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Do Christians have to tithe?

The New Testament neither abolishes the tithe nor enforces it as law. Its standard is cheerful, purposeful, proportional giving — and ten percent remains a time-tested starting line for training the heart that everything belongs to God.

The tithe before and under the law

Abraham tithed to Melchizedek before the law existed (Genesis 14:20), and the law made it covenant practice: "all the tithe of the land ... is the LORD’s" (Leviticus 27:30). The tithe was never a tax to fund a needy God — it was confession: giving the first tenth declared that the whole harvest was grace. Malachi’s famous challenge — "prove me now herewith ... if I will not open you the windows of heaven" (Malachi 3:10) — is about trusting the Giver, not purchasing blessing.

The New Testament raises the bar — from percentage to heart

Jesus affirmed tithing’s place while blasting those who tithed herbs and "omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone" (Matthew 23:23). The epistles set the rule for giving: "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7) — and the Macedonians gave "beyond their power," willingly (2 Corinthians 8:3). The New Covenant standard is not lower than ten percent; it is deeper than any percent: "present your bodies a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1).

A practical way forward

Rather than litigating gross-versus-net, adopt the principle: "Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase" (Proverbs 3:9) — give first, not from leftovers. Ten percent is a proven starting line; grow from there as God prospers you. And if money is tight, remember the widow’s two mites (Mark 12:41-44): God weighs the heart, not the amount — He "accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not" (2 Corinthians 8:12).

Related Bible Verses

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Should I tithe on gross income or net?

    Scripture never defines the math. The principle is firstfruits and cheerfulness (Proverbs 3:9; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Many start with net income and grow; others give on gross. Decide before God, give first, and keep growing — the direction matters more than the formula.