30+ Bible Verses About Tithes and Offerings

“Generosity is a fundamental principle in the Bible, highlighting the importance of giving in our lives.”

In a world filled with various financial obligations, the concept of tithing and offerings often raises questions among believers. Many struggle with understanding how much they should give and why it’s essential.

The Bible offers clear guidance on this matter, emphasizing that giving is not just about money; it’s about the heart behind the gift. Through tithes and offerings, we express our gratitude to God and support the work of the church and those in need.

The practice of tithing has deep roots in biblical tradition, stretching back to the Old Testament. It serves as a tangible way to acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our lives and finances. The act of giving is not merely a transaction; it is an act of worship and a demonstration of faith.

By understanding the principles of giving outlined in Scripture, we can develop a healthier and more meaningful relationship with our finances and with God. This blog post will explore over 30 Bible verses related to tithes and offerings, providing insight into their significance.

We will also discuss real-life examples that illustrate the impact of giving on both individuals and communities. Additionally, we’ll address some common questions about tithing, ensuring you leave with a clearer understanding of this vital aspect of faith.

1. The Foundation of Tithing

• 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.”Copy
• 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.”Copy
• Deuteronomy 14:22 – “Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.”Copy
• Proverbs 3:9-10 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”Copy
• 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “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.”Copy
• 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.”Copy

Real-Life Example:

A local church community decided to hold a tithing challenge. Each member committed to giving a specific percentage of their income for three months. At the end of the challenge, the church reported a significant increase in funds, allowing them to support local charities and missionary work.

Members also shared stories of unexpected financial blessings during this period, reaffirming the promise in Malachi 3:10.

2. The Heart of Giving

• 1 Chronicles 29:14 – “But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us.”Copy
• Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”Copy
• Acts 20:35 – “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”Copy
• Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Copy
• 2 Corinthians 8:12 – “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.”Copy
• James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”Copy

Real-Life Example:

An individual learned about the importance of giving after witnessing a friend struggle financially. They decided to anonymously cover the friend’s utility bills for several months. This act not only helped the friend but also inspired them to start a community fund to assist others in similar situations.

3. The Impact of Generosity

• Proverbs 11:25 – “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”Copy
• Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”Copy
• Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”Copy
• 1 Timothy 6:18-19 – “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”Copy
• Matthew 10:42 – “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”Copy
• Isaiah 58:10 – “And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”Copy

Real-Life Example:

A small community center implemented a program to feed the hungry by encouraging residents to contribute food and funds. The initiative grew significantly, drawing volunteers from all walks of life, showcasing how collective generosity can create a substantial impact on those in need.

Bible Verses for Encouragement

4. The Spiritual Significance of Tithing

• Hebrews 7:8 – “In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living.”Copy
• Matthew 6:3-4 – “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”Copy
• Deuteronomy 16:17 – “Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.”Copy
• 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, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”Copy
• Romans 12:13 – “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”Copy
• Exodus 23:19 – “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.”Copy

Real-Life Example:

A congregation started a monthly giving campaign to fund a new outreach program. Members committed to bringing their firstfruits—the first part of their earnings. This practice deepened their faith and sense of community, as they saw firsthand how God could multiply their contributions for His glory.

5. Tithing as a Test of Faith

• Malachi 3:8 – “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. ‘How are we robbing you?’ ‘In tithes and offerings.'”Copy
• Genesis 14:20 – “And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.’ Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”Copy
• Luke 21:1-4 – “As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘Truly I tell you,’ he said, ‘this poor widow has put more than all the others.'”Copy
• 2 Chronicles 31:4 – “He ordered the people living in Jerusalem to give the portion due the priests and Levites, so they could devote themselves to the Law of the Lord.”Copy
• Matthew 6:24 – “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”Copy
• Philippians 4:15-16 – “Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.”Copy

Real-Life Example:

A young couple decided to trust God with their finances by tithing regularly. Initially, they struggled to meet their needs, but as they continued to give faithfully, they experienced unexpected job promotions and financial stability, affirming their belief in God’s provision.

6. The Blessings of Generosity

• Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”Copy
• Luke 12:33-34 – “Sell your possessions and give to the  people with low-income. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Copy
• 2 Corinthians 9:6 – “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”Copy
• Matthew 5:16 – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”Copy
• Acts 2:44-45 – “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”Copy
• Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”Copy

Real-Life Example:

A nonprofit organization focused on feeding the hungry launched a campaign that encouraged community members to donate both food and money. As donations poured in, they expanded their reach and saw a marked decrease in food insecurity in their area, demonstrating the powerful impact of collective generosity.

Why is tithing important in the Christian faith? 

Tithing is essential because it acknowledges God’s sovereignty over our lives and finances. It reflects our trust in His provision and supports the church’s mission to spread the gospel and help those in need. By giving, we cultivate a spirit of generosity, fostering deeper connections within our faith community.

Key Insight

What is the difference between tithes and offerings?

Tithes are typically defined as a 10% of your income given to the church, while offerings are any additional gifts given above and beyond the tithe.

Is tithing mandatory for Christians?

Tithing is not mandated in the New Testament, but many Christians choose to tithe as a way to honor God and support their church.

Can I tithe with my time instead of money?

While tithing traditionally refers to financial giving, many churches encourage members to also volunteer their time and talents as part of their commitment to serve.

What should I do if I can’t afford to tithe?

Start small and give what you can. The key is the attitude of the heart; God honors your willingness to give, no matter the amount.

How can I ensure my giving is impactful?

Research the organizations you wish to support, focusing on those that align with your values and demonstrate effective stewardship of their resources.

Conclusion

Understanding the principles of tithing and offerings is crucial for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with God. The Bible provides clear guidance, illustrating that giving is about more than just money; it’s about our hearts and the intent behind our generosity.

By incorporating the teachings from Scripture into our lives, we can experience the blessings of giving and be a part of something much larger than ourselves. As we learn to give generously, we can cultivate a spirit of gratitude and compassion, reflecting the love of Christ to those around us.