What Did Jesus Say about Tithing – The topic of tithing has been a source of debate and discussion throughout the years, and Jesus certainly had something to say about it. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks about tithing in several passages, providing guidance on giving and encouraging believers to be generous with their resources. While Jesus does not mandate tithing, he does emphasize the importance of being generous and giving back to God. In this article, we will explore some of the teachings of Jesus on tithing and the importance of generosity.
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What Did Jesus Say about Tithing
Tithing is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years. It is the practice of giving a tenth of your income or possessions to God or a religious institution. It is a way of expressing gratitude, faith, and obedience to God. The tithing system has been used in many religions throughout the world and is still practiced today. The practice of tithing was also mentioned in the Bible and Jesus had a lot to say about it. In this blog post, we will explore what Jesus said about tithing and the importance of it in the Bible.
- Matthew 23:23 – Jesus taught that tithing should not be done as a way of outwardly displaying one’s faith, but rather as an act of love. He said, “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.”
- Luke 11:42 – Jesus warned against giving to God with the wrong motives. He said, “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.”
- Luke 18:12 – Jesus taught that tithing should be done out of a heart of gratitude, not as a mere formality. He said, “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
- Malachi 3:10 – This is one of the most important verses in the Bible regarding tithing. It reads, “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.”
- Matthew 6:1-4 – Jesus taught that giving should be done out of a generous heart and not for the purpose of showing off. He said, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 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.”
Etymology of the Biblical Word Tithe
Tithe is a word found in the Bible, and its etymology can be traced back to the ancient Middle East. The origin of the word “tithe” is uncertain, but most scholars believe it has its roots in the Hebrew language. In Hebrew, the word “ma’aser” means “tithe” or “tenth.” This word appears repeatedly in the Bible, most notably in the book of Deuteronomy, where it is used to refer to the practice of giving a tenth of one’s produce to the Lord.
The Greek version of the Bible also uses the term “apodekatoo” to refer to tithing, and it is believed to have been derived from the Aramaic term “p’titha.” The practice of tithing was also found in other cultures of the ancient Middle East. For example, the ancient Egyptians practiced a form of taxation called “teru”, which required citizens to pay a tenth of their produce to the Pharaoh.
Although the practice of tithing is universally accepted in most Christian denominations, some denominations have a different interpretation of what tithing should entail. For instance, some denominations believe that the tithe should include not only the tenth of one’s produce, but also the tenth of one’s income. This has led to some sources of conflict within the church, as different denominations have different views on what constitutes a tithe.
Overall, the etymology of the biblical word tithe is rooted in the ancient Middle East. In both Hebrew and Greek, the word “tithe” refers to the practice of giving a tenth of one’s produce or income to the Lord. This practice has been accepted by many Christian denominations, but there are some sources of conflict over the interpretation of what constitutes a tithe.
Jesus’ Teachings on Tithing in the New Testament
In the New Testament, Jesus continued to reinforce the importance of tithing. He taught that it was not only a way of showing gratitude to God, but also of providing for the needs of the church and the poor. He said, “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.” This is Jesus’ way of saying that when you give, God will give back to you.
- The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44): This story from the New Testament tells of a poor widow giving all that she had, two copper coins, to the temple treasury. The coins were of little value, but Jesus praised her because she gave all that she had. This story shows us that it is not the amount of money we give that matters, but the act of giving itself.
- Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10): Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, offers to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay four times the amount he had taken by fraud. Jesus praised him for his willingness to repent and give generously.
- The Paralyzed Man (Mark 2:1-12): In this story, four men bring a paralyzed man to Jesus for healing. After Jesus heals the man, the man gives his offering to God. This story shows us the importance of giving thanks for the blessings we receive.
- The Rich Young Man (Matthew 19:16-22): Jesus tells a rich young man to give away all his possessions and follow him. Though the man was unwilling to give away his wealth, this story teaches us the importance of being willing to give up something for the sake of God.
