Part 3: What’s So Special About a Tenth Anyways?
By now, we’ve seen that tithing under the Old Covenant was specific, layered, and tied to a beautiful system, but no longer applies to us as New Covenant believers.
That still leaves us wondering though: Why a tenth? Why not 5% or 20%?
Why did God consistently point to 10% in Scripture? And is there still something wise—or even sacred—about giving a tenth today?
I’m going to be very up front with you- this is the most “speculative” article in this series
- but I couldn’t leave it out.
I think it’s well worth pondering.
Here’s what we know: the Bible never tells us why God chose “one of every ten”. It doesn’t say, “This is the holiest fraction,” or “Ten percent is the godliest amount to give.”
And yet, the pattern is there.
Throughout Scripture, a tenth often symbolizes more than a portion—it represents a faithful remnant. When only one of the ten lepers returned to thank Jesus (Luke 17:11-19), and when Isaiah spoke of a tenth that would remain as a holy seed (Isaiah 6:13), we see a pattern:
10% can reflect wholehearted response, gratitude, and faithfulness. Even though we're not required to give a specific percentage, choosing to give a tenth can still carry deep spiritual meaningfulness for us.
10% is no longer a rule, but we might be missing something if we ignore it altogether.
Not a rule. Not a requirement. But a helpful rhythm of remembrance.
It’s a way of saying: “God, I trust You with this portion—and with every portion.”
There’s something gentle and grace-filled about using a tenth as a baseline, not because we have to, but because it’s a number God Himself chose more than once. And unless we’ve heard God personally lead us in a different direction for our giving, it can be a wise place to begin!
And friend, if ten percent feels like a huge leap right now, hear this clearly: your faith is not measured in percentages. God sees your heart. He is honored by cheerful giving, not pressured giving. What matters most isn’t the amount, but the attitude of our hearts.
Let’s also be honest—giving a tenth doesn’t automatically make us generous.
Some have the financial capacity and calling to give far more!
Others are in a season where even 5% is a major act of sacrificial trust.
The goal is never to check a box, but to walk with God in every financial decision. A tenth can be a meaningful beginning, but it’s not the ceiling—and it’s certainly not the point.
The point is worship.
The point is surrender.
The point is trust.
Another angle Examined: Ancient Commands and Modern Science
Throughout the Old Testament, God gave His people instructions that, at the time, may have seemed puzzling or burdensome. Yet, as modern science advances, we increasingly discover that these commands were profoundly beneficial - they were truly for the Israelites well-being.
Consider the dietary laws, sanitation practices, and rest periods prescribed in the Mosaic Law. For instance, the command for a weekly Sabbath rest not only provided spiritual rejuvenation but also aligns with contemporary findings on the importance of regular rest for mental and physical health. Similarly, dietary restrictions and cleanliness rituals contributed to the Israelites' health and community hygiene long before germ theory was understood.
This pattern reveals something profound: even when God's reasoning wasn't fully understood, His commands could be trusted—because they always flowed from His goodness and were designed for our ultimate good!
It's a testament to His omniscience and care.
In the same vein, modern research has unveiled the tangible benefits of generosity—a principle deeply embedded in Scripture.
Physical Health Benefits: Acts of giving have been linked to lower blood pressure and a reduced risk of mortality. Engaging in volunteer work or providing support to others can lead to better overall health outcomes.
Mental Health Benefits: Generosity stimulates the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters can reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness and connection.
Enhanced Well-being: Regular acts of kindness and giving are associated with increased self-esteem, life satisfaction, and a sense of purpose.
These findings underscore a profound truth: God's call to generosity may not be just a spiritual discipline but also a pathway to holistic well-being!
More and more, science is proving what Scripture has said all along:
Generosity is good for us.
It lowers stress,
improves mood,
increases life satisfaction,
even boosts physical health.
Giving actually changes us. It lifts our eyes off ourselves, reorients our hearts, and connects us to something bigger than our own little kingdoms.
And maybe, just maybe, God chose this percentage not because He needed it—but because He knew we did? Maybe there’s something God knows that we don’t…
As mentioned, this is purely speculative, but I think it’s worth pondering one way or the other.
Coming up next: In Part 4, we’ll explore New Testament giving and what generosity looks like under grace—not law. We’ll see how Jesus, Paul, and the early church talked about giving, and what it means to live open-handed in a world obsessed with more. 🤍💵📖
