in old testament time, if a person offers all type of offering to God, such as tithe , what percentage of his earning finally left to him?


ChatGPT said:
In Old Testament times, if a person offered all the prescribed offerings and tithes to God, the total amount given could be around 20–25% or more of their annual earnings or produce, depending on how the laws were applied. Here's a breakdown:

1. Tithe (Maaser) – 10%
First Tithe (Maaser Rishon): 10% of produce went to the Levites (Numbers 18:21–24).

Second Tithe (Maaser Sheni): Another 10%, eaten in Jerusalem during festival years (Deuteronomy 14:22–27).

In year 3 and 6 of the 7-year sabbatical cycle, this became the Tithe for the Poor (Maaser Ani) instead.

✅ Subtotal: 20% in most years (some interpret the second tithe as part of the first 10%, reducing it to ~15%).

2. Firstfruits (Bikkurim) – Variable (~1–2%)
First ripe produce of crops brought to the Temple (Deuteronomy 26:1–11).

Not a fixed percentage, but significant in ceremonial value.

3. Offerings and Sacrifices – Variable
Burnt offerings, peace offerings, sin/guilt offerings: Required for festivals, sin atonement, and thanksgiving.

Animal or grain sacrifices: These depended on wealth and occasion.

🧮 Some estimates, including rabbinic discussions, suggest these could amount to another 5–10% over time.

4. Sabbath Year (Shemitah) and Jubilee – Impact on earnings
Every 7th year, land lay fallow; produce was free for all (Leviticus 25).

Every 50th year (Jubilee), land returned to original owners, debts were canceled.

🧾 This wasn't a "percentage tithe" but affected long-term wealth retention.

🧮 Estimated Total:
Tithes: ~20% in most years (can be as low as 10–15% by some views).

Firstfruits and Offerings: ~5–10% (varies greatly).

Total Annual Religious Giving: Approximately 20–25% or more.

👉 Final Retained Earnings:
Around 75–80% (or more) remained with the person after all required religious contributions—though practical effects varied based on income, location, and spiritual devotion.