30 Bible Verses About Tithes And Offerings (With Commentary)

Ever wondered why tithing feels like a puzzle? Tithes are simply the tenth of what we earn, offered to honor God. Our blog will unwrap these ancient practices and show how they still shape generous living today.

Dive in for wisdom!

The Principle of Tithing

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."

In Leviticus 27:30, the Bible talks about giving a part of what you grow on your land to God. This part is called a tithe, and it’s special because it belongs to the Lord. Think of the tithe like a piece of your harvest that you set aside for God because it’s holy.

Back then, farmers would take some crops or fruits and say, “This is for God.” It was their way of showing they trusted Him with everything they had. And this idea wasn’t just something people did if they felt like it; it became an important rule for everyone to follow.

Numbers 18:26

"Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the Lord’s offering.'"

The Bible tells us in Numbers 18:26 that the Levites got tithes from the other Israelites. This was their pay for the work they did at God’s tent. Their job was very special, and instead of owning land or having another kind of job, they were to take care of the holy things and help all the people worship God.

God asked them to give a part of what they received back as an offering. By doing this, it showed that even those who worked for Him needed to honor Him with what they had. It was like saying “thank you” to God and also helped support the community.

The Levites’ example teaches us how everyone has something to share. Even if you have a big job in church or just come on Sundays, we all can be givers in our own way.

Deuteronomy 14:22

"Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year."

In Deuteronomy 14:22, the Bible tells us that people should give a tenth of all their crops each year. This means parts of what they grow like corn, wine, and oil go to God. By doing this, they show they respect and honor God.

It’s not just about giving; it’s learning to be in awe of Him.

This giving helps those who need it most. The Levites didn’t own land, so these tithes supported them because their job was teaching others about God and doing holy work. Plus, caring for the poor is big in God’s eyes.

When folks set aside part of their harvest for others, they’re living as a community that looks after one another—just how God wants His people to be.

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."

Hezekiah was a king who brought back important worship in the temple. He told people it was time to give their tithes again. The folks listened well and started bringing their firstfruits, which are the best parts of what they grew or made.

This helped priests do God’s work in the temple every day.

The whole place buzzed with energy as everyone gave what they could. Some brought money, others food or nice things they made by hand. It all went into big piles at the temple, where it helped keep everything running smooth for praising God.

Nehemiah 10:37

"Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God, to the priests, the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and olive oil. And we will bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all the towns where we work."

Nehemiah 10:37 talks about being faithful in giving to God. People agreed to bring the first of their dough, and other foods like fruits and wine, to the priests at God’s house. They knew this was important because it helped those who worked for God, like the Levites and singers.

Not only did they promise to bring food but also the best parts of what grew on their trees. This showed they wanted to give with a full heart. They followed laws from Numbers that said how to offer these gifts right.

It was a big deal back then because it showed love and respect for God’s work.

Tithing in the Law of Moses

Leviticus 27:32

"The entire tithe of the herd and flock—every tenth animal that passes under the shepherd’s rod—will be holy to the Lord."

Every tenth cow, sheep, or goat from the herd or flock was special because it belonged to God. That’s what Leviticus 27:32 says. People didn’t look at whether this animal was good or bad, and they couldn’t swap it for another one.

If they did try to exchange it, both the original animal and the new one would be holy; they had to give both to God.

This part of the Bible teaches us that giving a piece of what we have is important. It shows our trust in God and helps take care of those who do His work. Tithing like this is about honoring God with our things, saying thank you, and supporting others in need.

Numbers 18:21

"I give to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as their inheritance in return for the work they do while serving at the Tent of Meeting."

God told the Levites they would not get land like everyone else in Israel. Instead, their “pay” for working at the tent where people met with God was a part of everything Israel gave to God.

This part was called a tithe. The Levites’ job was very important—they took care of all the things used for meeting with God. Because they did this special work, they got tithes as their share.

The people brought corn, fruit, and animals to give to God. From what they brought, a tenth went to the Levites because they were in charge of God’s tent. Other tribes had fields and vineyards, but Levi’s kids only had what the people shared from these tithes.

Their whole life was helping others worship properly and teaching them about God’s ways.

Deuteronomy 12:6

"There bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks."

Deuteronomy 12:6 tells us to bring our special gifts to a place picked by God. This includes all sorts of offerings like tithes, sacrifices, and even the things we promise to give.

It’s important because it’s how people back then helped the Levites who didn’t own land or have other ways to make a living.

