same as the tithe described in the Bible.

For many years, I heard the same message in church: Christians should tithe. The word itself carries weight. It sounds biblical, faithful, and unquestionable. A tithe is often explained as giving ten percent of your income to the church, and many believers grow up assuming that this practice is clearly commanded in the Bible. But the more I’ve studied Scripture, the more I’ve realized the conversation may not be as simple as we often present it. What we commonly call a “tithe” today does not look exactly like the tithe described in the Bible.

In the Old Testament, the tithe was part of the law given to Israel. It supported the Levites, who served in the temple and did not receive land like the other tribes. But it also had another purpose that we sometimes overlook. The tithe was used to help the vulnerable in the community—the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow. It functioned as both spiritual support and social care. In passages like Book of Deuteronomy 26:12, the tithe is clearly described as something meant to provide for people who were marginalized and struggling. It wasn’t simply funding a religious building or an organizational structure.

When we move into the New Testament, something interesting happens. The apostles talk about generosity often, but they never command Christians to tithe in the same way the law required Israel to do. Instead, the focus shifts toward willing generosity and caring for others. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, believers are encouraged to give what they have decided in their hearts—not under pressure, not out of obligation, but freely and cheerfully. The emphasis is no longer on a fixed percentage but on a transformed heart.

None of this means churches do not need financial support. Churches absolutely require resources to function. Buildings must be maintained, ministries supported, and pastors provided for. There is nothing wrong with a church asking its members to contribute financially toward those needs. The question is simply about language and “honesty.” When churches ask for financial support for operational costs, perhaps it would be clearer to call it exactly that—supporting the work of the church—rather than presenting it as the biblical tithe described in the Old Testament.

Perhaps the conversation isn’t about whether churches should receive financial support—they absolutely should. The real question is whether we are calling things by the names the Bible actually gives them.

When we read Scripture carefully, we often discover that God’s heart is bigger than the traditions we inherited. The invitation isn’t about obligation or percentages—it’s about generosity, honesty, and caring for the people around us. When we give with open hands and sincere hearts, we reflect the character of a God who has always been generous with us.

If you’re seeking more Encouragement today, you may find comfort in our Devotions or be strengthened by our Verse of The Day or Prayers, offering Scripture to carry with you throughout the day.