Many have dissected, outlined, and debated the words and actions surrounding Jesus on tithing over the centuries. This article will answer many of the common questions that people ask about Jesus and tithing.
What is Tithing?
First, let’s understand what tithing means. Many people equate tithing with giving in general. It is true that tithing falls under the general category of giving, but the bible digs a little deeper on the definition of tithing.
A tithe according to the Greek or Hebrew words in the bible is simply defined as a tenth. Although, the Bible details more rules around tithing such as giving only food and only to the Levites. We will dig into more details further in this article, but to start off, we will definine a tenth by the simple sense of God’s requirement to give 10% to him.
Did Jesus Talk About Tithing?
Yes. Jesus did talk about tithing. The New Testament scriptures lists three passages where Jesus specifically talked about it. Read below.
- “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” (Matthew 23:23).
- “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” (Luke 11:42).
- “I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get” (Luke 18:12).
The passages in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 are parallel passages, meaning two different authors give their own unique accounts of that event in Jesus’ life on earth. In Luke 18:12, Jesus tells a parable commonly referred to as the Pharisee and the tax collector and was quotes the tax collector. These are the only bible passages that Jesus talked about tithing.
Did Jesus Teach the Tithe?
The short answer to this question is yes, Jesus did teach the tithe, but we need some context around this answer to find out to whom and why. We will resolve the answer to those questions further down in this article, but for now let’s address where, when, and how he taught the tithe.
God required the tithe for the Israelites under the Old Covenant law. He gave specific commands in Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy surrounding the requirements of tithing. Although we know that tithing was inscribed in the law and given to the Israelites by God in the Old Testament, many want to know if Jesus specifically taught tithing in the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
We can analyze the entire passages surrounding Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 to answer whether or not Jesus taught the tithe. In these two passages, Jesus addressed the Jews under the Old Covenant. He acknowledged that the Israelites were still under the Mosaic system as evidenced at the beginning of the passage in Matthew 23:2-3 when Jesus stated, “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. So you must be careful to do everything they tell you.”
Reading further down in the passage, Matthew 23:23 states, “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.”
This is a clear teaching from Jesus to tithe. When he said, “You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former,” he was saying they should have practiced justice, mercy, and faithfulness without neglecting the tithe. Although Jesus does teach the tithe, we must consider further context surrounding to whom and why. So, let’s read on.
Did Jesus Practice Tithing?
The Jews had to follow specific requirements and qualifications when they tithed. The most familiar passage surrounding these requirements can be found in Leviticus 27:30-32 which states “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…Every tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the Lord”
The important thing to remember in this passage when trying to know whether Jesus practiced tithing is if he met the prerequisites for doing so. There were only two basic groups of things that the Israelites could give to God. They were crops or animals. The answer to the question depends on whether Jesus had raised any animals or grew any crops to give a tithe from. Unfortunately, the bible is not explicit about those details, so we can only speculate.
We know that Jesus had at least two occupations; the first being a carpenter and the second being a rabbi or teacher. These occupations don’t deal with animals or crops, so even if Jesus practiced tithing, it did not come from his occupation. If he tithed, it likely came from a few small things that were grown on the side outside of his primary occupation.
Did Jesus Collect a Tithe?
We could answer this in two different ways. The first answer comes from the question of whether Jesus, as a part of God, collected tithes. This answer would be yes. God asked for a tithe from Israel, so if God and Jesus are one, then technically Jesus did collect tithes.
Although Jesus in his spiritual diety collected tithes, I don’t think this is why most people are asking the question. Most of us want to ask did Jesus collect tithes while he was in the flesh on earth. The second answer and the more relevant answer is no, Jesus did not collect tithes on earth.
Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, which is declared for us in Hebrews 7:14, “For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah” Ironically, the whole chapter of Hebrews 7 is about how Jesus (metaphorically) received the tithe through the Melchizedek priesthood.
I don’t want to get deep in the woods with Hebrews 7 since it’s off-topic, but it can confuse some people. When you read it, keep in mind the context of who Hebrews was written to and why it was written. The book addressed Jews who could not let go of the law. It was not written to Gentiles who needed education about tithing.
