Tithing is a topic that often stirs passionate debate among believers. For many, it’s presented as a rigid requirement to give a percentage of income to a religious institution. Yet, when we dig deeper into the teachings of Y’shu’ah HaMashiach (Jesus) and the original context of tithing in Scripture, we find a very different picture—one that is rooted in community, justice, and faithfulness, not institutional enrichment. let's examine the questions about its purpose, context, and relevance today. Was it ever meant to fund modern institutions, or does it have deeper biblical significance? Y’shu’ah’s teachings reveal profound truths about justice, mercy, and giving that go beyond mere percentages. Let’s explore what tithing really means from a Hebraic biblical perspective and how it applies to believers today.
1. What Did Y’shu’ah Say About Tithing?
Y’shu’ah directly addressed tithing in His rebuke of the Pharisees, recorded in Luke 11:42 and Matthew 23:23. He said:
“Woe to you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint, rue, and every herb, but neglect justice and the love of Elohim. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”
Here, Y’shu’ah acknowledged the Pharisees' meticulous tithing practices but criticized them for neglecting more important matters like justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This statement reveals two key points:
Tithing Was Never an End in Itself: While the Pharisees were strict in tithing even the smallest herbs, their outward obedience masked inward hypocrisy. Y’shu’ah emphasized that justice, mercy, and the love of Elohim are weightier matters of the Torah.
Tithing Is Not a Substitute for Righteousness: Y’shu’ah did not reject tithing but highlighted its limitations. It must be part of a life lived in obedience to Elohim, characterized by care for others and devotion to His commandments.
Cross References:
Micah 6:8: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does Yahuah require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your Elohim?"
1 Samuel 15:22: "To obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams."
Application for Today:
This teaching challenges modern believers to examine their motives. Are we tithing out of obligation or as part of a genuine commitment to Elohim’s justice and mercy? Tithing today must go beyond financial contributions; it should reflect a life devoted to serving Elohim and caring for the oppressed.
2. Tithing in the Torah: What It Really Was
Tithing in the Torah was specific, purposeful, and communal. It was never about giving to religious institutions or building wealth for leaders but about sustaining Elohim’s covenant people. Let’s explore what tithing meant under the Mosaic Covenant.
Tithing Was Agricultural, Not Monetary
Leviticus 27:30-32: "Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is Yahuah’s; it is holy to Yahuah."
Tithes consisted of crops, fruits, and livestock, not money. They were tied to Elohim’s provision of the land and its produce.
Tithing Supported the Levites and the Needy
Numbers 18:21-24: The Levites, who served in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, received tithes because they had no inheritance in the land.
Deuteronomy 14:28-29: Every third year, the tithe was set aside for the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners.
Purpose of Tithing
Sustaining Worship: Tithes ensured that the Levites could perform their duties in the Tabernacle.
Supporting the Community: Tithes provided for those in need, reflecting Elohim’s heart for justice and care for the vulnerable.
Application for Today:
Modern tithing practices often ignore the biblical purpose of tithing. The original tithe was about stewardship, community support, and worship, not institutional wealth. Today, believers can honor the spirit of tithing by giving generously to those in need and supporting ministries aligned with Elohim’s mission.
3. Misuse of Tithing in Modern Times
One of the most glaring issues today is the way tithing has been distorted into a tool for institutional greed. Many pastors and leaders exploit tithing as a means to enrich their organizations rather than advancing Elohim’s purposes.
Tithing as “Fleecing the Flock”
The phrase "fleecing the flock" tragically describes how some leaders manipulate Scripture to demand financial contributions. They misuse verses like Malachi 3:10 to instill fear, claiming that not tithing invites curses. However, this verse addressed Israel’s covenant responsibilities and the Temple system, not modern “churches.”
Jeremiah 7:11: "Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of robbers in your sight?" Y’shu’ah echoed this sentiment when He cleansed the Temple, condemning its commercialization (Matthew 21:12-13).
Tithing and Manipulation
Y’shu’ah’s teachings expose the hypocrisy of using tithing as a tool for control. His rebukes of the Pharisees remind us that outward rituals without inward devotion are meaningless.
Application for Today:
Believers must discern how and where their giving is used. Supporting manipulative systems dishonors Elohim. Instead, focus on giving that aligns with His purposes: caring for the poor, supporting the spread of His Word, and fostering genuine worship.
