The concept of tithing—giving ten percent of one’s income to God—is a deeply rooted practice in many churches. But where did it come from, and is it still required of Christians today? A look at Scripture reveals both the origin of the tithe and how its use has shifted—and at times, been abused—in today’s church.
In the Old Testament, tithing was a legal requirement established under the Mosaic Law. The people of Israel were instructed to give a tenth of their produce, livestock, and income to support the Levites—the priestly tribe that had no land inheritance and served in the tabernacle. This wasn’t a single tithe, either. There were actually multiple tithes: one for the Levites, one for the festivals and feasts, and one every three years for the poor. These tithes, in total, amounted to more than ten percent—closer to twenty-three percent annually. Tithing was less about spontaneous generosity and more about sustaining Israel’s religious, social, and governmental systems.
In the New Testament, however, there is a noticeable shift. Nowhere does Jesus or the apostles command Christians to tithe. Instead, the emphasis is placed on giving from the heart, not under compulsion, but with cheerfulness and sincerity. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that “each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This highlights the relational and grace-filled nature of giving in the New Covenant.
Even Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their obsession with tithing while neglecting weightier matters. In Matthew 23:23, He says, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.” Christ was not impressed by legalistic precision in giving when it was devoid of love, humility, and justice. His correction revealed that while giving has its place, it must not replace the inward transformation that God desires.
Unfortunately, many churches today still teach tithing as a requirement, often using fear or guilt to motivate giving. Some even tie blessings or curses to whether someone tithes. This not only misrepresents God’s heart but manipulates believers into viewing their giving as a transaction rather than worship. There are cases of ministries that misuse Malachi 3:10—“bring the full tithe into the storehouse”—without acknowledging its specific context under the Old Covenant to Israel. When the New Testament speaks of generosity, it is not about fulfilling a legal quota but responding in love to the grace we’ve received.
There are also modern abuses. Some preachers live in excess, teaching that sowing “seed money” will produce financial miracles, while ignoring the fact that Paul himself worked with his hands and said he did not want to be a burden. The church should never treat the gospel like a product or spiritual services as a means for gain. Paul warned that “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10), and that some have wandered from the faith because of it.
This is not to say that giving is no longer important. Generosity remains a key virtue for followers of Jesus. Scripture encourages us to give to the poor, support ministers of the gospel, help our neighbors, and store up treasure in heaven. But our giving should be led by the Spirit, guided by wisdom, and filled with joy—not fear.
To summarize, while tithing had a specific role under the Old Covenant, Christians today are not bound to the ten-percent rule. We are invited into something deeper: to give out of love, according to our means, and as stewards of God’s grace. Let us be generous people, not because we must, but because we love.
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