What does tithe mean?

Answer 1

n.

1. 1. A tenth part of one's annual income contributed voluntarily or due as a tax, especially for the support of the clergy or church.
   2. The institution or obligation of paying tithes.
2. A tax or assessment of one tenth.
3. 1. A tenth part.
   2. A very small part.

v., tithed, tith·ing, tithes.

v.tr.

1. To contribute or pay a tenth part of (one's annual income).
2. To levy a tithe on.

v.intr.

To pay a tithe.

Answer 2

A tithe, most literally, means a tenth. The practice of tithing began from an offering Abraham gave to Melchizedek, King of Salem after God had given him a military victory (see Genesis 14). His grandson Jacob continued this "tradition" by making a vow that if God would protect him then he would give Him a tenth of everything (see Genesis 28). There is also quite a bit in the Levitical code for giving a tenth of this, a tenth of that for different offerings. Finally, there is a mention by the prophet Malachi that the Jewish priests at that time had robbed God by not tithing (see Malachi 3).

As far as I know, Jews still practice this today. However, there is an honest-to-goodness debate among Christians about whether or not tithing is still applicable. There are some that still say it's assumed that it is. There are others (like myself) that say the New Testament never mentions the practice, and has been replaced by the concept of "Give as God has prospered you" (1 Corinthians 16:2)- and that pastors/preachers/evangelists who make a big deal about tithing are only trying to secure their income.

Answer 3

To contribute or pay a tenth part of (one's annual income).