Understanding the Biblical Basis for Giving
The question of whether the Bible mandates a strict 10% tithe to the church is a common one, and understanding its roots requires looking at the Old Testament laws and the New Testament teachings. It's not a simple "yes" or "no" answer for every Christian today, but the principle of giving is undeniably biblical.
The Old Testament Tithe
The concept of giving 10%, or a tithe, originates in the Old Testament. This was a foundational part of the covenant between God and the Israelites, established long before the Christian church.
Abraham and Melchizedek
One of the earliest mentions of giving a tenth is found in:
Genesis 14:17-20 (ESV): "After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, Abraham brought out all the plunder and, giving it to Melchizedek king of Salem, brought him a tenth of all his goods. And Melchizedek blessed him."
This event predates the Mosaic Law and shows Abraham freely giving a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, who was a priest of God Most High. This is often seen as a prefiguring of the later tithe law.
The Mosaic Law
The tithe became a formalized command for the Israelites under the Mosaic Law. There were actually multiple tithes mentioned in the Old Testament, serving different purposes:
- The Levite Tithe: This was the primary tithe, where the Israelites were to give 10% of their produce and livestock to the tribe of Levi, who had no inheritance of land but served God in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. (Numbers 18:21-24)
- The Festival Tithe: A second tithe was to be set aside and eaten in Jerusalem during religious festivals. (Deuteronomy 14:22-27)
- The Poor Tithe: Every third year, a tithe was set aside to be distributed to the poor, the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow within their towns. (Deuteronomy 14:28-29)
These tithes were for the support of the Levites, the priests, the upkeep of worship, and the care of the needy. They were a tangible way for the Israelites to acknowledge God's provision and to support the spiritual and social infrastructure of their nation.
The New Testament and the Tithe
When we move to the New Testament, the emphasis shifts. Jesus and the apostles lived under the Mosaic Law, and Jesus spoke about the tithe in that context. However, the New Covenant brought about a different understanding of giving for Christians.
Jesus' Teaching on the Tithe
Jesus addressed the Pharisees, who were scrupulous about tithing even on small herbs, but often neglected the weightier matters of the law. He said:
Matthew 23:23 (ESV): "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."
Jesus affirmed the importance of tithing ("These you ought to have done"), but he also emphasized that it should not come at the expense of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This shows that while tithing was a valid practice under the Law, it was not meant to be a religious performance devoid of true righteousness.
The Spirit of Generosity in the New Testament
The New Testament doesn't present a specific law mandating 10% for the church. Instead, it emphasizes a spirit of generous, sacrificial, and cheerful giving, motivated by love for God and others. Several passages highlight this:
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV): "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This verse is crucial. It emphasizes the heart of the giver and the joy with which the gift is given, rather than a fixed percentage.
- Acts 4:32-35 (ESV): "Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. And with great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. For there was no one among them who lacked, for those who owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what they sold and laid them at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need." This is a powerful example of radical generosity, where possessions were sold and given freely for the needs of the community.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 (ESV): "Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, wherever you are, so that collections may not be made when I come." This instructs believers to set aside money regularly, but it doesn't specify a percentage. The amount was likely determined by their ability and God's leading.
Conclusion on the 10% Tithe
While the Old Testament law prescribed a tithe, the New Testament doesn't explicitly reiterate this 10% requirement as a binding law for the Christian church. Instead, it calls for a deeper, more sacrificial, and cheerful giving that flows from a transformed heart. Many Christians and churches continue to practice the tithe as a guideline or a starting point for their giving, believing it's a good principle for stewarding God's resources. Others adopt a percentage based on their ability or feel led by the Spirit, focusing on the principles of generosity, sacrifice, and meeting needs within the church and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much should I give to the church?
The Bible emphasizes cheerful, generous, and sacrificial giving rather than a strict percentage in the New Testament. While the Old Testament tithe (10%) is often used as a guideline, the New Testament calls believers to give as they have decided in their hearts, not reluctantly or under compulsion, so that needs are met and God is honored.
Why did the Old Testament law require a tithe?
The tithe in the Old Testament served several purposes: to support the Levitical priesthood and Temple service, to provide for religious festivals, and to care for the poor and needy within the Israelite community. It was a way for the Israelites to acknowledge God's sovereignty over their provision and to sustain the spiritual and social fabric of their nation.
Does the New Testament say I *must* give 10%?
The New Testament does not explicitly mandate a 10% tithe as a binding law for Christians. Instead, it emphasizes a spirit of generosity, sacrifice, and joyful giving motivated by love for God. The focus is on the heart of the giver and their willingness to share according to their ability and God's leading.
Is tithing still relevant today?
Many Christians find tithing to be a valuable biblical principle and a helpful discipline for regular giving. It can serve as a starting point and a reminder to prioritize God with our finances. However, the ultimate goal in the New Testament is a generous and sacrificial spirit that may exceed 10% or be expressed in various ways based on individual conviction and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
