What Is Tithing?

Tithing is the donation of one-tenth of one’s income to God’s Church. This commandment has been known since Old Testament times. The prophet Malachi taught the importance of tithing and the blessings that come from obeying this law:

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, … and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10).

Great blessings are promised to those who obey the commandment to pay tithing.

In 1838 the Lord reiterated this commandment through the Prophet Joseph Smith:

“My people … shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever” (Doctrine and Covenants 119:3–4). Interest is understood to mean income.

Your tithes are holy to the Lord, and you honor Him by paying tithing. Paying tithing is an expression of your faith in God and His work.