The biblical practice of tithing in Genesis 14:18–24: An exegetical and theological study

Abstract

According to Genesis 14:18-24, after Lot's rescue, Abram willingly gave a tithe of everything to the priest-king Melchizedek. Since this is the first passage in Scripture that touches on the practice of tithing, and since Genesis 12:3 seems to indicate a link between Abram and all the families of the earth, some argued that Genesis 14:18-24 forms the bedrock for biblical tithing practices. In fact, various churches and scholars support the claim that contemporary Christians should tithe by referring to the example of Abram. However, this study challenges this position. The study argues that while Genesis 14:18-24 describes the practice of tithing as Abram performed it, it does not give the principle for tithing. The text is descriptive rather than prescriptive. While the biblical practice of tithing may be based on other passages, it cannot be entirely motivated from Genesis 14. The study commences by presenting an overview of various interpretations of Genesis 14:18-24 in relation to its implications for tithing. Chapter 2 identifies scholars who view the passage as prescriptive and still binding for Christians, and those that view the passage as merely descriptive. Chapter 3 conducts an exegetical analysis of Genesis 14:18-24 to determine what the passage says and does not say about tithing. Chapter 4 followed identifying the place and function of Genesis 14:18-24 within the larger biblical practice of tithing in the Hebrew canon. Chapter 5 determines how tithing is understood in the NC in relation to the Old Testament. Chapter 6 concludes by synthesising the findings to identify the unique contribution and legitimate applications of Genesis 14:18-24 in the debate on tithing.