The word "tithe" literally means tenth or 10%. In Malachi 3:10, God tells the people to bring the tithes of their income into the storehouse (church) in order take care of the needs of His church. Later in Malachi 3:10 the Lord challenges the people and says, "Test me now in this.. if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it."