Prioritizing Debt vs Tithe in Biblical Stewardship
The biblical concept of tithing involves setting aside a tenth of one's produce or income for religious purposes. This practice is rooted in biblical history, with instances recorded before the Mosaic law, such as Abraham's tithe to Melchizedek (Genesis 14:20; Hebrews 7:2, 6) and Jacob's vow to devote a tenth to God [1].
Under the Mosaic law, tithing was institutionalized, with specific regulations governing its collection and distribution. The Levites, who were responsible for the sanctuary and its services, received a tithe from the Israelites as their inheritance (Numbers 18:21-24). Additionally, a second tithe was set aside for festivals and charitable purposes (Deuteronomy 14:22-27). In the third year, this second tithe was given to the poor and needy (Deuteronomy 14:28-29) [2, 3].
The New Testament does not explicitly abolish the practice of tithing, but rather recontextualizes it within the broader framework of Christian stewardship. The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of giving generously and cheerfully, without compulsion or calculation (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). In the pastoral epistles, overseers are exhorted to be above reproach and not greedy for money (Titus 1:7) [4].
In Christian tradition, the question of prioritizing debt repayment versus tithing has been debated. Some traditions, such as the Reformed perspective represented by John Calvin, emphasize the importance of simplicity and moderation in one's lifestyle, allowing for generous giving to support the church and the poor [9]. In contrast, the Jewish (Rabbinic) tradition, as reflected in the Babylonian Talmud, maintains that tithing is a fundamental obligation, even in the face of financial hardship. According to this view, one may separate tithes from produce even if it means repaying a debt with tithed produce, as this is seen as a way of fulfilling one's obligation to God [6].
The Catholic (Scholastic) tradition, represented by Thomas Aquinas, argues that the right to receive tithes is a spiritual thing, arising from the debt owed to the clergy for their ministry. According to this view, tithes are due to the clergy as a matter of justice, and are not simply a matter of charitable giving [7].
In the Lutheran tradition, as represented by Keil & Delitzsch's commentary on Deuteronomy, the delivery of tithes is seen as a sacred act, sanctified by prayer before the Lord. This tradition emphasizes the importance of presenting tithes with a sense of reverence and gratitude [8].
Ultimately, the decision of how to prioritize debt repayment versus tithing will depend on one's theological and ethical framework. While some may argue that debt repayment should take precedence, others may see tithing as a fundamental aspect of their faith and practice. As the apostle Paul notes, giving should be done willingly and generously, without compulsion or calculation (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). In this spirit, Christians may seek to balance their financial obligations with their desire to support the church and the poor.
The biblical emphasis on generosity and stewardship is clear. As Jesus says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35) [5]. In this light, Christians are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of generosity and trust in God's provision, even in the face of financial uncertainty.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Tithe Or Tenth — the proportion of property devoted to religious uses from very early times. Instances of the use of tithes are found prior to the appointment of the Levitical tithes under the law. In biblical history the two prominent instances are-- + Abram presenting the tenth of all his property, or rather of the spoils of his victory, to Melchizedek. (Genesis 14:20; Hebrews 7:2,6) + Jacob, after his vision at Luz, devoting a tenth of all his property to God in case he should return home in safety (Genesis 28:22) The first enactment of the law in respect of tithe ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Tithe — A tenth of the produce of the earth consecrated and set apart for special purposes. The dedication of a tenth to God was recognized as a duty before the time of Moses. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20; Heb. 7:6); and Jacob vowed unto the Lord and said, "Of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee." The first Mosaic law on this subject is recorded in Lev. 27:30-32. Subsequent legislation regulated the destination of the tithes (Num. 18:21-24, 26-28; Deut. 12:5, 6, 11, 17; 14:22, 23). The paying of the tithes was an impor”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Tithe — The tenth of anything -- 1Sa 8:15,17. Antiquity of the custom of giving to God's ministers -- Ge 14:20; Heb 7:6. Considered a just return to God for his blessings -- Ge 28:22. Under the law belonged to God -- Le 27:30. Consisted of a tenth Of all the produce of the land. -- Le 27:30. Of all cattle. -- Le 27:32. Of holy things dedicated. -- 2Ch 31:6. Given by God to the Levites for their services -- Nu 18:21,24; Ne 10:37. The tenth of, offered by the Levites as an heave offering to God -- Nu 18:26,27. The tenth of, given by the Levites to the priests as their ”
- Titus “Titus 1:7 (BSB) — As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.”
- Acts “Acts 20:35 (Tyndale) — I have shewed you all thinges how that so laborynge ye ought to receave the weake and to remember the wordes of the Lorde Iesu howe that he sayde: It is more blessed to geve then to receave.”
- Babylonian Talmud (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Babylonian Talmud, Bava Metzia 101a.11: And Rabbi Yehuda also holds that the obligation of one who receives a field of his ancestors, i.e., a sharecropper, to pay the landowner is like that of a tenant farmer, i.e., just as a tenant farmer, whether the field produces a crop or whether it does not produce a crop, is required to procure produce from somewhere, tithe it, and then give it to the landowner, as he is like one paying his debt, so too, one who receives, i.e., a sharecropper, is also like one paying his debt, and he must consequently first tithe the produce and then give it to the land”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Second Part of the Second Part (Secunda Secundae), Of Tithes, Art. 3: Article: Whether tithes should be paid to the clergy? I answer that, Two things have to be considered with regard to tithes: namely, the right to receive tithes, and the things given in the name of tithes. The right to receive tithes is a spiritual thing, for it arises from the debt in virtue of which the ministers of the altar have a right to the expenses of their ministry, and temporal things are due to those who sow spiritual things. This debt concerns none but the clergy who have care of souls,”
- Deuteronomy (Lutheran) “Keil & Delitzsch on Deuteronomy 26:12: The delivery of the tithes, like the presentation of the first-fruits, was also to be sanctified by prayer before the Lord. It is true that only a prayer after taking the second tithe in the third year is commanded here; but that is simply because this tithe was appropriated everywhere throughout the land to festal meals for the poor and destitute (Deu 14:28), when prayer before the Lord would not follow per analogiam from the previous injunction concerning the presentation of first-fruits, as it would in the case of the tithes with which sacrificial meal”
- CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 65: must indulge as little as possible; on the other hand, 2034 it must be his constant aims not only to curb luxury, but to cut off all show of superfluous abundance, and carefully beware of converting a help into an hinderance. 5. Another rule is, that those in narrow and slender circumstances should learn to bear their wants patiently, that they may not become immoderately desirous of things, the moderate use of which implies no small progress in the school of Christ. For in addition to the many other vices which accompany a longing”