Malachi 1:13

Malachi 1:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

You also say: ‘Oh, what a nuisance!’ And you turn up your nose at it,” says the LORD of Hosts. “You bring offerings that are stolen, lame, or sick! Should I accept these from your hands?” asks the LORD.

King James Version KJV

Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.

American Standard Version ASV

Ye say also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith Jehovah of hosts; and ye have brought that which was taken by violence, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye bring the offering: should I accept this at your hand? saith Jehovah.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And you say, See, what a weariness it is! and you let out your breath at it, says the Lord of armies; and you have given what has been cut about by beasts, and what is damaged in its feet and ill; this is the offering you give: will this be pleasing to me from your hands? says the Lord.

Free Bible Version FBV

You say, “All this is too much trouble!” and you sniff scornfully at it, says the Lord Almighty. But when you bring animals that are stolen or crippled or sick and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept what you're giving? asks the Lord.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Ye said also, Beholde, it is a wearines, and ye haue snuffed at it, sayth the Lord of hostes, and ye offred that which was torne, and the lame and the sicke: thus yee offred an offring: shoulde I accept this of your hand, sayth the Lord?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And ye have said, 'Lo, what a weariness,' And ye have puffed at it, said Jehovah of Hosts, And ye have brought in plunder, And the lame and the sick, And ye have brought in the present! Do I accept it from your hand? said Jehovah.

World English Bible WEB

You say also, ‘Behold, what a weariness it is!’ And you have sniffed at it”, says the LORD of Armies; “and you have brought that which was taken by violence, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring the offering. Should I accept this at your hand?” says the LORD.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it ! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this from your hand? saith the LORD.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And you have said: Behold of our labour, and you puffed it away, saith the Lord of hosts, and you brought in of rapine the lame, and the sick, and brought in an offering: shall I accept it at your hands, saith the Lord?

Translation for Translators T4T

You say ‘We are tired of burning all these sacrifices on the altar.’ You ◄turn up your noses at/act very disrespectfully toward► me. When you bring to me animals that have been stolen or ones that are crippled or that have diseases, to offer them for sacrifices, do you think that [RHQ] I should accept them?

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Malachi 1:13

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Malachi 1:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּם֩ הִנֵּ֨ה מַ/תְּלָאָ֜ה וְ/הִפַּחְתֶּ֣ם אוֹת֗/וֹ אָמַר֙ יְהוָ֣ה צְבָא֔וֹת וַ/הֲבֵאתֶ֣ם גָּז֗וּל וְ/אֶת הַ/פִּסֵּ֨חַ֙ וְ/אֶת הַ֣/חוֹלֶ֔ה וַ/הֲבֵאתֶ֖ם אֶת הַ/מִּנְחָ֑ה הַ/אֶרְצֶ֥ה אוֹתָ֛/הּ מִ/יֶּדְ/כֶ֖ם אָמַ֥ר יְהוָֽה

וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּם֩ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-2mp

הִנֵּ֨ה hinnêh H2009 behold Part

מַ/תְּלָאָ֜ה mattᵉlâʼâh H4972 weariness Part | N-fs

וְ/הִפַּחְתֶּ֣ם nâphach H5301 to breathe Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp

אוֹת֗/וֹ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

אָמַר֙ ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

צְבָא֔וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cp

וַ/הֲבֵאתֶ֣ם bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp

גָּז֗וּל gâzal H1497 to plunder V-Qal-Inf-c

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

הַ/פִּסֵּ֨חַ֙ piççêach H6455 lame Art | Adj

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

הַ֣/חוֹלֶ֔ה châlâh H2470 be weak Art | V-Qal

וַ/הֲבֵאתֶ֖ם bôwʼ H935 Lebo Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/מִּנְחָ֑ה minchâh H4503 offering Art | N-fs

הַ/אֶרְצֶ֥ה râtsâh H7521 to accept Part | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

אוֹתָ֛/הּ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

מִ/יֶּדְ/כֶ֖ם yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

אָמַ֥ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Malachi 1:13

וַ/אֲמַרְתֶּם֩ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-2mp

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

הִנֵּ֨ה hinnêh H2009 "behold" Part

This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.

Definition: behold, lo, see, if

Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.

מַ/תְּלָאָ֜ה mattᵉlâʼâh H4972 "weariness" Part | N-fs

This word expresses a feeling of great weariness or trouble, like when the Israelites complained about their hardships in Numbers.

Definition: what a weariness, toil, hardship, weariness

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: what a weariness. See also: Malachi 1:13.

וְ/הִפַּחְתֶּ֣ם nâphach H5301 "to breathe" Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp

The Hebrew word for to breathe, meaning to puff, inflate, or blow hard. It can also mean to give up or lose life, as seen in KJV translations of blow, breath, and snuff. This word has various applications in the Bible, including literal and figurative uses.

Definition: 1) to breathe, blow, sniff at, seethe, give up or lose (life) 1a) (Qal) to breathe, blow 1b) (Pual) to be blown 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to breathe out

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: blow, breath, give up, cause to lose (life), seething, snuff. See also: Genesis 2:7; Jeremiah 15:9; Isaiah 54:16.

אוֹת֗/וֹ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אָמַר֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

צְבָא֔וֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" N-cp

This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.

Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service

Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.

וַ/הֲבֵאתֶ֣ם bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

גָּז֗וּל gâzal H1497 "to plunder" V-Qal-Inf-c

This verb means to take something by force, like plundering or robbing, and is used in stories like David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. It can also mean to strip or flay something, and is often associated with violence.

