Giving is one of the most profound expressions of our faith and devotion to God. Throughout Scripture, we find countless verses that speak to the heart of generous giving, cheerful offerings, and the spiritual rewards that flow from a willing heart.
The Bible presents offering as more than just a religious duty—it’s a sacred act of worship that transforms both the giver and the recipient. From the Old Testament laws about tithes and firstfruits to the New Testament teachings on sacrificial giving, Scripture reveals God’s heart for generosity and His desire to bless those who give with the right attitude and motive.
These offering scriptures provide guidance, encouragement, and wisdom for believers who want to honor God through their financial stewardship. Whether you’re seeking to understand biblical principles of giving or looking for inspiration to be more generous, these verses illuminate God’s perspective on offerings and the abundant blessings He promises to faithful givers.
The Foundation of Faithful Giving
Understanding why we give begins with recognizing that everything belongs to God. These foundational scriptures establish the biblical basis for offerings and tithes.
1. Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
This powerful verse from Malachi challenges believers to trust God with their financial resources. The storehouse principle demonstrates God’s desire to provide for His people and His ministry. When we bring our whole tithe, we position ourselves to receive divine provision and abundant blessings.
Practical Application: Consider setting up automatic giving to ensure you consistently bring your tithe to God’s storehouse—your local church or ministry.
2. 1 Chronicles 29:14
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”
King David’s humble recognition that all wealth and possessions originate from God provides the proper perspective for giving. This verse reminds us that we’re not sacrificing our own resources—we’re returning to God what already belongs to Him.
Practical Application: Before making any offering, take a moment to thank God for His provision and acknowledge that you’re simply stewarding His resources.
3. Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”
The principle of firstfruits teaches us to prioritize God in our financial decisions. By giving our first and best to the Lord, we demonstrate trust in His provision and faith in His promises of prosperity.
Practical Application: Make giving the first item in your monthly budget, not something you do with leftover money.
4. Deuteronomy 8:18
“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
This verse from Deuteronomy reminds us that our ability to earn income comes from God. Recognizing this truth should cultivate gratitude and generosity in our hearts, leading to cheerful giving.
Practical Application: Regularly reflect on how God has blessed you with skills, opportunities, and health that enable you to earn and give.
5. Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
David’s declaration establishes God’s ownership over all creation. This foundational truth should shape our understanding of stewardship and inspire generous giving as we manage what ultimately belongs to God.
Practical Application: View yourself as a manager of God’s resources rather than an owner, making decisions that honor Him.
The Heart of Generous Giving
True generosity flows from a heart transformed by God’s love. These verses explore the emotional and spiritual dimensions of biblical giving.
6. 2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Paul’s instruction to the Corinthians emphasizes that God values the attitude behind our giving more than the amount. Cheerful giving flows from a joyful heart that recognizes God’s goodness and desires to honor Him.
Practical Application: Pray and consider your giving decisions carefully, ensuring your heart is aligned with God’s will before making an offering.
7. Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Jesus’ teaching reveals the reciprocal nature of giving. When we give generously, God responds with abundant blessings—not necessarily material, but always meaningful and perfectly suited to our needs.
Practical Application: Look for opportunities to give beyond your regular tithe, trusting that God will provide for your needs.
8. Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”
Paul quotes Jesus’ words to emphasize the spiritual reward that comes from giving. This blessing isn’t primarily material but involves the joy, purpose, and spiritual growth that accompany generous acts.
Practical Application: Actively seek opportunities to help those less fortunate, experiencing the blessing of giving firsthand.
9. 1 Timothy 6:17-19
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Paul’s instruction to Timothy addresses the responsibility that comes with wealth. Those blessed with material abundance should use their resources to benefit others and build eternal treasure.
Practical Application: If you’ve been blessed with financial abundance, consider increasing your giving percentage and supporting additional ministries or causes.
10. Matthew 6:1-4
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Jesus’ teaching on secret giving emphasizes the importance of pure motives in our offerings. When we give for God’s glory rather than human recognition, we position ourselves to receive divine rewards.
Practical Application: Practice anonymous giving occasionally, ensuring your motive is to honor God rather than gain recognition.
Old Testament Principles of Offering
The Old Testament establishes foundational principles for giving that continue to guide believers today. These verses reveal God’s heart for systematic and proportional giving.
