The Four Types Of Giving According To The Bible
Published October 2nd, 2019
Did you know that there are four types of giving as written in the Bible? You must know all of these. If you understand the differences of each, then you will see how these acts can reward you in life.
Here are the four types of giving according to the Bible:
Tithes
Tithes often get confused with offerings, but both are very different from each other.
According to the Bible, Tithes are 10% of your income, and it can’t count as an offering. The money belongs only to God, and you should give it only to Him regularly.
Tithes are more of an act of recognition. It’s also a way of giving thanks for all the blessings that you are receiving. It’s to honor and acknowledge that He is your provider.
All your income came from God. So, it is only right and just that you give back the 10% so he can continue blessing you for the 90% that’s left of your income.
The Seed or Offerings
As mentioned, offerings differ from tithes. Unlike tithing, which has a required amount of how much you should give, offerings are more of a free will. It’s up to you how much seed you want to give.
Although the more you give, the more you will receive. Think of it as the more seeds you sow, the more plants you can harvest.
So where should you give your offerings or plant your seed? The Bible says that the source of your spiritual food should receive your offerings.
The First Fruits
The first fruits are usually done once a year or for every new blessing that you receive.
For example, the house of God should receive the full amount of your first salary that you get from your new job. An increase in your salary should also be given to your spiritual storehouse.
Any new blessings that you receive counts as a first fruit, so all these should be offered to God.
Giving your first fruits once a year will show how grateful you are for the blessings that you received from Him.
Alms-giving
Unlike those three types of giving above which you should give to God, alms are for humankind. Your compassion and sympathy will lead you to help the less fortunate and the needy.
There are many ways on how you can give alms. There are lots of soup kitchens out there that help the less fortunate where you can donate food, clothes, and even some cash.
Although most people do alms-giving, many do it the wrong way.
In the Bible, it says that you should give alms in secret so you can protect the dignity of those who are in crisis. Many are helping others but are bragging about it as well.
All of us can help the needy, but only a few can help others with the purest of intentions.
When you practice all these types of giving, then you can have your financial life under control. But remember, you need to have the right intentions and motivations when giving.
Your heart should be pure when doing such selfless acts and God will bestow more blessings upon you.
Donate To The Poor Online
Our Father’s House Soup Kitchen has fed the poor and homeless over 90,000 full and nutritious meals since 1993. You can donate to help the poor and homeless through our christian charity online. Visit our homepage to find our online donation form.
About The Author
Judy Ponio is a full time blogger and is devoted to topics about charity, kindness, and Christianity. She is part of Correct Digital, Inc which is paid by private donors to provide website digital marketing services to this non-profit organization.
March 30, 2020 @ 7:24 am
Good afternoon
Thanks for such brilliant information about types of Giving.
NB: This part that all this must be done Privately to proctet me , by being boosting about giving.
Much blessed.
Regard
Gqele P.N
July 17, 2020 @ 4:40 pm
Reference of Bible scriptures are needed so that we can also help others to understand
April 8, 2021 @ 3:18 am
ALMS – Matthew 6:1-4
TITHE – Leviticus 27:30;Malachi 3:8-11
OFFERING – Exodus 35:5 and 29; Deutronomy 16:10;23:33
September 29, 2020 @ 11:43 am
thank you, for this blessing of information about giving I notice when I started giving to the church
I was getting blessed. . this is my way of saying to god thank you for loving me. and taking care of me,
I’m struggling also. but I keep doing the right thing god is good.
I well, be donating to the Christian charity soup kitchen on a regularly bases.
God Bless You all.
Paula Foster
September 29, 2020 @ 3:09 pm
Good Day
Kindly add the actual Bible verses please where you say “in the Bible, it says…” So that I can learn please.
October 3, 2020 @ 12:04 am
pls give us chapter and verse in the bible
October 7, 2020 @ 12:33 pm
Thanks for such wonderful and motivational teaching this has enriched my life with effective display
God bless
October 8, 2020 @ 4:40 am
Wanted to know more about your charity work OFHSK….