Coming back to Jesus coming from the tribe of Judah. We need to look at the laws in the Old Covenant and ask ourselves if God placed any requirements about who could collect tithes. Numbers 18:24 clarifies who should collect tithes, “But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as a heave offering unto the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit.”
We are assured that Jesus did not collect tithes because the Levites were to collect tithes and he was from the tribe of Judah. It is true that he was God and could have demanded them – he deserved them. But Jesus also obeyed the Mosaic law just like the Jews did. He would not go against his own word. Jesus did not collect tithes because he was not a Levite.
In case you are wondering, Jesus supported his ministry on earth through other means. “Some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means” (Luke 8:2-3). Jesus had experience as a carpenter also, so maybe he supported himself in that way, but the bible never explicitly says so.
Did Jesus Abolish Tithing?
Some quote these words of Jesus often, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). The answer to whether Jesus abolished tithing is no, he did not abolish tithing, but he did fulfill it.
The law that Jesus referred to can cause confusion. Some people use these words of Jesus to justify the continuity of some Old Testament standards or laws, but what laws did Jesus refer to? Some categorize it as the Mosaic law, some call it the ceremonial law, some say it’s the Old Covenant, some say it’s the Adamic covenant. The problem I have with using these classifications of the laws for this answer is that the categorizations are human-centered instead of gospel-centered.
In my own definition, Jesus refers to the laws that God placed to prepare us for the good news of Jesus. The classifications of laws may be good to understand, but I prefer to filter them around the purpose of Jesus, not around times, events, Adam, Abraham, or Moses.
Jesus was not talking about fulfilling spiritual laws such as love, faithfulness, mercy, etc. These spiritual laws are eternal and will never be abolished or fulfilled because as long as God exists, these natural laws of his character will exist.
If Jesus did not abolish tithing, then what does it mean that he fulfilled it? For this answer, we only need to keep reading in Matthew 5:18, “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”
Did Jesus accomplish what he needed to? He came, he lived flawlessly, he died, he conquered death, and ascended to heaven. I’d say, yes he accomplished what he needed to and because of this, he fulfilled the laws put into place to prepare us for the Gospel. Did he destroy the law? No, but he discontinued it. I think Matthew 9:17 illustrates for us how a New Covenant and Old Covenant coexist. “Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
We don’t need to destroy or abolish the old wineskins. It has a purpose to carry the old wine. We needed a new wine skin to carry our new wine. If the old wineskin is full, it has been fulfilled and Jesus accomplished that. We should no longer use it to gather more wine since it’s used to the fullest.
Conclusion
Some of us have poured wine out of the old wineskin into the new wineskin. Because of this two things occur. First, it doesn’t look like the old wineskin has been fulfilled since there is still room to fill more in. This creates feelings like we need to work for our salvation. Second, the new wine is spoiled and bitter from the old wine that is mixed with the new wine. This results in bitterness and confusion toward the good news of Jesus Christ.
No wonder many don’t want to turn to Christ for salvation. When we say that you need to do works such as tithing in order to find acceptance in God, we are mixing old and new wine creating a void that cannot be filled and adding bitterness that cannot be sweetened with our own works.
The Old Covenant had a purpose, but it is bitter. The gospel tastes sweet and fulfilling. Stop trying to quench the world’s thirst with our own wine. Give them the pure and sweet taste of Jesus.
We don’t give/return tithes in order to find acceptance from God. But we give tithes because we already find acceptance from God. We do it because we love God. The fruit of being save.
Billy Graham said it’s a sin to pay tides so I’m trying to find the truth since we’re not under the law we under grace
Give cheerfully to the church for the extension of God’s kingdom and reaching out to the unreached.
The synegogue or church has expenses / bills to pay. The tithes are used to keep Adonai’s house running and contribute to the ministries they support. I give over 10 per cent. Tithing didn’t end with the crucifixion.
That is correct. We can’t give anything to God. It is all already his.
Same reason we keep the ten commandments written on stone… not to gain acceptance, but rather because we love God.
1. Forgive my grammar… English is not my first language
2. I want to respond to some of what I just read… in the hopes that I understood you correctly… Please feel free to correct any misunderstanding I might have towards anything you might have said.