11. Leviticus 27:30
“A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”
This Leviticus passage establishes the tithe as holy to the Lord, meaning it’s set apart for His purposes. The agricultural context reminds us that giving should involve our first and best produce.
Practical Application: Consider your tithe as sacred, not as an optional expense but as money that belongs to God.
12. Deuteronomy 14:22-23
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and olive oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.”
This passage from Deuteronomy connects tithing with learning to revere God. The practice of giving develops our spiritual character and deepens our relationship with the Lord.
Practical Application: View your giving as a spiritual discipline that helps you grow in faith and reverence for God.
13. Numbers 18:26
“Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the Lord’s offering.'”
Even the Levites, who received tithes from others, were required to give a tithe of what they received. This principle shows that everyone, regardless of their role or income level, should participate in giving.
Practical Application: Don’t let your income level or circumstances excuse you from giving; find ways to contribute according to your ability.
14. 2 Chronicles 31:5
“As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously gave the firstfruits of their grain, new wine, olive oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything.”
Under King Hezekiah’s revival, the people responded with generous giving. Their generous response demonstrates how spiritual renewal often leads to increased generosity and faithful stewardship.
Practical Application: Allow times of spiritual growth and renewal to inspire greater generosity in your giving.
15. Amos 4:4
“Go to Bethel and sin; go to Gilgal and sin yet more. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three years.”
Though spoken sarcastically by the prophet Amos, this verse reveals the regular pattern of tithing expected in Old Testament times. It also warns against empty religious rituals without heart change.
Practical Application: Ensure your giving is accompanied by genuine worship and spiritual engagement, not mere duty.
New Testament Grace and Giving
The New Testament reveals how grace transforms our approach to giving, moving beyond law to love-motivated generosity.
16. 2 Corinthians 8:7
“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
Paul encourages the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving just as they excelled in other spiritual gifts. This verse presents giving as a grace to be developed and perfected.
Practical Application: Approach giving as a spiritual gift to be cultivated and improved over time.
17. 2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
Paul uses agricultural imagery to teach the principle of reciprocal blessing. The harvest principle reminds us that generous giving leads to generous receiving.
Practical Application: View your giving as spiritual sowing that will produce a harvest of blessings in God’s timing.
18. Philippians 4:18-19
“I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Paul’s letter to the Philippians reveals how their offerings were viewed as fragrant sacrifices pleasing to God. The promise of divine provision follows their generous giving.
Practical Application: Trust that your offerings are pleasing to God and that He will faithfully provide for your needs.
19. 1 Corinthians 16:2
“On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.”
Paul’s instruction establishes the principle of regular, proportional giving. The weekly practice helps develop consistency in stewardship.
Practical Application: Establish a regular giving schedule that aligns with your income cycle, whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
20. Galatians 6:6
“Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.”
This verse from Galatians establishes the principle of supporting those who teach and minister in spiritual matters. Financial support for ministry leaders is both appropriate and encouraged.
Practical Application: Consider how you can support your pastor, teachers, and other ministry leaders beyond your regular tithe.
Blessings and Rewards of Faithful Giving
God promises specific blessings and rewards for those who give faithfully and generously. These verses reveal the abundant provision God has for generous givers.
21. Proverbs 11:24-25
“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This Proverbs passage reveals a fundamental principle: generosity leads to prosperity, while selfishness leads to lack. The reciprocal nature of giving ensures that generous people are blessed in return.
Practical Application: Look for opportunities to refresh and bless others, trusting that God will refresh and bless you in return.
22. Luke 12:33-34
“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Jesus teaches that giving to the poor creates eternal treasure that surpasses any earthly wealth. This heavenly investment never depreciates or disappears.
Practical Application: Regularly evaluate your possessions and consider selling items to give to those in need.
23. Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.”
This Proverbs verse connects caring for the poor with divine provision. God promises that those who help the needy will not lack, while those who ignore them face consequences.
Practical Application: Make caring for the poor and needy a regular part of your giving strategy.
24. 2 Corinthians 9:8
“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Paul assures believers that God’s blessing enables continued generosity. The cycle of blessing and giving creates abundant opportunities for good works.
Practical Application: When God blesses you financially, see it as an opportunity to increase your giving rather than just your spending.
25. Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
The author of Hebrews reminds believers that sharing and doing good are sacrifices that please God. These acts of generosity are forms of worship that honor Him.
Practical Application: Look for daily opportunities to share with others and do good, recognizing these as acts of worship.
Living Out Biblical Generosity
These 25 offering scriptures reveal God’s heart for generous giving and His abundant blessings for faithful stewards. From the Old Testament principles of tithes and firstfruits to the New Testament teachings on grace-motivated giving, Scripture consistently calls believers to generous, cheerful, and sacrificial offerings.
The spiritual significance of these verses extends beyond mere financial stewardship. They reveal that giving is fundamentally about worship, trust, and spiritual growth. When we give with the right heart and motive, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and position ourselves to receive His abundant blessings.
Remember that God’s wisdom regarding offerings isn’t designed to burden us but to bless us. He knows that generous hearts experience greater joy, deeper faith, and more meaningful relationships with Him and others. As you incorporate these scriptures into your life, allow them to transform not just your giving but your entire perspective on stewardship and generosity.
Practical Ways to Use These Offering Scriptures
Personal Devotion and Study
- Use these verses for daily meditation on God’s principles of giving
- Create a giving prayer journal incorporating these scriptures
- Memorize key verses to strengthen your faith in God’s provision
- Study the historical context of each verse to deepen understanding
Church and Ministry Applications
- Include these verses in stewardship sermons and teachings
- Use them in tithing and offering testimonies
- Create bulletin inserts featuring weekly offering scriptures
- Develop small group studies focused on biblical generosity
Family Financial Discipleship
- Teach children about giving using age-appropriate verses
- Discuss these scriptures during family financial planning
- Use them to establish family giving traditions and values
- Create a family mission statement based on biblical stewardship
Personal Finance and Budgeting
- Post encouraging verses in your financial planning area
- Use them as prayer guides when making financial decisions
- Reference them when facing financial challenges or opportunities
- Incorporate them into your budgeting and stewardship goals
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to give exactly 10% as the Old Testament requires?
A: While the Old Testament establishes the tithe (10%) as a baseline, New Testament giving is motivated by grace and generosity rather than strict law. Many believers view 10% as a starting point, with Spirit-led giving potentially exceeding this amount based on ability and calling.
Q: Should I tithe on my gross or net income?
A: Scripture doesn’t specify gross versus net income for tithing. The key principle is giving your firstfruits—the first and best of what you receive. Whether gross or net, the important thing is consistent, proportional giving with a cheerful heart.
Q: What if I can’t afford to give 10% right now?
A: God understands your circumstances and values faithful giving according to your ability. Start with what you can give consistently, even if it’s less than 10%. As your income increases or circumstances improve, consider increasing your giving percentage.
Q: Where should I direct my tithes and offerings?
A: The storehouse principle suggests giving your tithe to your local church where you receive spiritual nourishment. Additional offerings can support other ministries, missionaries, and care for the poor and needy.
Q: Can I count non-monetary gifts as tithes or offerings?
A: While the Bible primarily discusses monetary tithes, the principle of giving your best to God can include time, talents, and resources. However, most biblical scholars distinguish between financial tithes and other forms of service to God.
Q: What if my spouse doesn’t support tithing?
A: This situation requires prayer, patience, and wisdom. Focus on living out biblical generosity in ways that don’t create conflict, and trust the Holy Spirit to work in your spouse’s heart over time. Consider seeking counsel from a pastor or Christian counselor.
Q: How do I know if God is blessing my giving?
A: God’s blessings aren’t always financial. Look for spiritual growth, peace about finances, opportunities to give more, provision for your needs, and joy in giving. Divine blessings often come in ways we don’t expect but are perfectly suited to our needs.
Q: Should I stop tithing if I’m in debt?
A: This is a challenging situation that requires prayer and wisdom. While some believe debt elimination should take priority, others maintain that faithful tithing demonstrates trust in God’s provision. Consider seeking counsel from financial advisors and spiritual leaders who can provide guidance specific to your situation.

Catherine Frank, founder of BiblicalHorizon.com, shares daily prayers and Bible verses to nurture spiritual growth. With a lifelong passion for scripture and prayer traditions, she creates accessible spiritual content that resonates with both seasoned believers and newcomers seeking divine connection.