Giving these offerings was a big part of worship in the Old Testament. People would show their thanks and keep their promises by bringing different kinds of gifts. Everything from animals for burnt offerings to some money they chose to give just because they wanted to help out.

These acts were about honoring God and being good to others at the same time.

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 (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands."

Every third year, the Israelites did something special with their crops. They set aside a part of what they grew and kept it in their homes. This food wasn’t just for them; it was to help others too.

Levites, who worked hard but didn’t own land, got to share in this bounty. So did strangers passing through town, and families who didn’t have much at all.

This act showed two big things: God’s care for everyone and how sharing can make a stronger community. The Israelites trusted that by giving some of what they had, God would look after them all – those who gave and those who received.

It was about more than just food; it was an important lesson in kindness and faith.

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, “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."

Malachi 3:10 has a special challenge. It tells us to bring all the tithes into God’s storage place so there will be food in His house. Here, God says, “Test me.” He wants us to see if He will not open up the heavens and pour out so much blessing that we won’t have enough room for it! This verse isn’t just about money; it talks about things that grow like crops.

The people back then had issues with giving their full tithes. That made God unhappy because they were keeping what was meant for Him. But this promise stands out – if they did right by their tithing, amazing blessings would come down on them from above!

Offerings and Generosity

Exodus 35:5

"From what you have, take an offering for the Lord. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the Lord an offering of gold, silver and bronze."

Exodus 35:5 calls on everyone to bring gifts for the Lord. Anyone with a willing heart can offer gold, silver, or bronze. This verse shows us it’s good to give because you want to, not because you have to.

It tells us our offerings should come from a happy spirit.

People back then brought what they had—precious metals—to help out. Today, we also give in different ways, but the main point stays the same. You share with others and show trust in God by using what He has given you.

This giving is about more than just money; it’s about showing love and thanks to God with what we do and have.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says if we give a lot, we get a lot. If we only give a little, that’s all we’ll get back. The Bible tells us to be happy givers and to choose how much to give on our own.

It’s not about just doing what you’re told. Giving should come from the heart.

God loves it when we share with joy. He doesn’t want us to feel pushed or upset when we help others. When you decide to give something, do it because you really want to. This makes God happy and helps people who need it.

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, and your vats will brim over with new wine."

Give your best to God, and He’ll bless you in return. That’s what Proverbs 3:9-10 teaches us. When we honor the Lord with our money and the very first part of everything we make, good things come our way.

It doesn’t just mean being grateful; it’s about showing our thanks by giving back some of what we’ve been given.

This isn’t about following rules just because they’re there. The verses tell a deeper story: If we trust God enough to give Him our first share, He makes sure we don’t run out. Our storage places will be so full they can’t hold anymore! It’s like sowing seeds—you plant a little and later get a whole lot more.

This promise from Proverbs is one of many in the Bible urging us to be generous for God’s glory.

Acts 20:35

"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’"

Acts 20:35 tells us something special Jesus said. He taught that giving makes us happier than getting. Paul shared these words to help the Church understand how important it is to share with others.

This verse isn’t in the stories about Jesus’s life, but we find it in Acts where Paul remembers it.

This idea fits well with tithes and offerings. It helps us see giving as a joyful thing, not just a duty. People use this teaching to feel good when they give and remember what Jesus told his followers about being kind and generous.

Giving can be a way we worship God and say thanks for all He does for us!

Luke 6:38

"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."

Luke 6:38 tells us something special about being generous. It says if we give a lot, we will get a lot back. This verse isn’t just about money; it’s about all kinds of giving. Imagine having a cup that you fill for others.

God promises to fill your cup even more when you share with those in need.

This part of the Bible is used a lot when people talk about why giving is important in church. It teaches us to be open-handed without waiting for someone to pay us back right away.

We learn that by helping others, we’re actually making room for God’s gifts to come into our lives. God sees what we do and loves it when we give from our hearts.

Blessings of Giving

1 Chronicles 29:14

"But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand."

1 Chronicles 29:14 shows us a powerful truth about our stuff. King David said to God, “Everything we have comes from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!” This tells us that when we offer part of our things to God, we’re really just giving back a bit of what He already gave.

It’s like if someone lends you five toy cars and later on, you decide to give one back as a thank-you gift. You know in your heart that all the toy cars were theirs anyway. So when folks bring tithes and gifts for God’s work, they do it out of thanks and love.

They understand everything good in their lives is a gift from Him.

Proverbs 11:24-25

"One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed."