January 22, 2021 @ 8:00 am
So blessed by this teaching. Thanks a lot
October 8, 2020 @ 8:31 am
I know the sister means well, but she is completely wrong in regards to what a Biblical tithe is and and offering. It will take too long for me to explain it here, but the first thing to do is add scripture references to prove your point. According to scripture, a tithe is something you eat or drink, it is a command giving to the children of Israel under the Law of Moses…please read Numbers 18, Deuteronomy 12 and Deuteronomy 14 to get started. Please understand there is no such thing as a cash tithe and a tithe (produce, wine or the 1st born from your herds and flocks) must come from the Promised Land, not the land of America , England or somewhere else…Also, read Hebrews 7 and you will see where the Apostle Paul confirmed what the scriptures say, that only Levites can receive tithes, not a Bishop, Pastor, Elder, Deacon or anyone else. Nowhere in the new testament do the Apostles take up tithes because only a Levite had that authority.
much blessings.
November 25, 2020 @ 4:39 am
U have to understand the importance of the five fold ministry ,in the old testament there’s nothing like pastor and the rest, the Bible only point Levi and the priest of the alter , in the new testament God change it to five fold ministry …. Now Apostle is the head, any other ministries is under the Apostle,so the Apostle is a church founder he is the one that takes care of the tithes , same with pastor and the rest when they received the tithes they send it to the Apostle ….. Because God is there inheritance so they are the Levi as we know it today, they are the manifold grace of God
January 10, 2021 @ 11:54 am
Where in the bible that you see this. Show me please the scriptures.
February 6, 2021 @ 5:13 am
Before tithe became a law and a command in the O/T that it should be paid to the Levites, it has been a practice. Over 500 years before it became a command Abraham have offered a tithe to Melchizedek (who was a priest of God Gen 14:18-20). If Abraham paid a tithe to Melchizedek, the priest of God, and Israel also were commanded by God to offer tithe to the levitical priest hood, whom then should Christians pay tithe to? The answer is Jesus. Jesus is referred in N/T as a merciful and faithful High Priests (Heb 2:17&18). He is referred to as the Apostle and High Priest (Heb 3:1-). He is again referred to o in Heb 7:11 as a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron. (Read the whole chp 7&8). If Jesus is the High Priest whose ministry is superior, then all tithe must be offered to Him. All those who believe that the death of Jesus makes atonement by removing God’s wrath against them because of their sins, should pay tithe to Jesus. All lovers of Jesus, those who acknowledge Him as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, should offer their tithe to Him. All what I am trying to say is that if you are offering your tithe, have a notion that you are not paying to pastor or church but Jesus the Most High Priest. Don’t be deceived that tithing have been abolished. Where in the Bible is it state. We offer tithe as our gratitude to God that He is the owner of everything we have including our lives.
August 7, 2021 @ 10:08 am
Thank you for your response. It seems that you have more knowledge then most. Can you recommend a book that teaches about the different types of giving?
December 7, 2020 @ 5:24 am
Thank you
December 7, 2020 @ 5:26 am
Thank you Steve.
What about sowing a seed offerings?
October 8, 2020 @ 11:53 pm
Am so much blessed with the teachings. God bless you.
October 10, 2020 @ 2:43 pm
I have also learned that forgiveness is another type of giving
October 10, 2020 @ 3:14 pm
Please can you explain the tithe, we re to give it to only God according to you.. How do we give it to “only” God.. I need clarification here thanks.
October 27, 2020 @ 4:42 am
I don’t subscribe to the teaching of tithes and offerings as given here, which is a clear departure from the scripture.
TITHES were agricultural produce and animals reared and NEVER MONEY. They were meant to be collected by the LEVITES only and shared with the priests who had no other POSSESSIONS in the Promise Land.
There were 3 or 4 types of tithes, depending on how you classify them. Why not teaching 30% as the Bible teaches.
Your submissions here smack of the class of PROSPERITY GOSPELLERS who merely dupe the innocent of their earnings.
You don’t pay God to be blessed. That’s no more blessing if you do. You earn it.
Read Romans 8:32.
January 27, 2021 @ 6:10 am
Because of the many debates out there about this issue of tithing i have personally developed my own principle led by the holy spirit about tithes.Whether or not tithing is a new testament doctrine or not is not the issue.Must we give for the work of God? If yes why the debate.I tell myself i would give10% of my salary every month to my local church for the work of God, i call it tithes but it doesnt really matter what name you attach to it…10% to help in the advancement of God’s work shouldn’t generate unnecessary debate at all. God bless.
