The context
Malachi was written to Israel after the return from exile. The people had grown careless in worship, and the tithes that supported the priests, the Levites and the poor were not being brought in (Malachi 3:8–9). God calls this robbing Him.
The “storehouse” was a set of rooms at the temple where the tithe of grain and produce was kept to feed those who served there and those in need (Nehemiah 13:10–12).
“Prove me now herewith”
This is one of the rare places where God invites His people to test Him. The promise is real, but it is a promise to Israel under the covenant, about rain and harvest (verse 11). It is not a formula that guarantees a financial return on every gift, and teachers who present it that way misread the passage.
The New Testament does not repeat the command to tithe a tenth, but it raises the heart behind giving: give generously, regularly and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:6–7; 1 Corinthians 16:2). Many Christians use the tithe as a starting point for that.
Gross or net?
Scripture tithed on the increase, the harvest that came in. People apply that differently today. Some give a tenth of gross income because taxes are part of what they earned; others give a tenth of take-home pay because that is what they actually receive. Both are common, and both are made in good conscience.
What matters more is that giving comes first, not from whatever is left over (Proverbs 3:9).
Putting it into practice
- Decide on a percentage and whether you will give on gross or net income.
- Set your giving up to happen first, when income arrives.
- If a tenth is not possible yet, start with a percentage you can keep and increase it.
- Include retirement income and windfalls in your plan.
Common questions
Do Christians have to tithe 10%?
The New Testament does not repeat the Old Testament command to give a tenth, but it calls believers to generous, regular and cheerful giving. Many Christians treat the tithe as a starting point.
Should I tithe on gross or net income?
Christians differ. Some tithe on gross income because taxes are part of what they earned; others tithe on take-home pay. Our tithe calculator shows both so you can decide.
Does Malachi 3:10 promise financial blessing?
It promises blessing to Israel under the covenant, especially rain and harvest. It is not a guarantee that every gift will be returned with more money.
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