Proverbs 11:24-25 tells us something special about giving. It says when you share with others, you will get more back. This is not just about money; it’s about being kind and helping people too.

If you give food, love or time to someone who needs it, good things come your way.

These verses paint a picture of life’s balance. Give freely and watch how blessings flow into your life like a river. They teach us that by being generous, we open doors to our own prosperity and happiness.

Instead of holding tight to what we have, we should let go and spread goodness around us – knowing that it will return in beautiful ways.

2 Corinthians 9:8

"And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."

God can shower us with all His blessings. This means we can always have enough for ourselves and share with others. When we give to God, He gives back even more. Think of it like planting seeds; if you plant a lot, you’ll harvest a lot.

2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us that God’s grace is huge! He provides so much that we have everything we need at all times. We can then do good things for others because God takes care of us.

It’s not just about money; it’s about being ready to help people in any way, thanks to God’s love and kindness.

Philippians 4:19

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:19 speaks to our hearts, telling us that we don’t need to worry about what we have. It says God has a store of treasures—way more than we can imagine—and He will use it to take care of our every need.

Think about it like this: if you’re part of God’s family, He’s got your back no matter what. His bank is never empty and He provides for us through Jesus’ power.

This verse shows up after the Philippians give gifts to help others. They gave because they loved God and wanted to do good. And here’s the cool thing: when they did that, Paul told them that their kindness was like a sweet-smelling gift to God.

By giving, they were not left with less—they actually opened the door for God to bless them in big ways! So whenever you’re scared you won’t have enough or feel selfish with your stuff, remember this promise from Philippians 4:19 — giving leads to getting God’s blessings in return.

Luke 21:1-4

"As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 'Truly I tell you,' he said, 'this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.'"

In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus is watching people put money into the temple treasury. He sees rich folks dropping in a lot of cash. Then comes this poor widow. She tosses in just two small copper coins.

But here’s the big twist—Jesus says her tiny bit is worth more than all the other big gifts! Why? Because she gave everything she had with lots of love and trust.

This story about the widow’s mite shows us it’s not how much we give but how we give that counts. Giving from what little you have can mean a whole lot more than giving from plenty.

It’s all about your heart and wanting to help God’s work grow, even if it feels like you don’t have much to offer.

The Heart in Giving

1 Chronicles 29:9

"Then the people rejoiced because they had offered willingly, for with a whole heart they had offered freely to the Lord. David the king also rejoiced greatly."

People were happy to give in 1 Chronicles 29:9. They brought their offerings with full hearts, rejoicing because they wanted to. This shows us that giving should feel good and come from a place of love for God.

The joy they felt was a big part of why this moment was special. It wasn’t about having to give; it was about wanting to share what they had.

Their gifts were not just money or things. What mattered most was the heart behind it all. Every person who gave did so freely and without being made to do it. It was a beautiful sight, all the people showing their love for God by giving with wide smiles and open hands.

Matthew 6:2-4

"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."

In Matthew 6:2-4, Jesus talks about how to give to others. He tells us not to show off when we help people. When you give to someone in need, don’t tell everyone about it. It’s not a show for other people.

Instead, do good things quietly and privately.

God sees what you do in secret and loves it when you’re kind without needing any “thank yous” or applause. The point is to care more about what God thinks than what others think of your generosity.

That way, your giving is truly from the heart because you really want to help, not just look good in front of others.

Mark 12:41-44

"Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, 'Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.'"

Jesus saw a poor widow put two small coins into the temple treasury. He told his disciples that her gift was greater than the rest, because she gave everything she had. This story shows us it’s not about how much we give, but how we give that matters.

The widow’s offering teaches us to give with all our heart, no matter how little we have.

Her act of giving even when she had very little is a powerful lesson in trust and faith in God. It encourages us to be generous and willing to share what we have. This part of the Bible makes it clear: true giving comes from a place of love and sacrifice.

Matthew 23:23

"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."

In Matthew 23:23, we see an important lesson about what really matters. Jesus talks to the Pharisees and points out that they got something wrong. They were giving a tenth of all their spices—like mint, dill, and cumin.

But they forgot about more important rules like being fair, kind, and faithful. It’s like they were making sure every little spice was counted but not caring enough about treating people right.

He tells them they should have paid attention to both—the small things like tithing AND the big things like justice and mercy. This verse shows us it’s not just about following rules; it’s also about having a heart that wants to do good for others.

We learn from this that when we give or follow God’s commands, our hearts should be in the right place. It’s all part of living in a way that pleases God—not just by giving money but by caring for each other too.

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. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone."