June 22, 2021 @ 2:56 pm
May God bless you for your understanding sir.
October 30, 2020 @ 4:03 am
1. Kindly reconcile Romans 8:32 with
Malachi 3:10.
2. Do priests exist today as in the days of
the Livites priesthood?
3. Can money provide food to the
storehouse of the Lord?
4. If tithing should be limited to food
items by farmers only, what then would
the non farmers provide?
5. Is there a difference between the God
in the days if tge Old Testament and
the days if the New Testament?
6. How would the utility bills and cost of
transportation and salaries of the
church be met?
So, anyone who does not subscribe to Malachi 3:10 is robbing God. Stealing God’s money.
November 5, 2020 @ 10:58 pm
Thank you my Brother!….that’s exactly the point!
November 12, 2020 @ 12:29 am
I agree tithing is biblical and it rebukes the thief (John 10:10) And connects tithers to divine blessings Malachi 3:10-11.instead of curses. Even Abram tithed (Genesis 14)
December 2, 2020 @ 9:00 pm
TITHES:
A tithe is 10% of your income given specifically to your local church (where you attend faithfully and go to worship God and fellowship with other believers) The first 10% belongs to God, the 90% left belongs is yours. There is not a specific Scripture in the New Testament concerning tithing. So most people use Malachi 3:10, those who have done so have received blessings. Abraham is our example on tithing. He gave a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek when he returned from the slaughter of the five kings. He tithed silver, gold, animals, etc. (He did this before the Law was given concerning the tithe) (Gen 14:18-24).
How are the five fold ministry gifts suppose their families? They are to receive from the tithes and offerings that are brought into the local church (1 Corinthians 9:14). Then read what the Apostle Paul chose to do. Do the research, the percentage that they receive from the tithe and offering is not as mush as what people think it is. In the Old Testament read 2 Chronicles chapters 31 and 35. True we are not Levites but we are kings and priests unto God (1 Peter 2:5-9, Revelation 1:6).
J.C. Penney tithed 90% of his income to the Lord and lived off of the 10% (food for thought).
OFFERINGS:
Something offered in worship or devotion, as to deity; an oblation or sacrifice, a contribution given to or through the church for a particular purpose, as at a religious/church service, anything offered as a gift. Offerings take on many forms. The Lord Jesus offered Himself to go to the cross for us. Concerning monetary offerings, in the Old Testament Read 1 Chronicles 29. Look at the offering that David gave for the building of God’s house. This offering came from his own possessions. Then his leaders gave from their own possessions as well (convert what he gave in silver, gold and bronze according to todays standards). In the New Testament 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 is an offering scripture.
Read Luke 21:1-4, the offerings of the rich and the widow woman ( two mites in todays standards is equal to about a 1/2 cent to 1 cent.
ALMSGIVING:
Is a religious act inspired by compassion and a desire for justice, whereby an individual who possesses the economic means helps in a material way him/her less fortunate neighbor. (Matthew 6:1-4, Acts 10:1-4, Luke 3:11, Romans 12:8, 13, Hebrews 13:16 (New Testament)) ( Deuteronomy 15:10-11, Proverbs 19:17, 22:9, 14:21, 31, 21:13 (Old Testament)). We all were poor but what the God has done for us through Jesus we are extremely wealthy.
FIRSTFRUITS:
The earliest gathered fruits offered to the Deity in acknowledge of the gift of fruitfulness. First fruits, in the Old Testament is the best of the animals sacrifices, the land (best crops), fruit, honey, wine, wheat harvest, etc. (Exodus 23:19, 34:19, Lev 2:14, 23:20).
In the New Testament we are the first fruits spiritual (James 1:18). As God’s first fruits we are to have a sanctifying effect on others (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). As first fruits we are to be true followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I encourage you to do a word study of each of these word. Dig into the Word, that is how we will grow and know the truth for ourselves, then walk in the light that the Lord gives to you. Cross- reference all scriptures. Make sure what you are reading and listening to lines up with the Word of God. Each person may interpret the Scriptures differently but do not push what and how you believe onto others. Just suppose what you believe is wrong and they are right!! We are called to love others especially our brothers and sisters in Christ.
