Are Christians Still Required to Tithe?
This has become one of the most debated topics in modern Christianity, but honestly, it shouldn’t be. The question is often asked, “Are believers under the New Covenant still required to tithe?” Many quickly respond, “Absolutely not!” Yet, rather than relying on opinions or traditions, we must ask a different question:
What does the Scriptures actually teach?
From Moses to Paul, and even Yeshua Himself, the Bible has much to say about giving. The real issue is not whether giving matters—it certainly does. The question is whether we are willing to let the whole counsel of Scripture shape our beliefs.
The first question each of us must answer is this:
Do you believe that all of Scripture is God’s inspired Word and profitable for believers today?
Paul writes:
“All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for restoration, and for training in righteousness.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16
When Paul wrote those words, the New Testament had not yet been completed. He was primarily referring to what we call the Old Testament.
If we say that portions of Scripture no longer matter, then we must determine which parts we are willing to ignore. The Torah? The Prophets? The Writings? The teachings of Yeshua? The letters of the apostles?
That is a dangerous road. As followers of Messiah, we are called to trust God’s Word—even when it challenges our preferences.
Giving Didn’t Begin with Moses
Many assume that tithing began under the Levitical priesthood, but giving existed long before Sinai.
The very first offering recorded in Scripture is found in Genesis.
Genesis 4:3–5
Abel brought the firstborn of his flock and their fat portions, giving Yahweh his very best. Cain, however, brought an offering that did not reflect the same heart of worship, and God rejected it.
The lesson is clear: God has always been concerned with both what we give and the condition of our hearts when we give it.
Later, Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek.
Genesis 14:18–20
Jacob also vowed to give God a tenth.
Genesis 28:20–22
These events all occurred centuries before the Law of Moses was given.
Giving Under Moses
When Israel constructed the Tabernacle, Moses called for offerings from the people.
Exodus 36:2–5
The people responded with such generosity that Moses had to tell them to stop bringing offerings because there was more than enough. Imagine that happening in most congregations today!
The Torah later established the tithe as part of Israel’s covenant life.
Deuteronomy 14:22–29
In addition, during the three pilgrimage feasts—Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot—God instructed His people not to appear before Him empty-handed.
Exodus 23:14–17
Deuteronomy 16:16–17
Giving was never merely about supporting ministry; it was an act of worship and gratitude.
Israel’s Failure
Centuries later, through the prophet Malachi, Yahweh confronted Israel.
Malachi 3:8–10
“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me… In tithes and offerings.”
Notice that God mentions both tithes and offerings. A tithe and an offering are not the same thing. The tithe was expected; offerings were given above and beyond.
What About Yeshua?
Some argue that Yeshua abolished tithing. The Scriptures never say that. Instead, when rebuking the Pharisees, He said:
Matthew 23:23
“…These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”
Yeshua condemned their hypocrisy, not their tithing. They carefully tithed herbs while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. His point was not to stop tithing but to practice both generosity and righteousness.
Money Reveals the Heart
Yeshua spoke about money more than almost any other subject because He understood that our finances reveal where our hearts truly are.
In Matthew 6 He teaches:
Matthew 6:19–21
Do not store up treasures on earth, but treasures in heaven.
Then He continues:
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and Mammon.”
Between those two teachings is a statement that many readers overlook.
Matthew 6:22–23
“The eye is the lamp of the body…”
Within Jewish culture, a “good eye” (ayin tovah) was a Hebrew idiom describing a generous person, while an “evil eye” (ayin ra’ah) described someone who was stingy or selfish.
This is seen elsewhere in Scripture:
- Proverbs 22:9 – “He who has a generous eye will be blessed…”
- Deuteronomy 15:9 warns against having an “evil eye” toward the poor.
The context of Matthew 6 is not merely light versus darkness. It is about generosity versus greed. Our relationship with money exposes the condition of our hearts.
The New Covenant
Does the New Testament command believers to give? Absolutely.
Paul writes:
2 Corinthians 9:6–8
“God loves a cheerful giver.”
He also instructed believers to set aside a portion of their income regularly.
1 Corinthians 16:1–2
The New Testament may not repeat every command concerning the tithe in the same covenantal context as Israel, but it certainly never lowers God’s expectation of generosity. If anything, it raises it. The New Covenant moves us from legal obligation to joyful obedience.
Final Thoughts
The reason tithing has become such a heated debate is often not because the Scriptures are unclear, but because our hearts struggle with surrender. Money is one of the last areas many believers fully entrust to God.
One observation is worth considering: It is interesting that many Christians who believe the Torah is no longer binding often give faithfully to their local congregation, while many who affirm the continuing value of the Torah struggle to do the same. Why is that?
If we truly believe God’s Word is worthy of our trust, then our generosity should reflect that trust. The goal is not for pastors to constantly plead for money. The goal is for God’s people to worship Him through joyful, willing generosity. As Paul reminds us:
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
The truth is this: You can never outgive Yahweh. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17), and He is faithful to provide for those who trust Him—not always with greater wealth, but always with His grace, His presence, and everything needed to accomplish His purposes.
Give because you love Him. Give because He first gave to you. Give because generosity reflects the heart of our Messiah.
Blessings.