Overview
Tithing was an established practice in Israel, requiring one-tenth of crops, herds, and income as an offering to the Lord. The tithe supported the Levites and temple worship. While the ceremonial tithe law is not binding on New Testament believers, the principle of generous giving to support God's work remains central to Christian stewardship.
Key Scriptures
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness" (Matthew 23:23, NASB).
"But you tithe mint and rue and every kind of garden herb, and yet disregard justice and the love of God; but these you should have done without neglecting the others" (Luke 11:42, NASB).
"All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord" (Leviticus 27:30, ESV).
Application
Believers should give generously and joyfully to support their local church and God's kingdom work, recognizing that all possessions belong to God.