My remarks:
I love how deep this is… I love how you reflect back to the Old Testament and relate it to today.
I do however wonder about your observation about Jesus fulfilling the law. Don’t get me wrong. I agree with scripture Jesus did fulfill the law… But if I keep this train of thought when I read the rest of scripture and try to understand the rest of the law. Then because Jesus fulfilled the law and we are not commanded to tithe anymore… Wouldn’t that also relate to more things than just tithing? Are there other things that we are also not to do anymore that was part of the law? If it counts for the one… surely it should count for all of the law then?
Secondly.. if the law was fulfilled and we don’t have to do certain things like tithing anymore… Does that also relate to things we are allowed to do today? What I mean is:
If Jesus fulfilled the law, does that mean that I can commit sin because Jesus already dealt with the law? The obvious answer is of course NO! Paul addresses this in his epistle to the Romans (Romans 6:1-2)
Like I said… if it counts for the one, surely it should count for all…. So then if Jesus did fulfill the law…. does that mean that I don’t have to keep any of it anymore?
My suggestion would be that when Jesus said that He fulfilled the law. He was aiming at all the requirements for sin and the restoration of our relationship with God. Which for me would make sense seeing that I am still not allowed to steal and kill today… It’s still called sin…
And my suggestion is that if we are still to keep to the moral law today… then maybe there are more things that we are still commanded to keep? I believe that if it is commanded in the OT and repeated in the NT then surely we should still keep them today. So is giving commanded in the NT? Yes it is… Surely not just 10% but maybe even more…
For me it is interesting to note that during the sermon on the mount where Jesus mentioned that He came to fulfill the law. Jesus also mentioned allot of other laws that we were to still keep, and it even seems as if Jesus raised the bar on some of them… Don’t commit adultery the Law said…. Jesus said… If you just look at a women with adulterous thoughts, you have already committed adultery…
Maybe when Paul mentioned that we need/should still give, as you have mentioned on this website… Paul was focussing on the heart more than the strict rule of 10%. He might have even amplified giving… He didn’t make it less important… It might even be that we are suppose to give more than just 10%… Each according to their ability as Paul says.
Exactly. If we are to obey the law of the Old Testament we have to ignor the passages that say we can eat hoofed animals or shellfish and cannot work on the sabbath which is Saturday the 7th day of the week and plant crops and give a 10% then give another 10%and another 10% every 3 years for the poor and widows.If you don’t do this you are disobeying Gods law according to your logic.
Absolutely right.
What passage says we can safely eat hoofed animals and shellfish?
Are you referring to a passage in the new testament in which we no longer have to think twice about eating food that has been “sacrificed to idols”? One who know Jesus understands that there are no other true god’s out there, so there is no concern for the true Jesus-follower in eating food sacrificed to idols (this has nothing to do with clean/unclean foods from Leviticus)
Or are you referring to Peters vision and misinterpreting it to be referring to clean/unclean animals as peter did? Please read…. clean/unclean animals have nothing to do with the blanket coming down and the voice saying “kill and eat”. The scripture very clearly corrects Peter stating that it is commanding Peter to go to the “unclean” gentiles making it clear that jews/gentiles are NO LONGER to be considered clean/unclean. This has nothing to do with health laws regarding foods to eat or not eat.
Shalom!
I agree well spoken sir.
I believe In tithes and offerings, seed time and harvest!
At the end of the day my dear fellow brethren Jesus died for the sins of the world, my sins, your sins, our sins.
That stands alone, and that is enough for me to give my tithes, offerings, seeds of faith, love etc..,
Therefore it is an honor to give.
Luke 6:38 give and it shall be given unto. You good measure press down shaking together. Running over shall men give unto your bosom.
And if he did all of that for us, why is there a problem in us blessing him in return… Need it be monetarily or however the Holy Spirit leads us, in word and in deed. God speed Shalom.
The law goes to subjects like live animal sacrifices, not commandments.
Finally someone that understands the word. Jesus came and sacrificed himself in order that we may come and ask forgiveness for our sins and have a relationship with Jesus Christ who speaks to the Father for us. He did this so that we still have a chance to be saved from hell.
