Tithes have become synonymous with religious giving, but tithing was not always connected to religion.

“Tithe” comes from the Old English word “teogoa,” which means “tenth”. It evolved to refer to a percentage of an individual’s income that is paid in dues, primarily to a church.

A tithe also referred to a group of 10 households that lived close to one another and acted as sureties to the king.

Some suggest the religious tithe concept was established in ancient Hebrew and Old Testament teachings. While there may be mentions of tithing in religious documents, most scholars confirm that New Testament scriptures are most responsible for the concept of religious tithing. The Christian Church didn’t officially adopt tithing until the year 787 under Pope Adrian I.

Tithing actually can be traced back even further than the beginnings of Christianity and Judaica, however. There are references to tithes as early as ancient Mesopotamian times and other eras of the Ancient Near East.

A tithe may be an amount voluntarily held aside for charitable giving. It also may be a tax or levy placed on a person’s income. To keep with the ancient concept of tithing, many people tithe 10 percent of their income.