Tithing ten percent is more than just a religious habit—it’s a spiritual act of obedience, trust, and gratitude. For many believers, giving back a portion of what God has provided is a deeply personal way to show faith and commitment.
Whether you’re seeking clarity, encouragement, or spiritual motivation, the Bible offers direct wisdom and insight on tithing.
This post will walk you through 15 carefully selected Bible verses about tithing ten percent. Each Scripture is followed by a brief and clear explanation to help you understand its context and significance in your life.
Let’s explore what the Word of God says about giving faithfully.
1. Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.
Explanation:
This well-known verse is often cited when discussing tithing ten percent. God challenges His people to test His faithfulness by giving their full tithe. It shows that tithing opens the door to God’s blessings—not just financial, but spiritual and emotional as well.
2. Leviticus 27:30
A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.
Explanation:
This verse establishes the foundation of tithing in the Old Testament. It shows that tithing was considered sacred and a way to honor God with the first portion of what He provides.
3. Proverbs 3:9
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.
Explanation:
Here, the focus is on honoring God first. The “firstfruits” refers to giving the first and best portion—highlighting the importance of prioritizing God in our finances through tithing ten percent.
4. Deuteronomy 14:22
Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.
Explanation:
This verse gives a clear directive about the consistency of tithing. It reminds believers to give faithfully, not occasionally, as a routine part of their relationship with God.
5. Genesis 14:20
And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
Explanation:
This is the first recorded tithe in the Bible. Abram (later Abraham) gives a tenth of his gain to Melchizedek, symbolizing gratitude and recognition that all victories and blessings come from God.
6. 2 Chronicles 31:5
As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.
Explanation:
This verse highlights the people’s willingness and joy in giving. Their obedience brought spiritual revival, showing that generous tithing can lead to collective blessings and renewed faith.
7. Nehemiah 10:38
A priest descended from Aaron is to accompany the Levites when they receive the tithes, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury.
Explanation:
This verse explains how the tithes were managed in the temple system, pointing to the organization and sacred responsibility behind tithing. It reflects the accountability involved in honoring God with our resources.
8. Numbers 18:26
Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the Lord’s offering.’
Explanation:
Even those who received tithes were instructed to give a portion back to God. This underlines a powerful principle: no one is exempt from giving, and everyone should honor God through their blessings.
9. Deuteronomy 26:12
When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied.
Explanation:
This verse emphasizes the social aspect of tithing. It’s not just for the church or temple—it also supports the vulnerable and needy. Tithing ten percent becomes a tool for justice and compassion.
10. Luke 11:42
Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.
Explanation:
Jesus acknowledges the importance of tithing but warns against doing it without love or justice. True obedience includes both generosity and a heart that reflects God’s character.
11. Matthew 23:23
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
Explanation:
This verse echoes the message in Luke. Jesus affirms tithing but reminds us not to focus on the act alone. The heart and motive behind giving are just as important as the gift itself.
12. Hebrews 7:2
And Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.”
Explanation:
Hebrews recalls Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek as a meaningful act of honor and worship. It also draws a connection between giving and acknowledging God’s peace and righteousness.
13. Amos 4:4
Go to Bethel and sin; go to Gilgal and sin yet more. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three years.
Explanation:
This verse uses irony to point out empty religious rituals. It’s a reminder that tithing without a sincere heart can be meaningless. God desires both action and authenticity in our worship.
14. 1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
Explanation:
Paul encourages regular and proportional giving. While not using the word “tithe,” this verse supports the principle of planned, percentage-based giving—like tithing ten percent—as a faithful practice.
15. Galatians 6:6
Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.
Explanation:
This verse teaches the importance of supporting those who teach the Word. It reinforces the idea that our financial giving plays a role in spreading God’s truth and supporting ministry work.
Reflecting on the Practice of Tithing Ten Percent
These 15 Bible verses show that tithing ten percent is not just a financial principle, but a deeply spiritual one. From Old Testament laws to Jesus’ teachings, Scripture consistently highlights the importance of giving back to God in gratitude, faith, and obedience.
Tithing reminds us that everything we have belongs to God. It keeps our hearts aligned with His purposes and helps support the work of the Church and care for those in need.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you experienced the blessings of tithing ten percent in your own life? Do you have a favorite Bible verse about giving that inspires you? Share your story or your go-to Scripture in the comments below. Let’s encourage one another as we grow in faith and generosity.