**I admit I do not know everything concerning the Word of God. This is what I have come to learn as I have read and studied these things out.
There are many other scriptures that I did not mention but they are in the Bible waiting for you!!
Love to you all
December 7, 2020 @ 5:38 am
All of this now just leaves me confused
August 10, 2021 @ 9:14 am
Me too… I thought I had it, but reading this confuses me so much!
January 1, 2021 @ 11:56 am
Thank you so much
I have learn from this.
God bless you.
January 15, 2021 @ 7:53 am
2 Timothy 3:16-17
New International Version
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I have never seen anyone who became poor by giving or by tithing.
January 16, 2021 @ 12:50 pm
Thanks very much. I have learnt a lot from this documentary
January 17, 2021 @ 11:27 am
I am true believer of giving to my local church and .At time for years I give I0% ,But as study the scripture more the 10% went away when Jesus went to the cross .Galatians 5:1 Stand fast there in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage . Collossians chapter 2: 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordiances that was against us. which was contrary to us,and took it out of the way ,nailing to the cross we not.under the law was to give 10% .Under grace is generosity giving above on beyond 1 Corinthian16:1-3 2Corinthians 9 :6-7 Read what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 9:13-15 verse 13 Do ye know that they which minister of the holy things live of things of the temple, verse 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gosphel. I Timothy 5 17-18 Here Paul writing to Timothy that the elders to taken care of . when I teach the scripture I can not teach something that did not write to the church I tell people dont get hang up on 10% if Jesus gave his life for us we should 15% 20% as what it says in 1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concering the collection for the saints ,as I have given order to the churches of Galatia,even so do ye. verse 2 upon the first of the week let every one of you[ lay by him in store as God hath prospered him .that there be no gatherings when I com] .Do you see 10% there no we are under grace Jesus reveal the things to Paul so write it to church.I believe in giving to the needy salvation is frree we cannot buy it Jesus for our sins on the cross . I just want people to read the scripture just take your time read have a note book with you when you thank you God bless you and keep in the word.
January 24, 2021 @ 12:47 am
Tithing predates the law. Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek Gen. 14:18-20
In regards to tithing, Jesus said in Luke 11:42 “these you ought to have done”.
When Jesus fulfilled the law by dying for our sins(Matt. 5:17-18) he redeemed us from the curse of the law Gal. 3:13Therefore we are not under a curse if we do not tithe. But are blessed if we do because the blessing of the law still remains.
February 28, 2021 @ 9:13 am
Yes it is true we are not under the law. That is the judgment that we had because no one could keep the law. This does not mean we are free from it’s general way of life. Jesus “said that in the law it was stated do not kill. I say if you are angry with your brother without cause you are in danger of judgment.” He said” in old times you knew not to commit adultery, i say if you look with lust you have committed adultery already in your heart”. I ask if the old testament principle was 10% what would Jesus say now? Love demands more than the law ever will. I don’t need the law, or Abraham to demand me to give at least 10%, My love for him demands much more than that. If you find the challenge to tithe I recommend you consider your relationship. Would you not give your kids presents because it is not a law. Would you not give your wife an anniversary gift because it is man’s tradition. Why would anyone look at tithe and say i have been set free from that?
April 8, 2021 @ 7:20 pm
I have spent hundreds of hours studying tithing and giving and I would be honored to help those who have responded with questions. I wrote a book/bible study on the subject several years ago. Please know, I don’t say this to boast, or to sell books, but to let you know that God has given me a passion to study tithing and giving and share the truth.
There were six different tithing methods mentioned in the Bible and I don’t believe God ever intended for Christians today to practice any of them. The first two were prior to the Old Testament law and many people believe that because these tithes were discussed prior to the law that the tithe is then still valid for today. I don’t believe this is true and I will tell you why.
