CategoryDoctrine / Giving and Covenant Practice Term
Modern Equivalenttenth; offering portion; covenant giving.
KJV Word TypeNoun / verb
DefinitionA tenth part given for religious support, worship, or covenant obligation. In the KJV, tithes are associated with Israel’s law, priestly support, and later teachings about justice, mercy, and faith.
Key Verses"And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy unto the LORD." (Leviticus 27:30); "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith." (Matthew 23:23)
KJV Usage NoteRefers to a tenth, especially in covenant and worship contexts; Jesus’ teaching also connects tithing with weightier matters such as judgment, mercy, and faith.
Common MisunderstandingIt is not merely a generic donation; in KJV usage it specifically means a tenth and is tied to covenant practice and worship.
EtymologyFrom Old English teogotha, meaning tenth.