Scripture is the foundation of the idea of donating 10 percent, sometimes known as a tithe, which is still a major custom in many Christian communities today. Tithing, which comes from the Hebrew term maaser, which literally translates to “tenth,” was originally mentioned in the Old Testament as a sign of obedience, faith, and worship. However, what does the Bible actually say about allocating ten percent of our earnings or assets? Does this proportion still hold true for believers today, and why was it so significant to God’s people?
Tithing is mentioned frequently in both the Old and New Testaments, both as a pecuniary mandate and as a spiritual precept. The purpose of giving a tenth of one’s increase was never limited to supporting the priesthood or the temple. It served as a concrete means for God’s people to thank Him, recognize His provision, and prioritize Him above all else in their lives. A reminder that everything ultimately belongs to God, the ten percent represented a sacred portion.
The concept of tithing can seem illogical in a society when people are motivated by self-preservation and financial gain. However, the Bible teaches that giving faithfully results in blessings on a practical and spiritual level. God wants His people to live generously, with open hearts rather than clenched ones, as the verses pertaining to the ten percent make clear. The tithe was intended to be a joyous expression of reliance on God rather than a hardship.
This post will examine important Bible texts that discuss contributing ten percent, as well as the origins of the custom, its application, and its current significance for believers. These bible verses about 10 percent provide insight, challenge, and encouragement, regardless of whether you’re new to the concept of tithing or looking to gain a deeper understanding of it. Let’s explore the tithe’s biblical basis and how it continues to influence our relationship with God to this day.
30 Powerful Bible Verses About 10 Percent in 2025
1. 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.”
This verse lays the foundational principle for the tithe in the Old Testament. God declares that a tenth of all produce belongs to Him, emphasizing that the tithe is not just a gift, but something holy—set apart for divine purposes. It teaches us that everything we receive ultimately comes from God, and returning a tenth is a sacred act of acknowledgment and reverence.
2. 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…”
This is perhaps the most well-known verse on tithing. God not only commands the giving of the full tithe but invites His people to test Him—promising abundant blessings in return. It reveals God’s heart for both provision and relationship, showing that faithful giving unlocks divine favor and provision.
3. Genesis 14:20
“And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.
After a victorious battle, Abram offers a tenth to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High. This voluntary tithe predates the Law and demonstrates that giving a tenth is a response of gratitude for God’s deliverance. It shows that tithing is not just a legal obligation but a heartfelt response to divine grace.
4. Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing…”
This wisdom text connects honoring God with material blessings. By giving the first and best portion of one’s increase, believers position themselves to receive divine abundance. It reflects the principle that when God is prioritized—even financially—He responds with generous provision.
5. Deuteronomy 14:22
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year.”
This instruction reinforces the tithe as a regular and consistent practice. God commands His people to be intentional in setting aside one-tenth of their harvest annually. It speaks to the discipline and structure that tithing brings into a believer’s life, ensuring that God remains central in both agricultural and financial increase.
6. Deuteronomy 14:28-29
“At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns… so that the Levites… and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows… may come and eat and be satisfied.”
This passage highlights the social and communal purpose of the tithe. It wasn’t only for the temple or the priesthood but also for those in need. The tithe here becomes a tool of justice and mercy, ensuring that the vulnerable are not forgotten. God’s economic system always included provision for others.
7. 2 Chronicles 31:5
“As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey, and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.”
This verse describes a moment of national revival under King Hezekiah. When God’s people returned to Him, one of their first actions was to resume tithing. It underscores how giving the tithe is often a reflection of the spiritual health and devotion of a community.
8. Nehemiah 10:37
“Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God… the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings… and a tithe of our crops…”
In a covenant renewal, the people of Israel reaffirm their commitment to bring their tithes to God’s house. This organized restoration of worship includes detailed instructions on where and how the tithes should be delivered, emphasizing both accountability and devotion.
9. Nehemiah 13:12
“All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil into the storerooms.”
This verse showcases the obedience of God’s people following Nehemiah’s reforms. It also illustrates the logistical structure that accompanied the tithe—proper collection and storage for equitable distribution. It reminds us that practical obedience supports sustained worship and community care.
10. Amos 4:4
“Bring your tithes every three years—boast about your freewill offerings… for this is what you love to do, you Israelites!”
In this prophetic warning, Amos ironically criticizes the people for boasting about religious rituals like tithing while living in disobedience. It reminds us that the tithe is not a box to check off, but a sincere act that must be matched by a heart of righteousness and justice.
11. Matthew 23:23
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices… But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness…”
Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for focusing on meticulous tithing while neglecting the deeper values of God’s kingdom. This verse affirms the practice of tithing (“You should have practiced the latter…”) but emphasizes that it must be accompanied by a heart aligned with justice, mercy, and faith. It warns against legalism and highlights integrity.
12. Luke 11:42
“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.”
Similar to Matthew’s account, this verse reiterates Jesus’ concern for balance. Giving a tenth is not enough if one’s heart is far from compassion and divine love. The tithe is meaningful only when it flows from a heart that seeks to reflect God’s character.
13. Hebrews 7:2
“…and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means ‘king of righteousness’; then also, ‘king of Salem’ means ‘king of peace.’”
This verse points back to Abraham’s tithe to Melchizedek and connects it to the priesthood of Christ. It shows the tithe as a form of worship and honor, even before the Mosaic Law. It presents a spiritual lineage, connecting Abraham’s faith to believers today.
14. Hebrews 7:4
“Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!”
