21 Tithing Questions (Pass or Fail?)

I have many tithing questions. My questions are often shut down as perceived heresy. Sometimes answers to my tithing questions are over-spiritualized. On occasion, they are dismissed and I am accused of being stingy and a robber of God.

Rarely, does a person calmly and rationally answer my tithing questions. These questions are simple. A person ascribing to the doctrine of tithing should be able to answer these questions with ease.

There are dozens of Bible verses on tithing outside of the book of Malachi. Here is an article that I wrote with over three dozen bible verses about tithing in one place!

Revolutionary Generosity

We practice revolutionary generosity. It’s not in our DNA to discourage people from giving generously. My beef with tithing is not an effort to minimize giving to the church.

It’s because it is inaccurate. Too many pastors have taught a works-based gospel with tithing as their central theme.

Jesus desires us to give lavishly. The Parable of the Dishonest Manager is probably my favorite parable. Jesus was permitting us to lavishly give His money away in that parable.

Jesus also talked about tithing. Click here for more.

Fear & Pride

Regrettably, many pastors, parishioners, and churches are stuck on the subject of the tithe. We can’t get beyond it for some strange reason.

Fear haunts many. Pride is running amok in others.

I’m writing this article to provide a safe space for tithing proponents to reflect on these important questions. Please consider the Bible texts as would a Berean (Acts 17:10-12).

Approach the text with humility and answer these questions honestly.

There is nothing wrong with giving ten percent — unless God wants you to give 20% or more.

Question #1 — Abram Gave 100%

Abraham gave 10% of the war spoils to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20). He then gave the remainder of the war spoils to the king of Sodom (Genesis 14:22).

Why do tithers stop at 10% and not give 100% like Abram?

Tithing before the law is discussed here.

Tithing Questions #2, 3, and 4 (Jacob)

Jacob conditionally agreed to give ten percent to God (Genesis 28:20-22).

Is there a Bible verse proving that Jacob gave ten percent?

To whom would Jacob have given ten percent too?

Why is it acceptable to play “Let’s Make A Deal” with God?

Question #5 — The Storehouse and the Church

There was an actual storehouse in the temple (Malach 3:10, Nehemiah 13:12). Grain, new wine, and fresh oil were kept in the storehouse.

In what year did the storehouse transform into a church building? For additional context about the storehouse, click here.

Tithing Question #6 — The Temple Tax?

The work of the house of God was funded by the temple tax (Nehemiah 10:32-33). According to this site, the amount collected annually was about two days’ wages.

Shouldn’t Christians pay the temple tax instead of or in addition to the tithe?

Questions #8—11 (How many tithes are there?)

There were at least three tithes in the Old Testament: A Levitical tithe (Numbers 18:21-24), the Festival Tithe (Deuteronomy 14:22-27), and the Charity Tithe (Deuteronomy 14:28-29) which was paid every third year.

Which of the three tithes are you currently practicing? Any? All?

How does one provide a tithe to a non-existent Levite?

Where are Festivals celebrated in North America?

Does your pastor say anything when you only tithe every third year?

Tithing Question #12 & 13

The tithe was always food. It was either seed-bearing produce (Leviticus 27:30) or animals (Leviticus 27:32).

When did the tithe transform into money?

Can you provide three Bible verses that mention “money” tithing in the Temple?

Question #14 — 15 Tithing Booze?

The Israelites consumed one of the tithes during these festivals (Deuteronomy 14:26).

When was the last time that you used the tithe to buy booze to drink at the church (Temple)?

Consumption of the tithe was a normal activity in ancient Israel.

Has your pastor ever encouraged you to use your 10% for anything other than the church?

Tithing Question #16 — Testing God

Shepherds and farmers raising livestock tithed every tenth animal (Leviticus 27:32). Those who had few farm animals (less than ten animals) were not required to tithe.

Have you ever heard a pastor, preacher, or minister discourage a poor person from tithing? Or do they tell them to “test” God and watch God make the 90% last longer than the 100%?

Question #17 — Cursed For Not Tithing

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law and became a curse for us (Galatians 3:13). Malachi writes of being cursed with a curse.

Why would God curse what the blood of Jesus purchased?

Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Question #18 — Why Is The Tithe 10%?

How many tithes were there? There were at least three tithes: Levitical, Festival, and Poor. The Levitical tithe was 10%, the Feast tithe was 10%, and the Poor tithe was 3.33%.

Why does the church request 10% and not 23.33%?

Question #19 — Farmers and Fisherman

The tithe was edible items and never money. Farmers produced these items. Tithing originated from farming communities (Nehemiah 10:37).

What do you think carpenters, fishermen, tentmakers, and shopkeepers tithed?

Question #20 — Tithing and The Council of Jerusalem

New believers were the hot topic at the Council of Jerusalem.

The new church leaders discussed the non-negotiable Old Covenant beliefs and disciplines (Acts 15:29).

Why was tithing excluded during this crucial meeting?

Tithing Question #21 — Pastoral Property

The Tribe of Levi did not have an inheritance. Levites were destined to serve in the Temple and synagogues.

Why is it okay for pastors to own property if they’re the “new” Levites?

How Much Should One Give?

Paul answered this question quite well.

2 Corinthians 9:7 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.

Too bad pastors didn’t fully trust the sheep to give.

How much should one give? We give what has been decided in our hearts.

Hard stop.

The idea that giving starts at ten percent is false. That’s a man-made concept and theology by folklore.

Teaching that giving ten percent meets some type of legal minimum is dangerous as well.

We’re saved by grace through faith.

It’s a gift from God.

Here is a link to an ultimate guide to tithing for your edification and inspiration.