Did Jesus tithe?

Did Jesus tithe?

July 04, 2025 • Bible Teachings

5 min read

Too many churches today teach things about money that just aren't found anywhere in the Bible. Sometimes, they do it out of ignorance, but many times they do it to pressure people into donating more money.

The biblical truth is that Jesus didn't tithe, and he didn't tithe for very good reasons.

Before getting into why Jesus didn't tithe, let's understand what biblical tithing actually was.

What Is Tithing According to the Bible?

Most churches teach that tithing means giving 10% of your income to your local church. But that's not what the Bible says.

Here's what the Bible actually teaches:

1. Tithing was a law for Israel, not for Christians

Tithing was part of the Old Testament Law given to the people of Israel (Deut. 1:1-3; Lev. 27:34). It was never commanded for Christians or the New Testament Church.

2. Tithing wasn't money

Tithing was done with food and animals from the land of Israel (Deut. 12:17; Num. 18:25-31). Israelites tithed from their crops and herds, not their wages.

3. Tithes were only for the Levites

God told the Israelites to give their tithes to the Levites (Israel's priests), who had no land and served in the temple (Numbers 18:20-22).

4. Not everyone in Israel tithed

Only farmers and herdsmen who had land in Israel were required to tithe. People in other jobs — like carpenters, fishermen, and widows — did not tithe (Deut. 26:12; Lev. 23:22).

5. The poor received support from the tithe

Those who couldn't tithe were actually helped by the tithe and other laws such as gleaning (Deut. 24:19-21).

Gleaning was a biblical practice where the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners were allowed to collect leftover crops from farmers' fields after the harvest. It was part of God's law in the Old Testament to ensure that vulnerable people had a way to get food with dignity.

So Why Didn't Jesus Tithe?

Based on the biblical definition of tithing, it's clear why Jesus didn't tithe:

1. Jesus was a carpenter

Jesus didn't farm or raise animals, so He wasn't required to tithe.

2. Jesus was poor

Jesus' parents offered the sacrifice prescribed for those of limited means, specifically two turtledoves or two young pigeons, because they could not afford a lamb. This highlights that Jesus' family was not wealthy.

Also, Jesus and His disciples gleaned grain in the fields — something that was only allowed for the poor (Matt. 12:1-2).

Therefore, according to the Law, Jesus was exempt from tithing — and may have even received support from it.

What About Today?

Many churches today teach that Christians must give 10% of their income. But that's not a Bible command. In fact, the early church didn't tithe. They gave freely, joyfully, and as they were able (2 Cor. 9:6-7) in order to help the poor.

Whenever Jesus talked about money, it was usually to warn against greed, to defend the poor, or to call out religious leaders who exploited others. Not once did Jesus ask His followers to give 10% of their income to a local institution.

Be Wise About Giving

God wants us to be generous. That means giving from the heart, not out of guilt or manipulation. That also means giving where there are real human needs - not to grow a preacher's ministry. It's not just about giving money, it's also about giving one's time, attention, resources, and supplies.

God calls us to be wise stewards with the money that He gives us. He does not expect us to give so much of it away that we then find ourselves living in financial trouble.

If your church teaches that you must tithe or that God won't bless you otherwise, it's worth asking yourself: is that what Scripture really says?

We are called to follow Jesus — not religious leaders. We are called to support the needy — not the greedy. We are called to give freely - not fearfully.

Conclusion

  • Many modern churches teach tithing in ways the Bible never supports.

  • Tithing in the Bible was a law for Israel under the Old Covenant based on giving food and animals — not money.

  • Tithes were given only by farmers and herdsmen and these tithes were intended to support the Levite priests and the poor.

  • Jesus didn't tithe because He was a carpenter, not a landowner, and because He was poor, thus, eligible to receive from the tithe.

  • The early church didn't practice tithing. They gave freely, joyfully, and according to their ability — not a fixed percentage.

  • The early church gave to help the poor and to support needy ministers like Paul - not to enrich a wealthy preacher's ministry.

  • Biblical giving is voluntary - not pressured, compassionate - not institutional, and wise - not reckless.

  • Support the needy, not the greedy.

  • Follow Jesus, not manipulative traditions like tithing.