1. Abram’s Tithe (Gen 14:17-24)
a. God did not tell Abram to make this tithe and the tithe was made from spoils of war. Many scholars and theologians believe that Abrams tithe was simply a customary practice in Mesopotamia at the time. This makes sense when you consider that God has a different plan for how spoils of war are to be divided (see Num. 35:21-24).
b. There is no evidence that Abram ever tithed again as a biblical practice or mandate.
c. Abram said to the King of Sodom, “I will accept nothing belonging to you…” Tithe teachers focus on the 10% to Melchizedek, but they don’t discuss that Abram said it didn’t even belong to him and gave the balance to the King of Sodom.
2. Jocob’s Tithe (Gen. 28:20-22)
a. If God did not tell Jacob to tithe and there’s no evidence he actually did it, this should not be used as biblical proof that God wants us to tithe.
b. Jacob placed a condition on his tithe. He would only do it if God blessed him.
The other four tithes mentioned in the Bible were part of the Old Testament Law. I was probably 200 hours into my studies before it hit me, “The four tithes under the law are not even a form of giving or generosity. They were only meant to be a land production tax system for the nation of Israel to support the Levites, priests, Temple, and festivals.” I’m not aware of any other civil or ceremonial laws of the O.T. that pastors ask Christians to obey. Why? Furthermore, when God gave the laws he said, in Deu. 12:1 “These are the decrees and laws you must be careful to follow in the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has given you to possess—as long as you live in the land.” So, Jews living outside Israel were not required to tithe because the tithing laws were only meant for Israel. Jesus, John the Baptist, and the Apostle Paul were not required to tithe because they weren’t farmers or ranchers.
3. The Levite Tithe (Lev. 27:30-35) 10% given by the farmers and ranchers, in Israel, to the Levites in charge of the 48 Levitical cities because they had no inheritance in the land and no way to feed themselves.
4. The Storehouse Tithe (Num. 18:27-29) The Levites took 10% of what was given to them by the farmers and ranchers to the Priests at the Temple. This is the tithe mentioned in Malachi chapter 3 and was less than 1% of the tithes given by the farmers and ranchers.
5. The Festival Tithe (Deu. 14:22-27) This 10% tithe was eaten by the farmers and ranchers as a celebration of thanksgiving to God in the city of Jerusalem.
6. The Welfare Tithe (Deu. 14:28-29 and Deu. 26:12) The farmers and ranchers gave another 10% every three years to the Levites, travelers, orphans, and widows to provide for them.
Note: I gave all of these tithes specific names so you could follow along easy. The Bible does not name the tithes. If you are a tither, I would like to ask you, “Which of the six tithing methods mentioned in the Bible are you practicing? The truth is… it is impossible for Christians today to practice any of them, except for Jacob’s conditional tithe.
I’ve already written a lot, so let me end with this… God wants us to regularly give willing and cheerfully, from the heart, according to our ability in love and appreciation to Him. These principles are found in both the Old and New Testaments (see Exodus chapters 35 and 36, 2 Cor. chapters 8 and 9, 1 Chro 29:1-9). May God bless you as you seek to be a generous steward for His glory.
May 23, 2021 @ 7:55 am
I came seeking sincere answers about “seed faith.” I love the Lord and love to give. I grew weary of ministers getting rich off of such offerings, and saw it often when living in the Bible belt. I have no problem w tithes, offerings, or alms. I love alms the most. Still, nowhere in scripture do I see Jesus telling people… “Your seed faith offering has made you whole.” I am at a new Church after relocation. I absolutely LOVE the WORD that goes forth. It is straight from the throne of God. It’s been a long time since I’ve been challenged by God in such a manner. However, after every sermon, this “giving a seed faith offering” comes up. I have given these offerings over my life span, as God has moved in my heart. Now, this at Church is becoming an issue in my heart. I am pulling back again, and I feel guilty to pull back. But, this “seed faith” after every sermon is bothering me. I don’t want this issue to be used by the enemy to hold me back, so I started researching “seed faith.” That’s how I got here. Any ideas?
June 30, 2021 @ 11:23 am
The more you give with pure intentions, the more the flood gates of heaven will be opened to you. Givers never lack; I pray for grace to be a giver in Jesus name. Thanks for this biblical light on GIVING.
July 24, 2021 @ 2:42 pm
Great teaching, have lent a lot glory be to God.
July 30, 2021 @ 4:56 am
thank you so much for posting, great help for my thesis outline, God bless.