The New Testament mentions tithing explicitly only a few times, mainly in the words of Jesus and in reference to Old Testament practice, but it does not lay down a new tithe law for Christians. Instead, it emphasizes generous, willing, and cheerful giving.

Key New Testament passages on tithing

Here are the main places where tithing itself is directly mentioned:

  • Matthew 23:23 – Jesus rebukes the scribes and Pharisees: they tithe “mint, dill, and cumin” but neglect “the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” He says they should not neglect the former (tithing) while also practicing the latter.
  • Luke 11:42 – A parallel to Matthew 23:23, again criticizing Pharisees for being meticulous about tithing but unjust and lacking love for God.
  • Luke 18:12 – In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the Pharisee boasts, “I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.”

All three passages show tithing as a known Jewish practice under the law, and Jesus uses it to expose hypocrisy rather than to give a new command to his followers.

Related “giving” passages often discussed with tithing

While the word “tithe” is rare, the New Testament repeatedly teaches principles of giving:

  • Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–35 – Early believers share possessions and help anyone in need, showing radical generosity but not specifying a percentage.
  • 2 Corinthians 8–9 – Paul teaches that giving should be voluntary, generous, and cheerful, “not reluctantly or under compulsion,” and “according to what one has.”
  • 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 – Paul instructs believers to set aside a sum of money regularly “in keeping with your income” for the collection for the saints.
  • 1 Timothy 5:17–18; Galatians 6:6 – These passages show that those who preach and teach the word should be materially supported by believers.

These texts are why many churches talk about regular, proportionate giving even if they do not insist on a strict 10%.

How different Christians view tithing today

Christians interpret these passages in a few main ways:

  • Some see the 10% tithe as a continuing, helpful guideline: not a way to earn salvation, but a baseline for regular giving to the local church.
  • Others say tithing as a law belonged to Old Testament Israel, and New Testament believers are called instead to Spirit-led, sacrificial generosity without a fixed percentage.
  • Nearly all Christian traditions agree that:
    • Giving should be from the heart , not forced.
    • Believers should support gospel work, care for the poor, and meet practical needs in the church community.

Quick reference list of New Testament “tithing/giving” texts

  • Explicit “tithe” mentions:
    • Matthew 23:23
    • Luke 11:42
    • Luke 18:12
  • Key “giving” and generosity passages:
    • Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–35
    • 1 Corinthians 16:1–2
    • 2 Corinthians 8–9
    • Galatians 6:6
    • 1 Timothy 5:17–18

TL;DR: The New Testament talks about tithing mainly in Jesus’ critiques of Pharisees (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; Luke 18:12), but its primary teaching for Christians is generous, willing, proportionate giving rather than a new legal requirement of 10%.