But in doing this, Jesus made it very clear that his action does not change the laws that were written for us to follow in order to keep from sinning. And the Laws are the ten commandments. We must still keep the Sabbath (Saturday) holy. Its when we rest from all forms of work and worship and spend time with Jesus. Sunday worship is pagan. And yes, we should still tithe. At least 10% but you can give to the poor instead of the church if you don’t trust the church to use it for the right reasons. And yes we should still farm our fields for 6 years and let it rest on the seventh year. If we followed God’s laws, we would be so blessed!
Jesus also made clear the way so that we can go to the Father ourselves Jesus intercedes for us always. Once we’re done praying we must stamp it with in Jesus name. For He said in John 16:23 Verily Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever you ask the Father in my name He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. KJV, we can go to God the Father also.
I have always believe the tithe is an option ,,Jesus said if you did not feed me or cloth me then I do not know you ,,, [he never Said you never titie I don’t not no you]. Jesus spoke about what was important and that was one of the least subjects he spoke about for a reason
yes he meant for us to feed and cloth the poor, the hungry and the homeless
Simple question that never seems to be answered directly: in reference to Jesus fulfilling the OT and continuing under the New Testament, and still applies under the Abrahamic covenant, do all citizens tithe 10% or is it just business people or those who produce: grain, fruit, animal. In all I read so far, despite its great depth, this is not yet answered definitively. Please help me better understand this distinction. Thank you!
Everyone that has an income.
Hallelujah Bless the the Lord of my Soul and forget not all his benefits
greetings Amanda in the name of our Lord and Savior
I have heard through a well known Evangelist that paying tithes is a sin against God.
I thank God for His Holy Spirit to lead me into His truth and understanding.
The earth and everything in it God made and belongs to him. We are coheirs with Christ, those who are in Christ. I will give honor where Honor is due. If God says lean not to my own understanding, in all my ways acknowledge him and he will direct my paths, I will do. Trust and believe. Pray Saints and keep seeking truth and the holy spirit will lead and guide you. Thank you God for the HolySpirit in Jesus name. Godspeed and bless your ministry in Jesus name, Aaaamen
Thanks I needed to hear this. I believe whole heartedly in giving to the church, people in need ect but my church harps on tithing 10% is a must or your robbing God and I don’t agree. It seems all the church’s I go to make you feel like your less than if you do not give this set number.
Romans 14 should resound on this one
Buy paramount love should abound
The spirit has all the guidance needed to reach all truths omabout Jesus.
I believe Jesus focused on trying to get our focus on him,his mindset and his finished works by being navigated by the spirit into our freedom and the liberty available where the spirit of the Lord is
King David said God’s blessing comes by his mercy. Psalm 52:7-8. Look at Titus 3:5 it’s not by any good thing we did or do, but by his mercy. Anyone who claims any thing they do as why they are right with God , according to Galatians 5:4 we would be fallen from grace. Anything and everything we give is according as we purpose in heart. We did not get saved by obeying the works, and we did not receive his Spirit by any work, but by faith and grace and love. We give because we love, not because it is a necessity. The words of Malachi were to a group who neglected the priests livelihood, robbing God was about them. There is no condemnation for those who walk after the Spirit in Christ.
Yes, the church is a money making factory. The Levites were not allowed to own homes or land. How many Pastors own homes? Being a Pastor these days is a career paying better than being a surgeon. And the sheep are manipulated by laws that don’t apply to them. Bigger building to bring int he lost that the people are paying hard earned money to build. Not ac example of the sacrificial life the early Christians lived.
Dr.T,
I am a Pastor, I do not receive a paycheck from the Church!
All laws have been fulfilled by love your Lord God and Love your neighbours as yourself… Someone laid down His life for you and i, Please is it any tithe greater than this?
you don’t understand the bible, and I will suggest you read with understanding. Jesus said that they forgot the important matters of the LAW; that is he affirmed that tithe was a law of Moses and he further said “this you should have done without leaving the others undone” (NKJV) that means they are to keep the entire laws of Moses not just justice, Mercy and faith including tithing of course.
