Your Ten Percent
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What is a tithe?
The word tithe means ‘tenth’ and comes from the Anglian Old English teogotha. Like ten, it derives from the Indo-European root *dekm ‘ten’. Teogotha became tigethe in Early Middle English and tithe or tythe in Middle and Modern English.
The custom of giving a portion of one’s income for religious purposes predates Mosaic law. The Hebrew noun that is translated tithe in the Bible is maaser. The verb is asar. Both are related to the adjective for ‘ten’, so the figure of ten percent is of ancient origin. Tithing is first mentioned in Genesis 14:20 where Abraham gives a tithe to the priest Melchizedek. By the time Mosaic law was set down in Leviticus, tithing was specifically ordered: “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s.” There were penalties for failing to tithe. Tithing is frequently mentioned throughout the Old and New Testaments. [source]
Tithing in Christian Theology
In Christian theology, the Mosaic Law is usually divided into three parts: the moral, the ceremonial, and the judicial. The Ten Commandments comprise the moral part. The ceremonial part regulated the worship of Israel. The judicial part pertained to rights between men. However, the Law should be viewed as a unit. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” (James 2:10) Obviously, “no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.” (Romans 3:21) “…[T]he law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith. Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.” (Galatians 3:24-25) Indeed, Christians need not be burdened under the law. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) [source]
Should Christian’s Tithe?
The tithe, therefore, as a component of the Mosaic Law which was never restated as part of the law of Christ, does not apply to Christians. “While not requiring a tithe of believers today, the New Testament does speak of God’s blessing on those who give generously to the needs of the church and especially to those who labor in the Word.” (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament, John F. Walvoord, Roy B. Zuck, p. 1585.) “Tithing is not taught in the New Testament as an obligation for the Christian under grace….Because we are not under law, but under grace, Christian giving must not be made a matter of legalistic obligation, lest we fall into the error of Galatianism….” (The New Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, Jerome Smith, p. 1152.)
Remember: God Loves a Cheerful Giver (2 Corinthians 9:7)
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jared b Says:
i’ve always wondered the origins of the word tithe . I never knew it originated from the anglican old english. I agree with you about tithing for the new testament christian. thanks for you post.