IS TITHING A NEW COVENANT COMMAND? – A STUDY

By Wanda Mason

Tithe - ma`aser, mah-as-ayr', Hebrew 4643; or ma`asar, mah-as-ar'; and (in plural) feminine ma`asrah, mah-as-raw'; from Hebrew 6240 (`asar); a tenth; especially a tithe :- tenth (part), tithe (-ing).

Tithe - apodekatoo, ap-od-ek-at-o'-o, Greek 586; from Greek 575 (apo) and Greek 1183 (dekatoo); to tithe (as debtor or creditor) :- (give, pay, take) tithe.

Tithing is mentioned in seven books of the Old Testament - all under the LAW and does not apply to us today because Christ fulfilled the Law. We are under a New Covenant. Old things are passed away. In Hebrews, Paul, speaking of the Melchisedec Priesthood that was not after the order of Aaron.

Hebrews 7:12 - KJV

For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. (18) For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitable ness thereof.

Hebrews 7:12 - NIV

For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law. (18) The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless

Tithing is mentioned in only three books of the New Testament and always in reference to the "LAW."

The Greek word for tithing apodekatoo is dissected as follows.

*Apo/**dekatoo - two words.

*Apo as a prefix apo, apo', Greek 575; a primary particle; off, i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative) :- (× here-) after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for (-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-) on (-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.

**dekatoo - to tithe i.e. to give or take a tenth, pay (receive) tithes.

So the word apodekatoo simply means separation from, departure from, cessation of, completion of, reversal from giving or taking a tenth.

When he said "these things ought you to have done and not left the more important things undone" was spoken before his death and resurrection. After that, it was only free will offerings, given from the heart.

Everything we have already belongs to God, how can we give him anything? How can we build him a house? He said, "I dwell not" in temples made with man's hands! "Where ever two or three are gathered together in my name, there I will be in your midst." "And they broke bread from house to house." "Let my house be called "The House of Prayer."

WE are his body and his house! "Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?" The same SPIRIT that raised Christ from the dead shall quicken your MORTAL bodies!

Tithing What Does the Bible Really Teach?

 

FACTS

 

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