Leviticus 27 · a question people ask
Should Christians tithe?
Leviticus says, "All the tithe of the land… is the LORD’s. It is holy to the LORD" (27:30), and the tithe of the herds and flocks too (27:32). Numbers gives it to the Levites "for an inheritance, in return for their service" (Numbers 18:21). Christians agree that giving should be willing: "Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). They differ on whether the tithe still sets a pattern for giving.
How Christians read it
Where Christians differ, Favor sets out the main views side by side and doesn't pick one.
The tithe is still a guide
Those who hold this view point out that the tithe is older than the Law: Abram "gave him a tenth of all" (Genesis 14:20), and Hebrews recalls that Abraham "gave a tenth out of the best plunder" (Hebrews 7:4). To scribes and Pharisees who tithed mint, dill and cumin, Jesus said they ought to have done justice, mercy and faith "and not to have left the other undone" (Matthew 23:23). They see a tenth as a guide for giving still.
Genesis 14:20 · Hebrews 7:4 · Matthew 23:23
Freely, as each has decided
Those who hold this view point out that these New Testament letters set no amount for giving: each gives "according as he has determined in his heart" (2 Corinthians 9:7), "according to what you have" (2 Corinthians 8:12), "as he may prosper" (1 Corinthians 16:2). The Law, too, could say, "Every man shall give as he is able" (Deuteronomy 16:17). They take this, rather than a set tenth, as the pattern for giving.
2 Corinthians 9:7 · 2 Corinthians 8:12 · 1 Corinthians 16:2 · Deuteronomy 16:17
The verses
““‘All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the LORD’s. It is holy to the LORD. If a man redeems anything of his tithe, he shall add a fifth part to it. All the tithe of the herds or the flocks, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy to the LORD.”
““To the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the Tent of Meeting.”
“Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”