- The Centurion’s Servant (Matthew 8:5-13): In this story, a Roman soldier asks Jesus to heal his servant from a great distance. Jesus praises the centurion’s faith and the servant is healed. This story teaches us that faith in God is more important than money or possessions.
- The Poor Widow (Luke 21:1-4): This poor widow puts two small coins into the temple treasury. Jesus commends her for her generosity, saying that she has given more than anyone else. This story teaches us that it is not the amount of money we give that matters, but the spirit of generosity behind it.
- The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): This story is about a Samaritan who helps a Jewish man who has been robbed, even though the two groups were hostile to each other. The Samaritan gives of his time, money, and resources to help the man. This story teaches us that generosity knows no bounds, and that we should help others regardless of their background or beliefs.
- The Rich Ruler (Luke 18:18-30): This story tells of a wealthy man who approaches Jesus and asks what he must do to gain eternal life. Jesus tells him to give away all his possessions and follow him. The man goes away sad, unwilling to give away his wealth. This story teaches us that material possessions should not come before following God.
- The Feeding of the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13-21): In this story, Jesus feeds five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. This miracle demonstrates Jesus’ power, but also shows us the importance of giving, as the people offer what little food they have in order to help others.
- The Anointing of Jesus (Matthew 26:6-13): This story tells of a woman who anoints Jesus with expensive oil. Though her gift was expensive, Jesus commends her for her generous act. This story teaches us that it is not the amount of money we give that matters, but the thought and spirit behind it.
- The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30): This parable tells of a master who entrusts three servants with different amounts of money. The two servants who invest the money and double it are praised, while the servant who buries the money and does nothing is condemned. This story teaches us that we should use our resources to help others and bring glory to God.
Jews and Their Tithing Practices Under Mosaic Law
7 Items Jews Tithed
The Jewish people were the first to practice tithing. They had a system of tithing under the Mosaic Law, and it was an important part of their religious observances. Under the Mosaic Law, the Israelites were required to give a tenth of their produce to the Lord. This was a way of expressing their gratitude and faith in God, as well as a way of providing for the priests and Levites.
1) Grain: Leviticus 27:30 states that a tenth of the grain crops were to be given to the Lord. This included wheat, barley, and other types of grain.
2) Wine: Numbers 18:12-13 states that a tenth of the wine was to be given to the Lord.
3) Oil: Deuteronomy 14:22-26 states that a tenth of the oil was to be given to the Lord. This included olive oil and other forms of oil.
4) Livestock: Leviticus 27:32-34 states that a tenth of the livestock was to be given to the Lord. This included sheep, goats, and other forms of livestock.
5) Fruits: Deuteronomy 14:22-26 states that a tenth of the fruits were to be given to the Lord. This included grapes, figs, and other forms of fruit.
6) Money: Deuteronomy 14:22-26 states that a tenth of the money was to be given to the Lord. This included silver and gold coins.
7) Firstfruits: Exodus 23:19 states that the firstfruits of the land were to be given to the Lord. This included the first of the crops and of the livestock.
The Talmudic Law and Tithing – 11 Points
The Talmudic Law was a set of laws and regulations that were developed by Jewish scholars in the first centuries after the Mosaic Law. They further codified the laws regarding tithing, making it even more important among Jews during this time. The Talmudic Law stated that the tithe should be given to the poor and to the Temple, and it should be done with joy and cheerfulness.
- The Talmud states that each person is obligated to give a tenth of their income to charity (maaser). This is known as the “Law of Maaser” and is based on the biblical commandment to “give a tenth of all your produce” (Deuteronomy 14:22).
- The Talmud states that one should give the tithe to the poor before giving it to the Temple. This is based on the biblical commandment to “honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your produce” (Proverbs 3:9).
- The Talmud also states that one should not give the tithe to the Temple if they are unable to provide for their own family. This is based on the biblical commandment to “take care of the needy” (Deuteronomy 15:11).
