Where in the Bible Does It Say Pay 10 Percent?
The question of where in the Bible it says to pay 10 percent has intrigued many Christians over the years. The concept of tithing, or giving 10 percent of one’s income to the church or charitable causes, is often misunderstood and debated. While the Bible does not explicitly state “pay 10 percent,” it does provide several passages that support the principle of giving back to God and to those in need.
One of the most well-known passages that speaks to the idea of giving is found in the book of Malachi. In Malachi 3:8-10, the prophet warns the people of Israel about their lack of faithfulness in tithing. He says, “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ In tithing and in offering. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 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.”
This passage makes it clear that God expects His people to tithe, but it does not explicitly mention the percentage of 10. However, many Christians believe that the New Testament supports the practice of tithing, even though it does not explicitly state the percentage.
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the importance of giving in Matthew 23:23, when He says, “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.” This passage suggests that giving is an essential aspect of following God’s law, though it does not specify the percentage.
In addition to these passages, the book of Luke contains a story about a poor widow who gave all she had to the church. In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus says, “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.'”
This story highlights the importance of giving, regardless of one’s financial situation, and serves as an example of a woman who gave everything she had to God.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly state “pay 10 percent,” it provides several passages that support the principle of giving back to God and to those in need. Many Christians believe that the practice of tithing, or giving 10 percent of their income, is a way to honor God and fulfill their spiritual obligations. It is important to study these passages and seek guidance from spiritual leaders to understand the true meaning of tithing and how it applies to our lives today.
