Welcome back to the podcast! Tithing is one of the most debated topics in Christian circles. Many believers have been taught that they must give exactly 10% of their income to the church, often based on Old Testament commands. But is this what the Bible truly teaches for New Testament believers? Let's find out!
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Let’s explore some common misconceptions about tithing and what God really expects from us when it comes to giving.
Misconception #1: Christians are commanded to tithe.
Many Christians believe that tithing is a requirement under the New Covenant, but the truth is that tithing was originally part of the Mosaic Law given to Israel. The 10% tithe had three main purposes:
- Support for the Levites (and Temple) – The tithe funded the priestly tribe of Israel, who had no land inheritance (Numbers 18:21-24). Numbers 18:21 – “I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the tent of meeting.”
- Festivals and Worship – Part of the tithe was meant to be used for religious feasts and celebrations in worship of God. Deuteronomy 14:23 – “Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine, and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God... so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.”
- Provision for the Poor – A portion of the tithe was used to help widows, orphans, and foreigners (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Deuteronomy 14:29 – “The Levites... and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.”
So: The Old Testament tithe functioned more like a national tax than a purely voluntary religious offering.
- When combined, these tithes amounted to about 23.3% of a person's agricultural income over a three-year cycle—closer to a national tax supporting both religious and social functions in Israel.
- Unlike modern church tithing, which is often seen as an act of personal giving, the Old Testament system was more like a structured government tax ensuring the well-being of the nation.
The New Testament mentions tithing in a a grand total of four passages:
- Hebrews 7:1-10
- Hebrews 7:5-6 (NLT) Now the law of Moses required that the priests, who are descendants of Levi, must collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel, who are also descendants of Abraham. But Melchizedek, who was not a descendant of Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham.
- Context: This passage discusses Abraham giving a tenth to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20) and connects it to Jesus' superior priesthood. However, it does not command Christians to tithe but rather uses tithing as a historical reference to highlight the greatness of Christ’s...
