Tithing in the Bible means giving ten percent of your income to God. The word "tithe" means "tenth." Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20), and God commanded Israel to tithe in Leviticus. Biblical tithing should be done cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), given to God (not just a church budget), and done secretly (Matthew 6:1-4). Christians tithe to acknowledge God's ownership of everything, break money's control over their hearts, and support kingdom work.
Tithing. It's one of those topics that comes up regularly in church, yet many believers find themselves confused about what it really means. Should Christians tithe? How much should we give? Where does our money go? And if God owns everything, why does He need our money anyway?
These are legitimate questions that deserve biblical answers. The confusion around tithing has led some Christians to give out of guilt, others to avoid giving altogether, and still others to wonder if they're doing it wrong.
Let's clear up the confusion. Drawing directly from Scripture, I'm going to walk you through seven essential principles about tithing in the Bible that will transform how you understand biblical giving.
Understanding Tithing: What Does the Bible Really Say?
Before we dive into the principles, let's establish what tithing actually means. The word "tithe" comes from an ancient term meaning "tenth." Throughout Scripture, tithing refers to giving ten percent of what you receive back to God.
But biblical tithing goes much deeper than just the mathematics. It's about worship, trust, and recognizing God's ownership over everything in our lives.
Principle #1: Your Tithe is Given to God Himself
Many people think of tithing as giving money to a church or organization. While that's where the money physically goes, the Bible reveals something more profound.
In Genesis 14:18-20, we encounter a fascinating story. Abraham (then called Abram) had just rescued his nephew Lot and returned from battle. A mysterious figure named Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, came out to meet him with bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and in response, Abraham gave him a tithe of everything he had gained.
So who was this Melchizedek? Hebrews 7:3 gives us remarkable insight—this man had no father or mother, no genealogy, no beginning and no end. Only one being fits that description: God Himself. Most biblical scholars recognize Melchizedek as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, the only member of the Godhead with a physical body.
This means Abraham, the father of our faith, gave his tithe directly to God. He calculated ten percent of everything he had gained and presented it to the Lord.
The takeaway? When you tithe, you're not just supporting a budget or funding programs. You're giving to God Himself. This perspective changes everything about how we approach biblical giving.
Principle #2: Tithing Should Be Done, Not Just Considered
Is tithing optional for Christians? The Bible gives us a sobering answer through the prophet Malachi.
"Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, 'In what way have we robbed You?' In tithes and offerings" (Malachi 3:8).
These are strong words. God confronted His people Israel because they failed to bring their tithes and offerings. He had commanded them in Leviticus to give a tenth of everything—their seeds, fruit, flocks, herds, grain, and produce. When they didn't, God called it robbery.
Now, here's the reality: Everything we have comes from God. James 1:17 tells us that "every good and perfect gift" comes from above. We didn't create our abilities, our opportunities, or even the next breath we'll take. God gave us all of it.
Despite giving us everything, He asks for just ten percent back. That's not a burden—it's an invitation to participate in His work and acknowledge His lordship over our finances.
Principle #3: Tithing is For Your Benefit, Not God's
If God owns everything, why does He want our money? This question stumps many believers, but the answer reveals God's heart.
Psalm 50:10-12 declares: "For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell you; for the world is Mine, and all its fullness."
God doesn't need our money. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, every creature, and everything in the world. So why does He command tithing?
Because God wants complete ownership of us—not just our Sunday mornings or our spare time, but our whole lives. And He knows that money often competes with Him for control of our hearts.
Jesus said it plainly in Matthew 6:24: "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [riches]."
Money has a way of becoming our master. We think about it constantly, give it our energy and attention, and let it dictate our decisions. When we tithe, we're making a powerful declaration: "God, all that I have belongs to You. Money is not my master—You are."
If you've tithed consistently for any length of time, you know it hurts sometimes, especially when bills pile up and expenses mount. But that discomfort serves a purpose. It reveals whether money controls us or whether God does.
Principle #4: Your Giving Must Come From a Cheerful Heart
The Bible never endorses reluctant giving or giving out of guilt. God cares more about the condition of our hearts than the amount in our offering.
Second Corinthians 9:7 instructs: "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver."
Paul told the Corinthian church to decide in their hearts to give and to do so cheerfully, not because they felt obligated. There's a huge difference between looking at your paycheck, calculating ten percent, and saying, "All right, God, here's Your ten percent," versus giving joyfully out of gratitude.
So how do you develop a cheerful heart toward giving?
Start by identifying everything God has given you—especially the things money cannot buy. When I do this exercise, I see a loving family that supports me, friends who stand by me, work that I find meaningful, and health that allows me to serve. Beyond that, I see forgiveness for my sins, God's patience despite my constant failures, the promise of eternal life, and a home in heaven. Most of all, I see a God who never gave up on me and loved me enough to die for my sake.
When you look at what you're giving to—not what you're giving up—joy comes naturally. The secret to cheerful giving is fixing your eyes on the God you're giving to.
Principle #5: Your Tithe Can Go to Your Church
Once you've decided to tithe, the practical question arises: Where should the money go?
