Bible Texts on Tithe
First Mention in the Bible:
Genesis 14:18-20 “And he gave him a tithe of all.”
Abraham as a matter of course returns tithe to the priest of the most high God. This
is long before the Levitical system and appears to be a part of Abraham’s normal activity. He
is operating from a principle that is not just now explained to him.
Jacob and the Covenant with God:
Genesis 28:22 “And of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to You.”
This was a spontaneous promise from Jacob when he accepted the God of his fathers
as his God too. It points out that tithe is in response to the blessings received from God, not
as a means to get God’s blessings.
Tithe Instruction from God:
Leviticus 27:30 “All the tithe of the land is the Lord’s...It is holy unto the Lord.”
The tithe belongs to God. We are not giving Him anything. It is a matter of simple
honesty. God trusts us to handle the holy tithe. All the tithe is the Lord’s. When we are
faithful we regularly return all the tithe to God.
The Use of Tithe:
Numbers 18:21 “I have given the children of Levi all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in
return for the work which they perform, the work of the tabernacle of meeting.”
We return our tithe to God. God, in turn, gives it to the Levites — the religious
leaders. The Levites are given the responsibility of using the tithe for their support and the
furtherance of the work of God.
Tithe and Revival:
Malachi 3:6-11 “Return to Me, and I will return to you.”
In the context of preparing for the Second Coming, God commands all to be faithful
in tithes and offerings. Over the years, all true revivals have had a stewardship emphasis.
Deut. 28 explains that if we diligently obey and carefully observe the commands of God we
will be blessed.
Jesus Supported Tithing:
Matthew 23:23 “These ye out to have done.”
Jesus supported the scribes and Pharisees in their strict tithing but told them that they
should also be careful in matters of justice, mercy, and faith.
