Tithing is often described as a sacred duty for believers—a way to honor God and support the work of the Church. But in practice, many wrestle with guilt or anxiety about whether they’re “doing it right,” especially when income barely covers essentials. Is tithing truly meant to be a rigid 10% off the top, no matter your circumstances? Or does scripture paint a more compassionate, nuanced picture?
Let’s look at what the scriptures, prophetic guidance, and historical context actually teach about tithing—and how it applies when you’re trying to faithfully give, but also care for your needs.

The Scriptural Model: Tithing on Surplus, Not Survival

Doctrine and Covenants 119:4

“…those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually…”
The word “interest” in early 19th-century usage meant increase—what you have left over after meeting basic living needs (also “surplus advantage” or “profit”).

This scripture, foundational to Latter-day Saint tithing, emphasizes annual surplus, not gross wages.

Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 14:39 states,

“Abraham paid tithes of all the riches which he possessed, which God had given him more than that which he had need.”

This is profound. Abraham—a prophet and patriarch—did not tithe on every coin or camel. He tithed on what he had above and beyond his needs. This sets a precedent: God does not ask us to sacrifice necessities. He invites us to return a portion of our blessings, not our burdens.

Mosiah 18:27 (Book of Mormon)

“…if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, it should be required according to that which he had.”

The principle is crystal clear: God’s law of giving is proportional. It respects your circumstances. Those with more give more. Those with less are expected to give according to their capacity.

What About “Will a Man Rob God?” (Malachi 3)
One of the most quoted scriptures on tithing comes from Malachi 3:8:

“Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.”

This is often used to pressure members into paying a full 10% of their total income regardless of circumstances. But the broader context of Malachi tells a more specific story. Throughout chapters 1–3, God is rebuking the priests for corrupt practices—offering blemished sacrifices, keeping the best for themselves, and failing to teach the people properly (see Malachi 1:6–14, 2:1–9).

When God says Israel has robbed Him, He is not condemning the poor for failing to pay tithes—He is calling out the leaders who were withholding what belonged to God and abusing their office. The condemnation was for greed and corruption, not for poverty or hardship.

The Widow’s Mite: A Lesson in Devotion, Not a Tithing Blueprint

Jesus famously praised a poor widow who gave two mites to the temple treasury, saying:
“This poor widow hath cast in more than they all… for all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.” (Luke 21:1–4)

This story is not a commandment to give everything, nor is it a model of how to tithe. It is a lesson in devotion and sincerity—a contrast to the wealthy who gave for show. Nowhere does Jesus suggest that everyone should follow her example by giving beyond their needs. In fact, His response is filled with admiration, not instruction.

The 1970 First Presidency Letter on Tithing states,

“The simplest statement we know is… that the members of the Church should pay ‘one-tenth of all their interest annually,’ which is understood to mean income. No one is justified in making any other statement than this.”

This letter doesn’t demand a legalistic formula. It reinforces the idea that tithing is between you and the Lord—based on your understanding of what your increase is.

The Historical Definition of Tithing

In the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary, “tithe” is defined as:

“The tenth part of increase, annually arising from the profits of land and stock…”

This definition supports the scriptural understanding: tithing is about increase, or profit, not simply total income. Historically, it applied to what was left over after expenses—a practice rooted in agrarian logic and divine wisdom.

Popular Tropes vs. Scriptural Truth

You’ve probably heard someone say, “I always pay my tithing first, and the Lord has always blessed me.” That experience may be true for them—and faith like that is admirable. But personal blessings should never be generalized into doctrinal obligations, especially for those in hardship.

Contrary to popular belief, the terms “full tithe” and “honest tithe” are not found anywhere in scripture. These are cultural phrases, not scriptural ones. What is scriptural is the idea of personal increase, circumstantial giving, and a God who judges the heart—not the bank account.

Tithing With Wisdom and Faith

Some well-meaning voices urge members to tithe on gross income, even if it means going without food, healthcare, or rent. But that’s not what the scriptures teach.

God is not glorified by your suffering, and He is not asking you to sacrifice your needs for the sake of meeting a number. He is asking for faith, honesty, and a willing heart. When Abraham tithed, it was on the abundance God gave him, not the essentials he needed to live.

So What Is Tithing?

In a faithful Latter-day Saint context:

Tithing is giving one-tenth of your increase—what God has blessed you with above your basic needs—as an expression of faith, gratitude, and covenant loyalty.

It is:

-A personal matter between you and God

-A law based on surplus, not sacrifice of necessity

-A sacred opportunity, not a financial strain

-A principle of building Zion—where no one is impoverished by obedience

Final Thought

The Lord said, “I require the heart and a willing mind” (D&C 64:34). That applies to tithing, too. If your heart is right and your mind is willing, the amount will follow as the Lord increases you. Don’t let fear, pressure, or misunderstanding rob you of the joy of giving—and don’t let it rob you of peace in meeting your real-life needs.
Tithing is not about poverty—it’s about partnership with God. Give what you can, when you can, from what is above your needs, and let God take care of the rest.