Galatians 6:6 provides guidance: "Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches."
If you're attending a church where you're learning about God and growing spiritually, that church is a biblical option for your tithe. Throughout history, Christians have also supported ministries, missionaries, and organizations that advance God's kingdom.
However, giving should never be done carelessly. Before you commit to supporting any ministry with your tithe, follow these two crucial steps:
First, research. Look into the church, ministry, or missionary you're considering. Are they truly advancing the work of the Lord? Do they handle finances with integrity? Are people coming to Christ and growing in faith through their efforts?
Second, pray. Ask God for wisdom. Tell Him, "I want to give to You. Show me who I should support." God is faithful to guide those who genuinely seek His direction.
These steps matter because money is a powerful tool that can be misused. At the same time, don't let fear of misuse become an excuse not to give. There are countless faithful ministers and ministries doing God's work who need support.
Once you identify one or two organizations to support, make sure you understand the final principle about how to give.
Principle #6: Biblical Giving Should Be Done in Secret
Jesus addressed this directly in Matthew 6:1-4:
"Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."
Jesus taught that giving should be done secretly. Those who give to impress others have already received their reward—the praise of people. But those who give in secret will be rewarded by God Himself.
This doesn't mean you can never give publicly or that online giving (which requires your information) is wrong. The principle is about motivation. Don't give so others will think you're a good Christian. Don't use your giving to boost your reputation or spiritual resume.
People shouldn't know you're the one giving. Your giving is between you and God alone.
Principle #7: You Can Give More Than Ten Percent
Here's where biblical tithing gets really interesting. While ten percent is the biblical standard, it's not the ceiling.
In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus observed people giving at the temple treasury. Wealthy people were giving large amounts. Then a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins (called mites).
Jesus said, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had."
Those two mites—worth about 1/64 of a day's wage, or roughly two dollars in today's economy—represented everything she had. The rich gave from their surplus. She gave from her need.
This woman challenges our understanding of generous giving. You can give God more than ten percent of your wealth. In fact, I'd encourage you to consider it, because God is not a debtor to anyone. When people give to Him with the right heart, He responds with blessing.
Let me share a story that illustrates this. A close friend once felt strongly impressed to give $10,000 to his church. He wrestled with whether this was truly from God or just his own thoughts. The feeling persisted, even costing him sleep.
Finally, he approached his wife, certain she'd say no. Instead, after asking if they could afford it, she said, "If you think God is telling you to, then do it."
He wrote the check and immediately felt a weight lift. About a week later, his boss called him in. "We were reviewing our finances and realized we haven't been paying you what we should. Here's what we owe you." The check was for $20,000.
I'm not promising God will double whatever you give—that would turn giving into a transaction. But there are special blessings reserved for those who give generously to God with faith and a cheerful heart.
What Tithing Reveals About Our Relationship With God
Biblical tithing isn't ultimately about money. It's about worship, trust, and lordship.
When we tithe, we declare that God is the true Lord of our lives, including our finances. We acknowledge that everything comes from Him and belongs to Him. We demonstrate that money doesn't control us.
Tithing also develops our trust in God's provision. When you give the first ten percent rather than whatever's left over, you're trusting that God will provide for the remaining ninety percent. And He does, often in ways that defy our natural understanding.
But here's something crucial to remember: Christians shouldn't just give God our money. We should give God all of us.
The Bible commands us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Giving ten percent of our income is just one small part of that total surrender. God wants our time, talents, attention, affections, dreams, and decisions—not just our dollars.
When You Don't Feel Like Giving
There will be times when you don't want to give. Bills pile up. Unexpected expenses hit. Financial pressure mounts. In those moments, remember this:
Jesus gave His life—which has value beyond all measure—for you. He gave us the promise of eternal life with Him for those who trust in His death for our sins. If He gave everything for you, can you not give a portion back to Him?
The gospel transforms our giving from obligation to overflow, from reluctant duty to joyful worship.
Putting Biblical Tithing Into Practice
If you're ready to start tithing or to give more biblically, here's how to begin:
Calculate your increase. Track your income and determine what ten percent looks like.
Identify where to give. Research churches or ministries doing faithful kingdom work, then pray for God's guidance.
Give first, not last. When you receive income, give your tithe before paying other bills. This demonstrates that God comes first.
Give secretly. Keep your giving between you and God.
Give cheerfully. Cultivate gratitude by regularly reflecting on what God has given you.
Trust God. Believe that He will provide for your needs when you honor Him with your finances.
Consider giving more. As God blesses you, look for opportunities to increase your giving beyond ten percent.
Tithing in the Bible isn't about making God rich or funding organizational budgets. It's about recognizing God's ownership, breaking money's power over our hearts, and participating in His kingdom work.
When you understand biblical tithing correctly, it becomes less about what you give up and more about what you gain—a deeper relationship with God, freedom from money's control, and the joy of partnering with Him in eternal work.
So start where you are. Give what you can. Do it cheerfully, secretly, and faithfully. Watch how God uses your obedience to transform both your finances and your heart.
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