- The Talmud also states that one should not give the tithe if they cannot afford to do so. This is based on the biblical commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
- The Talmud further states that one should not give the tithe if it would cause them financial hardship. This is based on the biblical commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
- The Talmud also states that one should not give the tithe if it would cause them to neglect other important financial obligations. This is based on the biblical commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
- The Talmud also states that one should give the tithe only to an appropriate recipient. This is based on the biblical commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
- The Talmud further states that it is preferable to give the tithe directly to the poor rather than to a charitable organization. This is based on the biblical commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
- The Talmud also states that one should give the tithe in proportion to their income. This is based on the biblical commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
- Finally, the Talmud states that one should give the tithe with joy and a willing heart. This is based on the biblical commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).
Jesus’ Take on Tithing and the Testament Law
When Jesus was asked about the law of tithing, he said, “Do not neglect the tithing practice, for tithing is a way of honoring God.” This shows that Jesus still saw tithing as an important practice and something that should not be neglected. He also said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This indicates that the tithe should come from the heart and not just be a legal obligation.
10 Examples of How Not to Give in the New Testament
- Do not be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6). This verse is a reminder that worrying or fretting over something is not beneficial, and instead, we should turn to God for comfort and solace.
- Do not grumble (Philippians 2:14). This verse teaches us that complaining or murmuring about anything is not productive and that it is always better to be thankful for what we have.
- Do not be a people pleaser (Galatians 1:10). We should not seek to gain approval or acceptance from others, but instead, we should seek to honor God and follow His will.
- Do not be a slave to sin (Romans 6:12). We should not allow ourselves to become enslaved by our desires or our passions, but instead, we should seek to serve God and do what is right.
- Do not be swayed by the world (James 4:4). This verse reminds us that although the world may offer temporary pleasures, we should not be enticed by them but instead focus on what is eternal and true.
- Do not judge others (Matthew 7:1-2). This verse teaches us that it is not our place to judge others, and instead, we should seek to show love and kindness to all people.
- Do not be proud (James 4:6). This verse reminds us that pride can lead to destruction and that we should instead humble ourselves before God and seek His will.
- Do not worry (Matthew 6:25-34). This passage reminds us that worrying is futile and that we should instead have faith and trust in God.
- Do not be a stumbling block (Romans 14:13). This verse reminds us that our actions should not lead others astray, and instead, we should seek to help and encourage them.
- Do not be lazy (Proverbs 12:24). This verse teaches us that laziness is a sin, and instead, we should strive to work diligently and faithfully for the glory of God.
God’s Expectations for Tithe and Giving
Jesus taught that tithing should come from the heart, and not just be a legal obligation. He also said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This indicates that God desires our hearts and our giving should come from a place of love and devotion. He also said, “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.” This is Jesus’ way of saying that when you give, God will give back to you.
How did the Early Church Practice Giving
In the New Testament, Jesus also taught about tithing in the Church. He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This shows that Jesus wanted us to use our resources to help others and show our devotion to God. He also said, “Do not neglect the tithing practice, for tithing is a way of honoring God.” This indicates that Jesus saw tithing as an important part of being a follower of Christ.
The early church was a vibrant community of believers that practiced a number of spiritual disciplines, including giving. Giving was an integral part of life in the early church, as it was seen as an act of worship and a way to demonstrate love for others. Giving was also seen as a way to share resources and to build up the church. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the early church practiced giving and what lessons we can learn from their example.
The Bible teaches that giving is important and that it should be done gladly and generously. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed to give a tenth of their income to the Lord, and throughout the New Testament, we see examples of believers giving out of love for God and for others. In the early church, giving was seen as a spiritual discipline and was taken seriously.
One way that the early church practiced giving was through the practice of “offerings.” Offerings were donations of food, clothing, or money that were brought to the church and given to the poor and those in need. Offerings were seen as a way to show love for others and to demonstrate faith in God’s provision. The early church also practiced “almsgiving,” which was a practice of giving to the poor and needy.
The early church also practiced “tithing,” which was a practice of setting aside a tenth of one’s income to be given to the church or to the poor. Tithing was seen as a way to demonstrate faith in God’s provision and as a way to honor God with one’s finances. In addition to tithing, the early church also practiced “freewill offerings,” which were voluntary donations of money or goods that were given to the church.