When the gentiles wanted becoming christians some jews said that they can’t join them unless they get circumcised and keep the laws of Moses but the holy spirit rebuked them via the apostles who told them why putting a burden on the gentiles that neither their fathers nor them are able to bear? but then they agreed with the holy spirit that they should abstain from; fornication, idolatry, strangled meat and blood.
Tithe is a law of Moses, Abraham gave tithe not paid tithes, Jacob promised a tithe not paid tithes, how can you promise what you are already paying?
like tithe circumcision predates the mosiac law and the apostles refute it that it’s not a requirement for salvation, so stop your ignorance and understand your bible
everything you said is completely incorrect. Jesus was nit God. He himself said, He is not good, only God is good. Tithing in the Old Testament meant tithing land even thought they had money. In the New Testament it mean to be generous. I pray that go to christianquestions.com and search tithing.
let me asked you this question? how do you know that you are a sinner? and you need to be save? you see without the law the identity of God cannot be revealed to mankind. God first reveals himself to us through the law, which convict us that we are not right with God, and there is a need to make our selves right and established a relationship with him base on his holiness. thus, law have to convict us first that we are guilty of sin.
After we are convicted through the law a process of reconciliation and building a strong relationship with God was started through the prophet, preparing for our salvation from sin and making us right with God.
the law was given to open our eye to the knowledge of sin which lead to death. law has finished it own mission to convict us to sin and sin lead to death. if the law can lead us the everlasting live there is no need for Christ death. all was to prepare the way for Christ manifestation and for mankind to be safe through grace which lead to salvation.
law+sin=death.
I totally agree with you sir,
giving generosity is what Jesus emphasize on, love and charity work, in mosaic law it was sacrifice that warrant us to renew our spiritual life, and it was mandate to do so man maybe blameless, so it was practice as law, but Levitt did forsake other spiritual things that matter, there was no justice, love but they cherishes tithing because they have to give, they give expect in return and blessings from it.
there was no redemption then,
Jesus brought salvation and was trying to make them understand the true worship, not by tradition but in spirit.
although he didn’t destroy the law but he amended the law so that the gospel will be spotless.
My understanding is that, death is penalty to sin, New Life through resurrection is the work Jesus had to make for mankind, for those that believe in him.
Mosaic law was what could save man
but by mercy we are all saved not by law,
not by boasting how we keep the law, but been born again in Christ, continue everything in love.
thank you all .
thanks I needed to hear this. God bless you.
Giving tithe as a Christian is not a problem personally is to show my gratitude of salvation to God but my question is that in this our generation who are we giving title to ? Because obviously Children of Levi are no more among us , should I continue financial extravagant life of some people in the name of law? Is there transparency in the church today like the time of Old ? I want to show my love to God along other things through my giving but whee is he? Because obviously he not in every church
We are commanded to give what God purposes in our heart according to Paul. The word “Tithe” does not apply to us. People are misusing the word as free will giving. Anyone owning livestock or farmers were to give the surplus of a tenth. The fact you are using the word “tithe” as NT giving is wrong.
Forgive me sir, I can appreciate that you have apparently given considerable thought to your subject. However, can only characterize that entire 1900+ words as Gobbledygook.
Giving? For Sure! Tithing? Not unless you are ascribing all 613 commandments to yourself. (Join the ranks of Jesse Duplantis, Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Joel Osteen, Cfreflo Dollar, COGIC, the LDS, etc.. “Living Your Best Life Now” Yet another nail in the coffin of declining christian church attendance. You ‘called’ to tithe? Proceed But don’t dress it up as a test of fellowship with Our Lord Jesus. Most willing to engage on the subject should one be inclined. For sure, we cannot out-give Our loving Elohim.
1 Corinthians 16:1-2 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 is what we follow. It could be more than 10% or less than 10%.
Please well done on this topic, but you dwelled mainly on Jesus but the new testament really started in the book of Acts ,please how did the apostles practiced tithing?,this because am not getting the connection rather we see more of giving to the poor voluntary, helping others, sharing, coming to the needs of others.
please can you relate the old testament tithing to the book of Acts when the church was born.
Thank you
which one will someone believe now?? to Tithe or not to Tithe because we often hear about this so call tithe every now and then so what is the way forward please I need to know.