What Does the Bible Say About Christian Tithing? Should a Christian Tith?
1) Direct answer
Yes. A Christian should tithe. The Bible shows that a tenth belongs to the Lord, and God uses it to support His ministry. It is not a bondage of the Law but an act of faith, honor, and obedience.
2) Scriptural explanation
- Before the Law: Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18–20). Jacob vowed a tenth to God (Genesis 28:22). So tithing isn’t just a Mosaic rule; it’s a faith response to God’s blessing.
- Under the prophets: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse” with a promise of open windows of heaven and the rebuke of the devourer (Malachi 3:8–10).
- Jesus affirmed it: “These ought ye to have done” (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42). He rebuked hypocrisy, not tithing. He said don’t leave it undone while also keeping the weightier matters.
- In the New Testament order: The Scripture teaches that those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:13–14). Those taught in the Word should share with the one who teaches (Galatians 6:6). Elders who labor in the Word are worthy of double honor—“the laborer is worthy of his hire” (1 Timothy 5:17–18). Hebrews 7 brings tithing right into the New Covenant by pointing to Melchizedek, a type of Christ’s priesthood.
3) Simple clarifying logic
- What is the tithe? A tenth of your increase. It belongs to the Lord. We don’t give it as charity; we return it as God’s portion.
- Where does it go? To the storehouse—the place that feeds your soul—the ministry that labors in the Word over you. God’s pattern is that the ministry is sustained by the tithe.
- What about offerings? Offerings are freewill and cheerful (2 Corinthians 9:6–8). Tithes and offerings are not the same. Tithe is God’s set portion; offerings are love-gifts above that for needs, missions, the poor, and other burdens God lays on your heart.
- Is this legalism? No. Tithing was before the Law, honored under the Law, confirmed by Jesus, and harmonizes with New Testament support for the ministry. We don’t tithe to be saved; we tithe because we’re saved and we honor God first. “Honor the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase” (Proverbs 3:9).
- A simple challenge: Some say tithing ended at the cross. But Abraham tithed before Sinai, Jesus said “these ought ye to have done,” Hebrews points back to Melchizedek, and the New Testament commands support for those who preach. If the Word says the ministry must live by the gospel, by what consistent rule is that sustained if not by God’s own portion?
Short reinforcing statement
Put God first. Return His tenth to the storehouse where you are fed, give offerings as He leads, and expect God to keep His Word—open windows, rebuked devourers, and sufficiency for every good work.