The early church also practiced “sharing” and “partnership,” which were ways of giving to one another. Sharing was a practice of giving to those in need and to those who could not afford to buy what they needed. Partnership was a practice of working together to meet the needs of the church and of the community.
The early church practiced giving out of love for God and for others, and this is a lesson that we can still learn from today. When we give with a generous spirit, it is an act of worship and a way to demonstrate our faith in God’s provision. As we give, we can remember the example of the early church and be encouraged to give generously and joyfully.
Jesus’ Perspective on the Giving of Tithes
Ways of Giving That Jesus Discouraged
Jesus had a lot to say about tithing. He said, “Give to God what is God’s, and give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” This indicates that the tithe should be given to the church and other religious organizations and not just to the government. He also said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” showing that tithing is a way of expressing joy and thankfulness to God.
- Proselytizing Others: Jesus discouraged proselytizing others in Luke 9:5, when He said, “And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” (NIV). Jesus was emphasizing that true believers must follow Him out of a genuine love and commitment and not just because they have been proselytized.
- Doing Acts of Charity to Gain Praise: Jesus discouraged people from doing acts of charity in order to gain praise in Matthew 6:1-4, when He said, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (NIV). Jesus was emphasizing that acts of charity should be done out of genuine love and not for the purpose of gaining recognition or praise from those around us.
- Comparing Ourselves to Others: Jesus discouraged comparing ourselves to others in Luke 18: 9-14, when He told the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. In the parable, Jesus highlighted the difference between the prideful Pharisee, who was focused on comparing himself to others, and the humble Tax Collector, who was focused on humility and repentance.
- Hypocrisy: Jesus discouraged hypocrisy in Matthew 23:23-28, when He said, “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.” (NIV). Jesus was emphasizing that true believers should not be hypocritical, but live out their faith in a genuine and consistent way.
- Judging Others: Jesus discouraged judging others in Matthew 7:1-5, when He said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (NIV). Jesus was emphasizing that we should not judge others, but instead focus on our own sins and shortcomings.
Principles of Giving that Jesus Taught
In the New Testament, Jesus strongly emphasized the importance of tithing. He said, “Give to God what is God’s, and give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” This shows that Jesus wanted us to use our resources to help those in need, and to give back to God and religious organizations. He also said, “Do not neglect the tithing practice, for tithing is a way of honoring God.” This indicates that Jesus saw tithing as an important part of being a follower of Christ.
- The Principle of Generosity: Jesus taught that we should give to others freely and without expecting anything in return (Matthew 5:42). He also said that it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
- The Principle of Sacrifice: Jesus taught that we should be willing to sacrifice our own needs in order to meet the needs of others (Matthew 16:24). He also said that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
- The Principle of Selflessness: Jesus taught that we should give without expecting recognition or acknowledgment (Matthew 6:3). He said that we should do our acts of kindness in secret and not for the praise of man (Matthew 6:4).
- The Principle of Compassion: Jesus taught that we should be compassionate towards those in need and show mercy to those who are suffering (Matthew 9:36). He said that when we give to the needy, we are giving to Him (Matthew 25:40).
- The Principle of Equality: Jesus taught that we should treat everyone equally, regardless of their social status, race, gender, or religion (Luke 6:31). He said that we should not be partial in giving, but rather, we should be generous to all (Luke 6:38).
- The Principle of Stewardship: Jesus taught that we should be good stewards of the resources God has given to us (Luke 12:48). He said that we should use our resources wisely, and not waste them on things that do not bring glory to God (Matthew 6:19-21).
- The Principle of Abundance: Jesus taught that God will provide for us if we are faithful in our giving (Matthew 6:33). He said that we should not worry about our finances, but rather, we should trust in God to provide for our needs (Philippians 4:19).
