3 TYPES of TITHE in the Bible that Almost No Pastor Explains — Have You Been Doing the Right One?

The video introduces the concept of three distinct types of tithes in the Old Testament, suggesting that most teachings only cover one. These tithes had different recipients, frequencies, and purposes, and understanding them can change one's perspective on generosity and freedom.

The Levitical tithe, described in Numbers 18 and Leviticus 27, was 10% of agricultural produce given to the Levites. This tithe was not money but agricultural goods, and it only applied to farmers and ranchers, not all professions. The Levites, in turn, tithed 10% of what they received to the Aaronic priests. This system was specific to a theocratic agricultural nation under Mosaic law and effectively ended with the destruction of the Temple and the change of the priesthood in Christ.

The second tithe, outlined in Deuteronomy 14, was for personal and family celebration during the annual feasts in Jerusalem. This tithe was consumed by the tither and their family, allowing them to buy food and drink (even strong drink) to rejoice before God. This tithe could be converted to money for convenience. The video highlights that this tithe, meant for the joy of the people, is often overlooked by modern churches because it doesn't support institutional budgets.

The third tithe, commanded every third year in Deuteronomy 14 and 26, was for the vulnerable: Levites, strangers, orphans, and widows. This tithe was stored within the local communities, not the temple, ensuring direct redistribution to those in need. Fulfilling all three tithes meant an average giving of approximately 23.3% of agricultural production, challenging the modern 10% teaching.

The video argues that teaching all three tithes would significantly reduce church budgets, as a large portion of the tithe was for family celebration and direct aid to the poor, not institutional expenses. Many churches selectively interpret Old Testament verses, focusing on the first tithe (monetized and universalized) to maintain their current financial structures.

Hebrews 7 explains that the Levitical priesthood and the law that sustained it (including the tithe) changed with Christ's new priesthood. The New Covenant emphasizes voluntary offerings, not a fixed percentage, as seen in Paul's teachings in 2 Corinthians 8-9. This new system encourages generosity from a transformed heart, often exceeding mandated percentages, and is exemplified by the early church's radical sharing.

Under the New Covenant, giving is guided by principles: giving as purposed in the heart, with joy, according to one's means (and sometimes beyond), to meet real needs (not institutional luxuries), prioritizing family, and giving in secret. These principles create genuine generosity motivated by love, not obligation or fear.

The curse in Malachi 3 was addressed to corrupt priests who withheld tithes meant for the poor, not to every believer. In Christ, believers are redeemed from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13) and live under grace. Therefore, giving is motivated by love for Christ and gratitude for redemption, not by fear of a curse. This freedom inspires more generous giving than fear ever could.

Many modern churches operate on an Old Testament temple model, requiring mandatory tithing to sustain expensive buildings, salaried staff, and large programs. In contrast, the primitive church met in homes, focused on discipleship, and operated with radical, voluntary generosity to meet immediate needs rather than build institutions. The video challenges believers to discern if their giving supports God's kingdom or a human-built religious structure.