A Useful Guide to Tithe and Offering Scriptures

Tithe and Offering Scriptures

When we speak about scriptures written around money, we are diving into the rich biblical texts that teach about giving, generosity, stewardship, and God’s design for how we manage resources. These Scriptures provide both instruction and inspiration—showing what God expects, how He honors faithful giving, and how giving connects to our relationship with Him.

This article explores many of those key verses, unpacks what they mean for us today, and helps you apply them in a heart-centered way.

What the Bible Means by Tithe

One of the foundational concepts in Scripture is the tithe—traditionally “one tenth”. For example, the book of Leviticus teaches:

“Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord.”
The meaning: what we produce doesn’t just belong to us—the Lord claims a portion as holy.

In Numbers we read:

“I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do while serving at the tent of meeting.”
Here the tithe is seen as part of God’s provision for those who serve.

So: tithe = recognition of God’s ownership + a portion set aside.

What the Bible Means by Offering

While tithe has a defined “one-tenth” feel and is tied to Old Testament law, an offering broadens the picture. It includes voluntary giving, free-will gifts, the heart behind giving, and not merely obligation.

Consider this from 2 Corinthians:

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
This shows: offering = attitude + willingness + freedom.

And from the Old Testament, for example in Exodus:

“From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering.”

Hence: offering is more than the minimum—it’s generosity, heart posture, and sometimes above and beyond.

Why Both Matter: Tithe and Offering Together

Putting tithe and offering together helps us see the full biblical picture:

• Tithe = faithful proportion, recognition of God’s claim.
• Offering = generosity beyond obligation, heart posture, worship.
• Scriptures about giving (tithes + offerings) show both duty and delight.

For example, one key Scripture:

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” (This is from Malachi 3:10.)

Here the tithe is commanded, but the promise is generous, and the context is relationship and trust.

Key Tithe and Offering Scriptures to Know

Here are some foundational verses that are worth memorizing and meditating on.

These show the span from Old Testament law to New Testament principles.

How to Interpret These Scriptures Today

Recognize the difference between original context and today

Many of the Old Testament tithe laws were tied to Israel’s agricultural economy, the Levitical priesthood, and the temple system. For instance:

“Every tenth animal … shall be holy to the Lord.” (Leviticus)
Today, many Christians live in very different cultural and economic contexts (salaries, digital economy, global markets). So we interpret by principles not always exact mechanics.

Apply the principle of giving from the heart

The New Testament emphasizes attitude:

“God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
And: giving is more than obligation—it’s worship, faith, generosity.

Trust God’s ownership and your stewardship

When Scripture says the tithe “is the Lord’s”, it reminds us: our resources ultimately come from God. When we give, we acknowledge that.

“You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth…” (Deuteronomy 8:18)

Remember giving is not just to the church, but to advance God’s mission

Many scriptures speak to giving for service, compassion, helping the poor, enabling ministry. Offerings often support outreach, missions, mercy ministries. The act of giving impacts lives beyond the giver.

Common Questions on Scriptures

Is the tithe still required today?
Interpretations vary. Some believe the 10% tithe remains a standard for Christians; others view it as part of the Old Covenant and emphasize giving according to heart and means under the New Covenant. You can use our tithe calculator here. We even have a tithe calculator app!

How much should I give as an offering?
The New Testament does not mandate a fixed percentage for offerings. Instead:

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)
So freedom + faith + wisdom are key.

What if I’m financially struggling—can I still give?
Yes. Scripture honors the widow who gave all she had. Giving isn’t about amount only; it’s about trust, sacrifice, heart posture.

Does giving guarantee financial blessing?
There are promised blessings in Scripture (e.g., Malachi 3:10). But interpret with caution—blessings may be spiritual, relational, or long-term, not always immediate material reward. Other factors (obedience, faithfulness, God’s timing) matter.

Should tithe and offering go to just the local church?
While many giving practices centre on the local church, Scripture also emphasises helping the poor, missions, and broader Christian service. Offerings can address diverse needs.

How do I teach this to my church or group?
Use key verses, illustrate the heart behind giving, emphasize stewardship rather than guilt, show the difference between obligation and worship, and invite reflection: “What is my heart attitude when I give?”

Practical Steps to Put Tithe and Offering Scriptures into Action

1. Study key verses weekly. Choose 1–2 of the Scriptures listed above, meditate on them, journal how giving is portrayed.
2. Review your giving habits. Are you giving regularly? With joy? According to your means?
3. Set up a giving plan. It might include: a regular “tithe” commitment, and a flexible “offering” for additional giving or missions.
4. Check your attitude. Giving should reflect faith and gratitude, not compulsion or obligation.
5. Track the impact. When you give, look for how your gift serves others, supports ministry, blesses lives. That reinforces the scripture-principle of generosity.
6. Teach others. Use simple sermons, group discussions, or small-group chats about what Scripture says regarding giving.
7. Celebrate generosity. Acknowledge not just amounts, but faith, sacrifice and heart behind giving.

Encountering the Heart of Giving in Scripture

When you read tithe and offering scriptures, you’ll find recurring themes:

• God’s ownership (“The Lord owns the earth and its fullness” – Psalm 24)
• First-fruits and priority (“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” – Proverbs 3:9)
• Faith-filled giving (“Give, and it will be given to you…” – Luke 6:38)
• Stewardship and responsibility (“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart…”)
• Blessings for obedience (“Bring the full tithe … and see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you.”)

These are not mere legalistic requirements—they lead us into worship, trust, humility, partnership with God’s mission, and freedom in giving.

Cautions and Balance in Applying Tithe and Offering Scriptures

• Avoid turning giving into guilt-based manipulation. The heart matters more than the amount.
• Don’t promise “give and get rich quick” – biblical blessings are multifaceted: spiritual, relational, eternal.
• Recognize context: Old Testament tithe laws were under one covenant, pastoral interpretation is needed for today.
• Balance generosity with wise financial management. Giving is commendable, but reckless giving is not biblical.
• Maintain transparency and accountability when giving (especially in church/ministry contexts).

Tithe and Offering Scriptures in Ministry Contexts

If you are a pastor, ministry leader or small-group facilitator:

• Use Scripture to educate rather than coerce.
• Highlight the difference between tithe (faithful portion) and offering (generous voluntary gift).
• Provide testimonies of how giving impacted ministry or lives.
• Encourage regular giving practices (weekly, monthly, as led) rather than sporadic guilt-driven giving.
• Make it about mission: how giving advances God’s work—both inside the church and out to the community.
• Teach gratitude as the root of giving: we give because we have been given.
  

The journey of understanding tithe and offering scriptures is a journey of the heart. It’s not about hitting a number, but aligning your resources and life with God’s kingdom. When we give:

• We recognize that all we have comes from God.
• We participate in His mission.
• We express worship, gratitude, and trust.
• We open the door to blessing—not merely material, but spiritual and eternal.

As you reflect on the Scriptures listed, I encourage you to ask: What is the Lord calling me to give? How is my heart? What difference will my gift make? And then in faith, give.

In doing so you will walk in obedience to the Word and experience the deeper meaning behind tithe and offering scriptures.