Origin of Tithing – Giving the 10th
In the New Testament, Jesus taught extensively on the topic of tithing and the importance of giving a tenth of your income to God or a religious institution. He said, “Give to God what is God’s, and give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” This shows that Jesus wanted us to use our resources to help those in need, and to give back to God and religious organizations. He also said, “Do not neglect the tithing practice, for tithing is a way of honoring God.” This indicates that Jesus saw tithing as an important part of being a follower of Christ.
The origin of tithing is one of the oldest religious practices in the world. Tithing is the concept of giving away a portion of one’s income or goods to a spiritual or religious organization. The practice of tithing dates back to the ancient Israelites, who were commanded to give a tenth of their crops and herds to God as a sign of their gratitude and devotion.
Tithing has been practiced in some form or another by many different religions over the centuries and continues to be an important part of many faiths today. In Christianity, tithing is believed to be a biblical mandate and is practiced by many denominations. In Judaism, tithing is known as “maaser” and is often given to the local synagogue or charity. In Islam, tithing is known as “zakat” and is usually given to the local mosque or charity.
The practice of tithing can be traced back to the book of Genesis, when Abraham gave a tenth of all that he had to Melchizedek, a priest of God. This is thought to be the first recorded instance of tithing in the Bible. Later in the Old Testament, the Israelites were commanded to give a tenth of their crops, herds, and other possessions to the Lord as an offering of thanksgiving. This practice was known as “the tithe” and was an important part of the religious system of the time.
Throughout history, tithing has been seen as an important way to show gratitude and devotion to God. It is an act of faith that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to helping others and providing for the needs of the church or other spiritual organizations. By giving a portion of one’s income, a person is acknowledging that God is the ultimate provider and that it is through His grace that we are able to give.
Today, tithing remains an important part of many religious traditions. Tithing continues to be an important way for individuals to express their faith and devotion to God and to help support their spiritual organizations. Whether you are a Christian, Jew, Muslim, or a follower of any other faith, the practice of tithing is an important part of your religious tradition and should be taken seriously.
Bible Verses about Tithing
Unique Biblical Facts about Tithing
List of Religions and their Practice of Giving
- Judaism: Jewish communities have a long-standing tradition of giving back to their communities and to those in need. This is done through tzedakah, a Hebrew term for charity. Tzedakah is more than just monetary donations, it also includes offering material aid, volunteering, and even simply offering kind words to those in need.
- Christianity: Christians are encouraged to give to others in need and to live a life of service to others. This is done through tithing, and Free will offering, a practice in which 10% of one’s income is donated to the church or to other charitable causes. Christians are also encouraged to give beyond their tithes and to practice charity through acts of kindness.
- Islam: Muslims are encouraged to practice zakat, a form of charity that is one of the five pillars of Islam. Zakat requires Muslims to donate 2.5% of their wealth annually to those in need. Additionally, Muslims are encouraged to give to those in need without expectation of a reward.
- Buddhism: Buddhists practice dana, a form of giving that is based on the idea of generosity. This can include monetary donations, as well as donating time and energy to help others. Buddhists are also encouraged to practice generosity and kindness in their daily lives.
- Hinduism: Hindus practice dana, a form of giving that is based on the idea of generosity. This can include monetary donations, as well as donating time and energy to help others. Hindus are also encouraged to practice charity in their daily lives, by performing acts of kindness and generosity.
- Jainism: Jains practice dana, a form of giving that is based on the idea of generosity. This can include monetary donations, as well as donating time and energy to help others. Jains are also encouraged to practice charity in their daily lives, by performing acts of kindness and generosity.
Final Thoughts – What Did Jesus Say about Tithing
Tithing is an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years. Jesus taught extensively on the topic of tithing, and the importance of giving a tenth of your income to God. He said, “Give to God what is God’s, and give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” This indicates that the tithe should be given to the church and other religious organizations and not just to the government. He also said, “Do not neglect the tithing practice, for tithing is a way of honoring God.” This shows that Jesus saw tithing as an important part of being a follower of Christ. Tithing is a way of expressing gratitude, faith, and obedience to God, and it is still practiced today.
