Tithe — Meaning in the Bible
A tenth. Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth; the law set aside a tenth of produce for the Levites, the poor and festivals.
What it means
Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything after rescuing Lot. Jacob vowed to give God a tenth. Genesis 14:18–20Genesis 28:22
The law gave the tithe to the Levites, who had no land, and also used tithes for festival meals and for the foreigner, orphan and widow. Malachi rebukes Israel for withholding tithes. Numbers 18:21–24Deuteronomy 14:22–29Malachi 3:8–10
Jesus criticised those who tithed even herbs but neglected justice, mercy and faith. Matthew 23:23
Key passages
- Genesis 14:18–20 — Abraham and Melchizedek.
- Numbers 18:21–24 — For the Levites.
- Deuteronomy 14:22–29 — Feasting and sharing.
- Malachi 3:8–10 — Bring the whole tithe.
- Matthew 23:23 — Justice, mercy and faith.
Original language
מַעֲשֵׂר ma.a.ser
Hebrew · Strong’s H4643 · gloss: “tithe”
The Hebrew word ma'aser, tenth part. Deuteronomy 14:22
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
Study further
- Deuteronomy 14:22–29 What the tithe was for.
- Matthew 23:23–24 Jesus' warning.