Luke 11:42 is a verse where Jesus talks to the Pharisees. He tells them they should not forget about tithing. But he also says that love and justice matter more than just following rules.

Jesus points out that we must care for others while we give parts of our income to God.

Some people wonder if Jesus liked the idea of tithing. They look at Luke 11:42 to find answers. This verse shows Jesus thought it was good but not enough on its own. He cared a lot about how people loved God and each other, along with giving tithes.

New Testament Perspectives on Giving

Acts 2:44-45

"All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need."

Believers back then really cared for each other. They shared everything they had. If someone owned land or a house, they sold it. The money from the sale was given away to help anyone who needed it.

This showed their huge hearts and how much they trusted each other.

Their actions were about love, not rules. Everyone just wanted to make sure no one was without the things they needed. It wasn’t like a tax that you have to pay; it was something people chose to do because of their faith in Jesus and their kindness towards others.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

1 Timothy 6:17-19 speaks loudly to those with full wallets. It tells rich folks not to get too puffed up or trust in cash that comes and goes. Instead, they should put their hope in God who gives us all we need for our joy.

The verse isn’t shy about telling well-off people how to act; it urges them to roll up their sleeves and get busy doing good things.

God loves when we share, and this part of the Bible says the wealthy should be super generous. By being kind and sharing, they’re stacking up treasure that’ll last forever—real wealth that’s all about living right in God’s eyes.

It’s like a safe investment for eternity where moth or rust can’t destroy it. So this scripture is pretty clear: love people, not money; make a lasting mark by giving away your earthly riches for heavenly rewards.

Hebrews 7:8

"In the one case, the tenth is collected by people who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living."

Hebrews 7:8 shows us something special about giving tithes. It says here that usual men on earth take in tithes, but they have deaths. Yet there is one who gets them in heaven, and he’s alive! This part of the Bible makes us think about Jesus because it says He lives at God’s right hand.

People back then gave a tenth to show respect to someone greater than themselves.

Look at Abraham and Melchizedek for an example. When Abraham met this king and priest, he paid him a tenth of everything he had won in battle. By doing this, Abraham showed that Melchizedek was higher up than him even though both were great men.

In Hebrews 7:8, we see how this story from long ago helps us understand giving today—what it means and who we’re really giving to when we give to God.

1 Corinthians 16:1-2

"Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 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."

Paul talks to the Corinthians about giving in 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. He tells them to set aside money each week. The amount they save should depend on how much they earn. This way, when Paul comes, they will not have to find money at the last minute.

Everyone gives as they can, and there is no set percent for everyone.

This advice from Paul helps us think about what we give today. We don’t follow Old Testament rules for tithing anymore. Instead, we look at what God has given us and choose how much to give back with grateful hearts.

Our gifts help others and show our love for God’s work in the world.

2 Corinthians 8:12

"For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have."

2 Corinthians 8:12 tells us something special about giving. It’s not just about how much you give; it’s what’s in your heart that counts. If you’re eager to help others and share what you have, that means a lot.

This verse shows us that being generous is really about doing the best you can with what you’ve got.

Imagine wanting to show love and care by sharing with people who need help. You might not have lots of money, but if you give some of what you do have, it matters a lot. The important part is being willing to help and give as an act of kindness and grace.

Conclusion

In the Bible, God tells us that sharing what we have is special. When we give part of our money or things, it’s like saying “thank you” to Him. It helps others too. Remember, it’s not about how much we give, but how happy our hearts are when we share! And always keep in mind: Giving is one way we can show love for God and people everywhere.

FAQs

1. What do tithes and offerings mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, tithes are one-tenth of what you earn given to God’s work, and offerings are gifts given freely – often as a sign of gratitude.

2. Why did people in the Bible give tithes?

People gave tithes to show trust in God providing for them. It was also a spiritual discipline – like praying or fasting – to help them remember all they had came from God.

3. Are there any specific verses about giving?

Yes! For example, Matthew 6:1 teaches us not to show off when we give, but to give quietly and with humility.

4. Did famous Bible people tithe?

Indeed! Abram (later Abraham) gave a tenth to Melchizedek; Jacob vowed a tenth of everything to God if He protected him on his journey.

5. Is tithing just about money?

Not only money—tithing can be time spent helping others or sharing your things too. It’s part of showing love and thanks to God.

6. How is giving tied into Jesus’ teaching?

Jesus taught that giving should come from our hearts because we love God – like in John 3:16, where it says that out of love for us, He gave His Son for eternal life with Him.