Tithe - Encyclopedia of The Bible

TITHE (מַעֲשֵׂר, H5130, pl. מַֽעַשְׂרﯴת׃֒ ; δεκάτη, Lat. decima). The tenth of produce or property for the support of the priesthood or for other religious objectives.1. Principal passages. References to the tithe are found in both the OT and NT, but the main portions are incorporated in the Mosaic legislation. They are (1) Leviticus 27:30-33; (2) Numbers 18:21-32; and (3) Deuteronomy 12:5-18; 14:22-29.2. Secular examples. Tithing was an ancient and general practice among other religions and cultures besides the Sem. Giving a portion of one’s labor or of the spoils of war was known among a number of nations in antiquity. In Egypt the people gave two tenths of their harvest to the Pharaoh (Gen 47:24; cf. among other nations: Syrians [1 Macc 10:31; 11:35]; Lydians [Herod. 1:89]; and Babylonians, M. Jastrow, The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria [1898], 668). Tithes were both political (tribute and taxation) and religious (connected with offerings). Ancient extra-Biblical use appears to...