4. Voluntary Giving in the New Covenant
Under the New Covenant, the focus shifts from legalistic tithing to Spirit-led generosity. Paul emphasized this in his letters:
2 Corinthians 9:6-7: "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for Elohim loves a cheerful giver."
This reflects the heart of the New Covenant: giving is a response to Elohim’s grace, not a burdensome obligation. The emphasis is on:
Willingness: Giving must come from the heart, not compulsion.
Purpose: It should serve Elohim’s mission and meet genuine needs.
Cross References:
Acts 4:34-35: Early believers shared their possessions to ensure no one lacked.
Proverbs 19:17: "Whoever is generous to the poor lends to Yahuah, and He will repay him for his deed."
5. How to Apply Tithing Principles Today
For believers today, the principles of tithing can guide our approach to stewardship and generosity:
Focus on Justice and Mercy: Like Y’shu’ah taught, prioritize justice, love, and care for the needy.
Give Cheerfully: Follow Paul’s instruction to give willingly and joyfully, not out of guilt or pressure.
Support Elohim’s Purposes: Direct your giving toward ministries and causes that align with Elohim’s mission, not institutional greed.
Live Generously: Beyond financial giving, offer your time, talents, and resources to advance Elohim’s kingdom.
Conclusion: Tithing in Light of Y’shu’ah’s Teachings
Y’shu’ah’s teachings on tithing challenge us to look beyond ritualistic giving and focus on the heart of obedience and justice. Tithing was never about enriching religious institutions but about honoring Elohim through stewardship, worship, and care for the vulnerable.
For today’s believers, the call is clear: give generously and cheerfully, guided by the Spirit and rooted in love for Elohim and His people. True giving reflects a life devoted to justice, mercy, and faithfulness, embodying the very essence of Y’shu’ah’s message. Let us reject manipulative systems and embrace a life of Spirit-led generosity that glorifies Elohim and advances His kingdom.
Discussion Questions
How did Y’shu’ah address tithing in His rebuke of the Pharisees, and what does this reveal about priorities in giving?
What was the original purpose of tithing in the Torah, and how does this contrast with modern interpretations of tithing?
How does Paul’s teaching on giving in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 align or differ from the concept of tithing under the Mosaic Covenant?
Why is it important to understand tithing in its historical and cultural context before applying it to modern practices?
How can believers today ensure their giving aligns with Elohim’s purposes rather than supporting manipulative systems?
Discussion Answer Sheet
Y’shu’ah’s Rebuke: He acknowledged the Pharisees’ meticulous tithing but criticized them for neglecting justice and the love of Elohim, emphasizing that giving should reflect righteousness and compassion (Luke 11:42, Matthew 23:23).
Original Purpose: Tithing supported the Levites, the poor, and community worship, highlighting stewardship and justice rather than institutional enrichment (Numbers 18:21-24, Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
Paul’s Teaching: Paul emphasized Spirit-led, cheerful giving rather than obligation, shifting the focus from legalistic tithing to voluntary generosity (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).
Historical Context: Without understanding the agricultural and community-centered nature of biblical tithing, modern interpretations risk distorting Elohim’s intentions for giving.
Aligning Giving: Believers can honor Elohim by giving to causes that support justice, mercy, and the spread of His Word, avoiding systems that exploit or manipulate.
Fill-in-the-Blank Study Questions
Y’shu’ah rebuked the Pharisees for tithing ______ and ______ but neglecting justice and the ______ of Elohim (Luke 11:42).
Tithing under the Mosaic Covenant primarily involved giving ______ and ______, not money (Leviticus 27:30).
The tithe supported the ______, the ______, the fatherless, and the widows in Israel’s community (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).
Paul taught that giving should be done ______ and ______, not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Modern tithing practices often misuse ______ to demand obligatory giving, distorting Elohim’s intentions.
The original purpose of tithing was to reflect ______ and ______ rather than institutional wealth.
True giving, according to Y’shu’ah, must go beyond rituals and reflect ______, ______, and the love of Elohim.
Fill-in-the-Blank Answer Sheet
Mint, herbs, love
Crops, livestock
Levites, poor
Cheerfully, willingly
Scripture
Justice, stewardship
Justice, mercy
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