This verse calls readers to reflect on the greatness of Melchizedek, to whom Abraham tithed. It underscores the significance of tithing as an act of reverence. It also elevates the priesthood of Christ as superior, implying that honoring Him with our resources is even more fitting.
15. Luke 18:12
“I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”
Spoken by the Pharisee in Jesus’ parable, this verse illustrates how self-righteousness can corrupt spiritual practices. While the Pharisee boasts of tithing, Jesus commends the humble tax collector instead. It’s a lesson that true righteousness is about humility, not public display—even in giving.
16. Genesis 28:22
“…and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth.”
Jacob vows to give God a tenth after his dream at Bethel. This personal pledge reveals how tithing can be a voluntary expression of faith and commitment, even outside institutional mandates. It demonstrates that gratitude and trust in God naturally lead to generosity.
17. 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…”
Though not explicitly using the word “tithe,” this verse promotes proportional, consistent giving. Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians mirrors the spirit of the tithe—intentional generosity that reflects one’s income and prioritizes giving to God’s work.
18. Acts 4:34-35
“…from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them… and it was distributed to anyone who had need.”
In the early church, believers practiced radical generosity, going beyond the tithe. Though not restricted to 10%, this spirit of giving reflects the heart of tithing—meeting needs and advancing God’s kingdom. It reveals that New Testament generosity may exceed the minimum and be led by love.
19. Romans 12:1
“…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
While not about money specifically, this verse calls for full surrender to God. If all of life is worship, then giving—including a tenth—is part of a larger offering of our whole selves. It shifts our mindset from obligation to devotion.
20. Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more… A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This proverb captures the paradox of godly giving. When we release what we have, God blesses us in return. It encourages open-handedness and suggests that those who give—whether a tenth or more—position themselves for divine refreshment and abundance.
21. 1 Timothy 6:17-18
“Command those who are rich… to be generous and willing to share.”
Paul urges Timothy to instruct the wealthy not to trust in riches but to use their wealth for good. Although this passage doesn’t mention a specific percentage, it echoes the spirit of the tithe: generosity rooted in godliness. The focus is on intentional giving, especially by those blessed with more.
22. 2 Corinthians 9:6
“Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
This principle of spiritual sowing and reaping highlights the link between giving and blessing. Though not strictly about 10%, it affirms the heart behind tithing—trusting that generosity brings God’s favor. It motivates believers to give without fear, knowing that God honors open-hearted giving.
23. 2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion…”
Paul emphasizes the motive of giving: cheerfulness and willingness. In the New Covenant, the principle remains—God desires our giving to be joyful and deliberate. This aligns with the tithe in spirit, transforming it from obligation to worshipful generosity.
24. Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
This verse lays the foundation for stewardship. Everything belongs to God, so giving back a tenth is a mere acknowledgment of His ownership. Tithing is not a loss—it’s a recognition that we are caretakers, not owners, of the blessings we receive.
25. Haggai 1:4-6
“Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”
God rebukes the Israelites for prioritizing their personal comfort while neglecting His temple. Though not about tithing directly, it speaks to misplaced priorities in giving. It challenges believers to ensure that God’s work is not neglected for the sake of personal wealth.
26. Matthew 6:21
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus links giving with affection. What we invest in reflects what we value. Tithing, then, is not just a financial act but a declaration of allegiance. It reveals whether our hearts are anchored in God’s kingdom or consumed by earthly wealth.
27. Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord… It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Although this verse centers on work ethic, it applies to giving as well. When we tithe or give, we’re not giving to people, pastors, or institutions—we’re giving to God. This perspective transforms tithing into an act of worship and service.
28. Philippians 4:17
“Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.”
Paul’s letter to the Philippians reveals a powerful truth: giving is not just about meeting needs but about spiritual fruit credited to the giver. Tithing isn’t transactional—it’s transformational, benefiting the giver as much as the receiver in God’s economy.
29. Galatians 6:6
“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.”
This verse connects giving directly to ministry. Supporting those who teach the Word is a biblical mandate, and the tithe historically fulfilled that role. It encourages believers to contribute faithfully to those who spiritually nourish them.
30. Matthew 10:8b
“Freely you have received; freely give.”
Jesus reminds His disciples that their generosity should mirror the generosity they’ve received from God. Tithing is one expression of that truth. When we reflect on the grace, mercy, and provision given to us, giving back—even ten percent—becomes a natural response of gratitude.
Conclusion
Giving ten percent, or tithing, is a heart posture of worship, trust, and surrender to God that goes beyond a simple religious duty. As demonstrated by numerous scriptures, this custom predates the Mosaic Law and has persisted as a potent expression of respect and appreciation. Tithing consistently demonstrated that God is the owner of everything we own, whether it was Abraham giving Melchizedek a tenth or the Israelites helping the temple and the underprivileged.
Giving ten percent still has spiritual value in the modern world. The principles of charity, fidelity, and prioritizing God remain the same, despite disagreements over its importance under the New Covenant. The tithe acts as a springboard for developing a giving lifestyle that mirrors God’s abundance toward us. It encourages believers to live freely, believing that God is our real provider and source.
Giving is ultimately about our hearts’ attitude, not just how much we give. The most important thing is to worship God with your riches and do it with joy, regardless of whether you decide to donate precisely ten percent or contribute sacrificially in other ways. “God loves a cheerful giver,” as the Bible teaches us (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving with joy and trust allows us to participate in God’s continuing work on earth and aligns our hearts with the principles of heaven.
