What Does the Bible Say About Does The Bible Say To Give Money Or Food As A Tithe?
Scripture reveals that God commanded the tithe as agricultural produce and livestock in the Old Covenant, with a specific shift toward monetary giving reflected in the New Testament.
Scripture on Does The Bible Say To Give Money Or Food As A Tithe
Leviticus 27:30-32
Old Testament
"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. Whoever would redeem any of their tithe must add a fifth of the value to it. Every tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd's rod—will be holy to the Lord."
Deuteronomy 14:22-23
Old Testament
"Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name."
Malachi 3:8-10
Old Testament
"Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How are we robbing you?' In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house."
1 Corinthians 16:2
New Testament
"On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made."
The Bottom Line
God owns everything; the tithe was His way of establishing that principle and providing for His house and people.
Try Today
If you give financially to your church, examine whether it reflects genuine recognition that everything you have belongs to God—not just the percentage, but the heart behind it.
Prayer
Jesus taught His disciples to pray boldly about our needs and God's kingdom (Matthew 6:11), inviting us into honest conversation about money and trust.
Father, You own everything—my income, my possessions, my future. I confess that I often act like what I have is mine to keep or spend as I wish. Help me see that giving isn't about the tithe percentage, but about trusting that You'll provide what I need. Give me a generous heart, free from fear, that honors You with my resources. Show me where I've held back, and give me courage to obey. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read Leviticus 27 to understand the full scope of tithing laws, and then explore 2 Corinthians 9 to see how Paul shaped New Testament giving around generosity rather than obligation.
Explore any Bible topic instantly
Search what the Bible says about anything — free, fast, and faith-first.