What does the Bible say about tithes?
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The Bible teaches that giving to God is an act of worship, gratitude, and faithful stewardship, flowing from hearts that trust his provision rather than from mere compulsion. Under the old covenant, Israel was commanded to give tithes for the support of worship and ministry, and Malachi 3:8-10 rebukes withholding what belonged to God. Abraham and Jacob also gave a tenth in response to God’s blessing (Genesis 14:20; Genesis 28:22). Proverbs 3:9 calls believers to honor the Lord with their wealth. In the new covenant, Christians are urged to give generously, willingly, and cheerfully, with justice and mercy never neglected (2 Corinthians 9:7; Matthew 23:23).
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- Malachi 3:8-9
[8] Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me! But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In tithes and offerings. [9] You are cursed with the curse; for you rob me, even this whole nation.
- Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the store-house, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this," says Yahweh of hosts, "if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough for.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
- Genesis 14:20
and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand." Abram gave him a tenth of all.
- Proverbs 3:9
Honor Yahweh with your substance, With the first fruits of all your increase:
- Malachi 3:8
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me! But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In tithes and offerings.
- Leviticus 27:30
"'All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is Yahweh's. It is holy to Yahweh.
- Genesis 28:22
then this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, will be God's house. Of all that you will give me I will surely give the tenth to you."
- Matthew 23:23
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.
- Nehemiah 10:38
The priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure-house.
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