Is Tithing Biblical, and Is It Still Compulsory for Christians Today?

Tithing has been a topic of conversation, debate, and sometimes even confusion in Christian circles for centuries. Rooted deeply in Scripture, it raises a twofold question: Is tithing biblical, and is it compulsory for Christians today? To answer this, we must examine both the biblical origins of tithing and how it is understood in light of New Testament teachings.

What Is Tithing?

The word tithe means “a tenth.” Biblically, it referred to giving 10% of one’s income or produce back to God. This concept first appears in Genesis 14:20, where Abraham gives a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, the king and priest of Salem. Later, tithing becomes formalized under the Mosaic Law for the people of Israel.

Tithing in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, tithing was not just a spiritual act, it was a part of Israel’s national and religious system.

• Leviticus 27:30: “A tithe of everything from the land belongs to the Lord.”
• Numbers 18:21: Tithes were given to the Levites, who had no land inheritance.
• Deuteronomy 14:28-29: Tithes also supported the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners.

There were actually multiple tithes, possibly totaling more than 10% annually, functioning more like a tax system to maintain Israel’s theocratic structure.

Tithing in the New Testament

The New Testament does mention tithing, but it shifts the focus:

• Matthew 23:23: Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for tithing while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He affirms the practice but elevates heart and character.
• Hebrews 7:1-10: Refers to Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek to draw parallels to Christ’s eternal priesthood.

However, the New Testament never commands tithing for Christians. Instead, it emphasizes generosity, cheerful giving, and sacrificial love:

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” - 2 Corinthians 9:7

So, Is Tithing Compulsory for Christians Today?

The short answer is: No, tithing is not compulsory under the New Covenant but giving is still very much encouraged.

Here’s why:

• Christians are not under the Mosaic Law (Romans 6:14).
• Giving is viewed as a matter of the heart, not legal obligation.
• The early church shared everything they had (Acts 2:44-45), reflecting radical generosity rather than a fixed percentage.

That said, many Christians choose to tithe as a discipline of gratitude, obedience, and stewardship. For them, the 10% serves as a baseline, not a ceiling for giving.

Biblical Giving Principles to Follow

Whether you tithe or give in another way, Scripture gives clear guidance:

1. Give generously - Proverbs 11:25, 2 Corinthians 9:6
2. Give cheerfully - 2 Corinthians 9:7
3. Give regularly - 1 Corinthians 16:2
4. Give sacrificially - Mark 12:41- 44
5. Give in faith - Luke 6:38

Conclusion

Yes, tithing is biblical, it’s deeply rooted in Scripture. But for Christians today, it is not a command, but rather a principle of giving that can serve as a guide. The true emphasis in the New Testament is on the heart of the giver, not the percentage given.

In the end, it’s not about how much you give, but why and how you give. And when giving flows from a heart aligned with God’s purposes, it becomes an act of worship, whether it’s 10%, more, or less.

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© John Ughulu, Ph.D. | 2025 |

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