Berean Word Study – Tithe & Giving

Scripture Index & Word Study

Introduction

This resource curates key Scripture passages that trace the biblical concept of the tithe—from its theocratic function in Israel to its typological fulfillment in Christ—and the New Testament’s redefinition of giving under grace. Verses are drawn from both covenants and grouped thematically to highlight shifts in posture, purpose, and priesthood.

To support deeper study, this page also introduces original language terms in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek that underlie the English translations. Readers are invited to engage the texts directly, compare covenantal contexts, and test theological claims—like true Bereans.

Full Scripture List (ESV)

Old Testament — Theocratic Tithe System

• Leviticus 27:30–32 — “Every tithe of the land… is holy to the Lord.”
• Numbers 18:21–24 — “To the Levites I have given every tithe… as their inheritance.”
• Deuteronomy 14:22–29 — Instructions for annual and third-year tithes.
• 2 Chronicles 31:5–6 — Hezekiah’s reforms and tithe restoration.
• Malachi 3:8–10 — “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse…”

Gospels — Jesus’ Teaching on Giving

• Matthew 22:21 — “Render to Caesar… and to God the things that are God’s.”
• Matthew 23:23 — “You tithe mint and dill… but neglect justice, mercy, and faithfulness.”
• Luke 21:1–4 — The widow’s offering: “She… put in more than all of them.”
• John 18:36 — “My kingdom is not of this world.”

Hebrews — Typological Fulfillment

• Hebrews 7:4–9 — “Melchizedek received tithes from Abraham.”
• Hebrews 8:13 — “He makes the first covenant obsolete.”

Pauline Epistles — Grace-Based Giving

• 2 Corinthians 8:3–5 — “They gave beyond their means… first to the Lord.”
• 2 Corinthians 8:9 — “Though He was rich… He became poor.”
• 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 — “Each one must give… not reluctantly or under compulsion.”
• Philippians 4:18 — “A fragrant offering… pleasing to God.”

Formation & Surrender

• Romans 12:1 — “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice.”
• Acts 2:44–45 — “They had all things in common… as any had need.”
• Genesis 1:27 + Matthew 22:21 — “Render to God the things that are God’s.”

Word Study: Original Language Terms

Hebrew (Old Testament)

• מַעֲשֵׂר (maʿăśēr) — tithe, tenth. Used in Lev. 27:30, Num. 18. Indicates a fixed portion set apart for sacred use.
• קָדֹשׁ (qādôsh) — holy, set apart. Describes the tithe’s sanctified status.
• עָשַׂר (ʿāsar) — to tithe. Verb form used in Deut. 14.

Aramaic (NT via Peshitta)

• ܡܬܝܗܒܘܬܐ (mtyehbutha) — offering/gift. Used in Luke 21:4. Emphasizes voluntary giving.
• ܩܘܪܒܢܐ (qurbana) — sacrifice, offering. Typologically linked to temple giving.

Greek (New Testament)

• δεκάτη (dekátē) — tenth, tithe. Used in Heb. 7:4. Refers to Abraham’s offering to Melchizedek.
• προσφορά (prosphora) — offering. Used in Phil. 4:18. Indicates a spiritual sacrifice.
• χαρά (chará) / χάρις (cháris) — joy / grace. Found in 2 Cor. 8–9. Frames giving as grace overflow.
• ἱλαρός (hilarós) — cheerful. Used in 2 Cor. 9:7. Describes the posture of the giver.
• θυσία (thysía) — sacrifice. Used in Rom. 12:1. Points to whole-life surrender.