Question: What does the Bible teach about tithing? Are believers supposed to tithe to their church?
Scripture: Malachi 3:7-12
Answer: Believers in Jesus Christ are not under the Mosaic Law (Rom. 7:1-6; Gal. 3:16-19). Therefore, the tithing system, which was a legitimate and compulsory means of taxation for the nation Israel, does not apply to believers in the church age. Although Abraham paid a voluntary tithe to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20), it is not mentioned as a pattern for giving in the New Testament church era.
Definition: The Hebrew word for tithe, literally means “the tenth part” (Deut. 14:22; Neh. 10:37; Deut. 26:12; Neh. 10:38).
Old Testament. In Israel, a tithe, or one-tenth, of the livestock and produce belonged to the Lord and was considered holy (Lev. 27:30). It was to be given to the Levites as their inheritance in exchange for their service to the Lord (Num. 18:21-24). The Levites in turn were to give a tithe to the priests, which was to be the best of the offerings, lest the house of the Lord be neglected (Num. 18:28-30; Neh. 10:39). Every third year, this tithe was to be used locally for Levites, strangers, widows, and orphans (Deut. 26:12-15). A second tithe was used to cover the costs of the annual feasts in Jerusalem (Deut. 12:5-18; 14:22-26). In addition to this mandatory system of taxation, the Israelites also joyously presented voluntary or freewill offerings to the Lord, usually as an expression of thankfulness to God (Exo. 35:28; Deut. 16:10).
In Malachi 3:8-10, Israel was commanded to bring the “whole tithe to the storehouse” because they were robbing God. This verse must be understood in its context. Israel has been restored to the Promised Land and has rebuilt its temple. But now many were becoming dull in their faith and were not following God’s instructions for worship. This included tithing. The “store house” refers to the treasure of the Jerusalem temple and cannot be interpreted or applied to mean the church today.
New Testament. Among believers today, giving should be regular (1 Cor 16:1-2), purposeful (2 Cor. 9:7), proportionate (2 Cor 9:8-9) and with a cheerful spirit. Believers may give ten percent of their income, but the church is not under the Old Testament tithing system of taxation. New Testament giving cannot be equated with the obligations of the Mosaic Law in which Israel was to give twenty percent. Israel’s tithe did not include sacrificial and freewill giving, which was over and above their double tithe. Today our giving is a barometer of our spirituality (1 John 3:17). Believers are to give graciously, sacrificially, and regularly.
Summary. Believers today are to give prayerfully and sacrificially to the work of the Lord. But they are not obligated to contribute a specific percentage of their income as required of the nation Israel. However, the principle of giving the Lord the first fruits can be applied to the church today (Pro. 3:9). Giving to the work of the Lord should come first. It is appropriate to give priority to supporting one’s local church and its ministries. Yet 1 Timothy 5:8 implies that giving should not keep a believer from providing for the basic needs of one’s family. All giving is a private matter between a believer and God. It must not be subject to coercion or public approval (Matt. 6:3-4).
Bruce says
Interesting and informative information. Love the show on KHCB. In His Name we pray, amen. 1 Joh 3:8
Jim Klubnik says
Thanks, Bruce. Appreciate your listening to the “Questions and Answers” program on KHCB. God bless.
Bruce says
Thank you. God bless you Pastor and Peggy. Heb 12:14
Shirley Lawson says
Thanks for John MacArthur’s explanation to the Question: What does the Bible teach about tithing? Are believers supposed to tithe to their church? I have been trying to find the answer to this question many, many, many times and could not find any peace with the answers I received. I am a strong believer in giving to the ministry of God. I try to give as much as I can to my church, different ministries here and abroad and also to someone who is in need of heip, but could not find any peace with my giving. That’s because I do not give a specific amount directly to my church as tithe. I heard many pastors said that our financial blessings come from our tithes that we pay. I feel very guilty every time I hear this message. I just recently prayed and asked God to send me the answer so I know the truth about tithing and not be confused any more.. God answered my prayer very quickly through John MacArthur’s message. Now I can move on and give in peace without feeling guilty any more. To God be the glory! May God bless KHCB to keep on ministering to confused christians like me.
Jim Klubnik says
Thank you for listening to “Questions and Answers” last night. Many people assume I am on the KHCB staff; however, I only host the live call-in program every Thursday night at 9:30 p.m. I assume that you have read this article on tithing since you posted your comment here. You may want to also post this comment on KHCB’s Facebook page (go to http://www.KHCB.org for a link). You can also find information there on how to contact John MacArthur, should you choose to do so.
Bruce says
@Shirley Yes, under the New Covenant there is not a 10% requirement. Believers are under Grace. In Corinthians it says to give from the heart, a “cheerful giver.” Pastor Jim has an interesting write about the three segments of the Tithe in the Old Testament.
Jim Klubnik says
Thanks for your comment.
Melissa Dates says
Shirley, I have been struggling with this as well. I found this article to be very helpful and feel that I finally have peace with the answer. You said all the words I was feeling too!
Peggi Klubnik says
Melissa, Thanks for your comment. I’m glad the article was helpful. God bless you!
Peggi Klubnik
dave says
I still need an explanation for Hebrews 7… you clearly avoided that part.
For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
Peggi Klubnik says
Thank you for your comment. The context of Hebrews 7 is the priesthood of Jesus after the order of Melchizedek, “priest of the Most High God.” Tithing is not specifically taught in this chapter as applying to the church today. Rather it is evidence of honoring Melchizedek as priest. Tithing was commanded for Israel in the Old Testament. We can follow this example as we honor God with our gifts (2 Cor. 9:7), but it is not commanded for believers today.