What the Bible Really Says About Tithing
A clear look at what the Bible really says about tithing, showing that the New Testament never commands Christians to tithe and that every tithe in Scripture was food, not money.
Most folks hear the word “tithing” and think money. Ten percent of a paycheck. A rule you have to follow if you want to stay on God’s good side. But the moment you open your Bible and actually read it, that idea falls apart fast.
There isn’t one place in the New Testament where Christians are told to tithe. Not once. The early church gave because they wanted to, not because they were pushed into a number. Paul said it straight. “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart.” 2 Corinthians 9:7. That’s not law. That’s choice.
And tithing in the Old Testament was never money. Every tithe was food from the land God gave Israel. Grain. Wine. Oil. Livestock. Nothing else. “All the tithe of the land… from the seed of the land or the fruit of the tree is the Lord’s.” Leviticus 27:30. “You shall surely tithe all the produce from what you sow.” Deuteronomy 14:22–23. That’s not cash in an envelope. That’s crops in a barn.
Tithing was tied to the land of Israel and the covenant God made with them. It was never tied to the church. Never tied to Gentiles. Never tied to a wallet. Men changed it. God didn’t.
Jesus didn’t teach tithing for Christians. He taught something deeper. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21. The heart comes first. When your heart belongs to Him, giving takes care of itself.
This is one of those truths sitting right in front of us. Most people just never bothered to slow down and read what it actually says.
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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler
I am an internationally published author. I have written two books: Embracing God’s Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.
This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler – Dean’s Bible Blog. All rights reserved.
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“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.” (1 Timothy 1:12)
