Home Bible and Science Where In The Bible Does It Talk About Tides and Tithes

Where In The Bible Does It Talk About Tides and Tithes

July 2, 2025

When we hear the word tides, most of us probably picture the ocean waves rising and falling with the pull of the moon. But when you’re asking, Where in the Bible does it talk about tides? well, it depends on what kind of “tide” you mean.

Are we talking about the natural sea tides? Or the concept of tithes (yes, that one with the “h”) the giving of 10% to God? Both come up in conversations about the Bible, but they’re not the same. Let’s unpack both so you don’t get swept away in confusion.

🌊 The Ocean Tides: Does the Bible Mention Them?

Let’s start with the sea kind. You know the rise and fall of the ocean.

🌍 Nature and the Sea in Scripture

The Bible doesn’t explicitly say “tides” in the modern scientific way we understand them (moon’s gravitational pull, etc.). But it does talk a lot about the sea, waves, and boundaries set by God.

Let’s look at a few verses:

Job 38:8-11 (ESV)
“…who shut in the sea with doors when it burst out from the womb… and said, ‘Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stayed’?”

This is God speaking to Job, reminding him that it was He who put boundaries in place for the seas. It’s not tide science, but it reflects divine control over the oceans.

Psalm 104:6-9
“You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains… You set a boundary that they may not pass…”

Again, this shows God’s power over natural forces. While it doesn’t directly reference “tides,” the rise and fall of waters can be linked conceptually.

🌊 Why Doesn’t the Bible Use the Word “Tide”?

Simple: the ancient Hebrew and Greek texts didn’t use the term “tide” because they weren’t using the same scientific frameworks we use today. The oceans moved but those movements were seen as acts of God rather than gravitational science.

💰 **Wait… Do You Mean Tithes? (Not Tides)**

Now let’s switch gears. If you’re looking for “Where does the Bible talk about tides?” there’s a real chance you meant tithes (with an “h”).

This one’s super important in both the Old and New Testaments.

What Are Tithes?

A tithe is traditionally one-tenth (10%) of a person’s income or produce, given to support the temple, the Levites (priests), the poor, and God’s work.

🧾 Key Bible Verses About Tithing

Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)
“A tithe of everything from the land… belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.”
Malachi 3:10
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse… Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven…”

This is probably the most quoted verse about tithing. It comes with a promise if you give, God will bless.

Proverbs 3:9-10
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled…”

This ties into the heart behind tithing: it’s about trusting God with what you have.

🤔 Why Do People Confuse Tides and Tithes?

Let’s be honest they sound almost the same. And if you’re reading something quickly or hearing it spoken aloud, it’s easy to get them mixed up.

“Tide” = ocean movement
“Tithe” = giving 10% to God

Spellcheck might not even catch it if you typed the wrong one!

🌪️ But What About Tidal Waves? Are They in the Bible?

Yes and no. The Bible describes violent sea storms and roaring waves, but not the specific scientific term tidal wave or tsunami. Still, it often uses stormy seas as metaphors for chaos or fear.

🌊 Symbolic Uses of Water in the Bible:

Luke 21:25
“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish… at the roaring and tossing of the sea.”
Isaiah 17:12
“Oh, the raging of many nations they rage like the raging sea!”

So the sea, with all its movement (including tides), becomes a powerful symbol of fear, chaos, and God’s overwhelming power.

🔄 So, What Does the Tide Mean in the Bible Spiritually?

Even though the word “tide” isn’t used directly, its meaning can still be drawn symbolically. Here’s how:

🌅 1. Tides Reflect God’s Rhythm

The natural movement of tides teaches us that life has seasons and cycles. Just like the tide comes in and out, we have ups and downs, growth and pruning, joy and hardship.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.”

🧘 2. Tides Represent Trust

You can’t stop a tide. You can’t speed it up or slow it down. But you can learn to flow with it just like we learn to trust God’s timing.

💡 3. Tides Can Symbolize God’s Power

Standing on the shore watching waves crash reminds you just how big God is. The sea in the Bible was always a picture of God’s unshakable control over what we fear.

🧠 Quick FAQ: Bible + Tides

Question	Short Answer
Does the Bible mention ocean tides?	Not directly, but it talks about seas, waves, and their boundaries.
Does it use “tides” as a metaphor?	Yes movement, change, and God’s timing are often pictured through water.
Does the Bible mention tithes?	Absolutely. It’s all over the Old Testament, and mentioned in the New.
Are tithes required for Christians?	Some believe it’s a guideline, others see it as an Old Testament law. What’s clear? Generosity is always encouraged.
Is giving 10% mandatory?	It’s a great standard, but the New Testament focuses more on giving cheerfully and sacrificially.

🙋 What Can You Learn From Tides in the Bible?

Whether you meant “tides” or “tithes,” here’s what you can take away:

God sets boundaries even for the sea. If He controls the ocean, He can handle your life too.
Life flows in seasons. Tides teach us to embrace change, not fight it.
Giving isn’t about math it’s about the heart. Whether you give 10% or more, the Bible teaches generosity, not guilt.