The Four Types Of Giving According To The Bible

Published October 13, 2026
Have you ever given something and wondered if it counted? Maybe you dropped a coin in a box. Maybe you gave your time to a friend. You may not know it, but God cares about all of it.
The Bible shows us four types of giving. Each one is simple. Each one matters. Some people think giving is only about money. That is not true!
In this post, you will learn the four types of giving according to the Bible. You will see what each one means and how you can live it out today. Let’s start!
Why Does God Care About Giving?
Have you ever felt you do not have enough to give? Many people feel this way. Bills pile up. Money runs short. So giving feels hard. But God sees giving in a special way. He gave us everything first. Our air, our food, and our families all come from Him.
When we give, we say thank you. We also learn to trust Him. Giving is not about being rich. It is about a kind heart. The Bible shows four ways to give, and each one has its own job. Ready? Let us look at them one by one.
Giving Is Not Just About Money
Here is a surprise. Giving is not only about cash. Many people think it is, but the Bible tells us more. You can give your time. You can give food. You can give a kind word or a helping hand. God looks at the heart, not just the wallet.
Paul wrote, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). That means a happy heart matters most. A small gift with joy is better than a big gift with a grumpy face. So do not feel bad if your purse is light. You still have much to share.
Type One: The Tithe
A tithe is one part out of ten. The Bible says a tenth of what we earn belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30). Say you earn $100. Your tithe is $10. It is a way to say, “God, thank You for all I have.” Long ago, Abraham gave a tenth after a big win (Genesis 14:20).
A tithe is a set amount, so it stays the same each time. Most people give it to their church. Anything extra is an offering. A tithe is not a trade with God. It is a thank-you.
Type Two: The Offering, or Seed
An offering is a gift you choose. No one tells you how much. You decide with your heart. Think of a farmer. He plants a seed and waits. Later, he picks a good crop. The Bible says, “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38). That does not mean you give to get rich.
It means kind giving opens doors to blessings. Many people give offerings to their church. Others give to a teacher who helps them grow in faith. Small seeds can grow big. Plant yours with love.
Type Three: First Fruits
First fruits are the very first part of something new. Long ago, farmers gave the first and best of their crop to God. The Bible tells us to honor the Lord with our first and best (Proverbs 3:9). Think of a new job. You could give part of your first paycheck.
Or you could give from a surprise bonus. First fruits say, “God, You come first.” They show thanks for new chances. Many people do this once a year or when a big blessing comes. It is a joyful way to give.
Type Four: Alms for People in Need
Alms are gifts for the poor. The first three types go to God’s work. Alms go straight to people who are hurting. That can be food, clothes, money, or your time. Think of a soup kitchen. One hot meal can change a person’s whole day.
The Bible says being kind to the poor is like lending to God (Proverbs 19:17). Alms are love you can see. They are kindness with hands and feet. You do not need a lot. A bag of rice or one hour of help is a good start.
The Four Types at a Glance
Here is a simple chart. Use it when you forget which is which.

All four are good. You can give in more than one way.
A Story About Two Small Coins
One day, Jesus sat near the temple. Rich people dropped in big gifts. Then a poor widow came. She put in two tiny coins. They were worth almost nothing. But Jesus smiled. He told His friends she gave more than all the rest (Mark 12:41-44). Why? The rich gave from their extra.
She gave all she had. Her heart was full of trust. This story shows us that God does not count coins. He sees love. So what does your small gift say about your heart?
Give Quietly, Not Loudly
Here is a bold truth. Do not give to be seen. Jesus said, “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3). Giving in secret keeps us humble. It also keeps the person we help from feeling shy. You do not need a post or a photo.
Some people say sharing a gift can inspire others. That is a fair point. But always check your heart first. Ask, “Am I giving to help, or to be praised?” Quiet kindness feels good, and God sees it.
Easy Ways to Start This Week
You do not need a big plan. Pick one step and do it today.
- Set aside 10% of your next paycheck for your church.
- Drop a small seed offering in a box or give online.
- Give a part of your next bonus as first fruits.
- Bring a meal to a neighbor in need.
- Give one hour at a local soup kitchen.
Small steps add up. Over time, giving becomes a happy habit. It will bless the people you help, and it will bless you too.
FAQs
What are the four principles of giving according to the Bible?
The Bible teaches that we should give cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), give in secret (Matthew 6:3), give from our first and best (Proverbs 3:9), and give to those in need (Proverbs 19:17).
What are the different types of giving?
The Bible shows four types of giving: tithes, offerings (seeds), first fruits, and alms. Each one has its own purpose, and you can give in more than one way.
What are the four categories of spiritual gifts?
Spiritual gifts are often grouped as speaking gifts, serving gifts, sign gifts, and leadership gifts (Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12). Note that this is different from giving, which is about sharing what we have.
What is giving according to the Bible?
Giving is sharing what God has first given us, like money, time, food, or kindness. God looks at the heart, and He loves a cheerful giver.
What are the four types of giving in the Bible?
The four types are tithes (one tenth of your income), offerings (gifts you choose), first fruits (the first and best), and alms (help for the poor).
Final Thoughts
Giving is a gift, not a chore. The Bible shows us four ways to give: tithes, offerings, first fruits, and alms. Each one comes from a thankful heart. God loves a cheerful giver, and even a small gift matters to Him.
At Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen in Pompano Beach, Florida, we have served hot lunches to the poor since 1989. Your gift helps us give meals, clothes, and hope each week. Ready to give? Donate online or volunteer with us today. What will your next step be?

About The Author
Hi, I’m Julie Fortuna, a writer who loves teaching you about the work of Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen, a non-profit feeding the poor of South Florida. I write about the neighbors we serve, the volunteers who prepare and serve meals, and so much more.
Correct Digital is paid by private donors to provide website and marketing services to this non-profit organization.





















