Tithe

A tithe is a one-tenth part of something, traditionally of income or agricultural produce, given as a contribution to support a religious organization or clergy. The term derives from Old English teogoþa, meaning tenth; it is cognate with Dutch tiende and German Zehnt.

In ancient Israel, tithes were a legal obligation under Mosaic Law, consisting of harvest produce, granted to the Levites, and sometimes earmarked for the Temple, the festivals, and the needy. Other Near Eastern cultures also practiced similar tenth offerings.

In medieval Europe, tithes became a fiscal and ecclesiastical institution, collected by the church from landholders and peasants to fund parish churches and clergy; they could be payable in kind or money, and the system was sometimes contested.

Today, many Christian denominations teach tithing as a guideline or duty, typically ten percent of income, though practices vary. Some groups emphasize voluntary giving rather than fixed obligations, and charitable contributions may be eligible for tax deductions.

In Judaism, the term tithe refers to Ma’aser and other tithes prescribed in the Torah. After the destruction of the Temple, the strict ancient tithing system diminished, and contemporary practice generally emphasizes charitable giving in place of Levitical tithes.