Definition: 1) to tear away, seize, plunder, tear off, pull off, rob, take away by force 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to tear away, rob 1a2) to seize, plunder (with acc cognate) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be robbed 1b2) to be taken away

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: catch, consume, exercise (robbery), pluck (off), rob, spoil, take away (by force, violence), tear. See also: Genesis 21:25; Psalms 69:5; Psalms 35:10.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/פִּסֵּ֨חַ֙ piççêach H6455 "lame" Art | Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means lame or crippled, describing someone with a physical disability. It is used to describe people who are unable to walk or move normally. This word appears in various passages, including stories of healing and restoration.

Definition: lame

Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: lame. See also: Leviticus 21:18; Proverbs 26:7; Isaiah 33:23.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ֣/חוֹלֶ֔ה châlâh H2470 "be weak" Art | V-Qal

To beg or entreat means to ask or pray for something, often with a sense of weakness or sickness, like when someone is grieving or in pain.

Definition: : weak/disabled 1) to be or become weak, be or become sick, be or become diseased, be or become grieved, be or become sorry 1a) (Qal) to be weak, be sick 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to be or become weak, feel weak 1b2) to become sick, become ill 1c) (Niphal) 1c1) to make oneself sick 1c2) to be made sick 1c3) to be tired 1d) (Pual) to be made weak, become weak 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself sick 1f) (Hiphil) 1f1) to make sore 1f2) to make sick 1f3) to show signs of sickness, become sick 1f4) to grieve 1g) (Hophal) 1g1) to be made sick 1g2) to be wounded

Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: beseech, (be) diseased, (put to) grief, be grieved, (be) grievous, infirmity, intreat, lay to, put to pain, [idiom] pray, make prayer, be (fall, make) sick, sore, be sorry, make suit ([idiom] supplication), woman in travail, be (become) weak, be wounded. See also: Genesis 48:1; Psalms 119:58; Psalms 35:13.

וַ/הֲבֵאתֶ֖ם bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Conj | V-Hiphil-2mp

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/מִּנְחָ֑ה minchâh H4503 "offering" Art | N-fs

The Hebrew word for offering refers to a gift or donation, often given to God as a sacrifice. In Leviticus 2:1, it describes a grain offering. It can also mean tribute or present.

Definition: : offering/sacrifice 1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering 1a) gift, present 1b) tribute 1c) offering (to God) 1d) grain offering

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice. See also: Genesis 4:3; Numbers 29:28; Psalms 20:4.

הַ/אֶרְצֶ֥ה râtsâh H7521 "to accept" Part | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to accept or be pleased with something, like God accepting our prayers. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, showing God's favor towards us. This word is about being satisfied or delighted.

Definition: 1) to be pleased with, be favourable to, accept favourably 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be pleased with, be favourable to 1a2) to accept 1a3) to be pleased, be determined 1a4) to make acceptable, satisfy 1a5) to please 1b) (Niphal) to be accepted, be pleased with 1c) (Piel) to seek favour of 1d) (Hiphil) to please, pay off 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself acceptable or pleasing

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (be) accept(-able), accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with, delight (self), enjoy, (be, have a) favour(-able), like, observe, pardon, (be, have, take) please(-ure), reconcile self. See also: Genesis 33:10; Psalms 50:18; Psalms 40:14.

אוֹתָ֛/הּ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מִ/יֶּדְ/כֶ֖ם yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

אָמַ֥ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Perf-3ms

יְהוָֽה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

Study Notes — Malachi 1:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Malachi 1:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Malachi 1:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Malachi 1:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Malachi 1:13
Trapp's Commentary on Malachi 1:13
Ellicott's Commentary on Malachi 1:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Malachi 1:13
Cambridge Bible on Malachi 1:13
Barnes' Notes on Malachi 1:13
Whedon's Commentary on Malachi 1:13
Sermons on Malachi 1:13

Context — The Polluted Offerings

11For My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place, incense and pure offerings will be presented in My name, because My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of Hosts. 12“But you profane it when you say, ‘The table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is contemptible.’

13You also say: ‘Oh, what a nuisance!’ And you turn up your nose at it,” says the LORD of Hosts. “You bring offerings that are stolen, lame, or sick! Should I accept these from your hands?” asks the LORD.

14“But cursed is the deceiver who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but sacrifices a defective animal to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and My name is to be feared among the nations.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Micah 6:3	‘My people, what have I done to you? Testify against Me how I have wearied you!
2	Leviticus 22:19–23	must offer an unblemished male from the cattle, sheep, or goats in order for it to be accepted on your behalf. You must not present anything with a defect, because it will not be accepted on your behalf. When a man presents a peace offering to the LORD from the herd or flock to fulfill a vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without blemish or defect to be acceptable. You are not to present to the LORD any animal that is blind, injured, or maimed, or anything with a running sore, a festering rash, or a scab; you must not put any of these on the altar as an offering made by fire to the LORD. You may present as a freewill offering an ox or sheep that has a deformed or stunted limb, but it is not acceptable in fulfillment of a vow.
3	Mark 14:37–38	Then Jesus returned and found them sleeping. “Simon, are you asleep?” He asked. “Were you not able to keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”
4	Malachi 1:7–8	By presenting defiled food on My altar. But you ask, ‘How have we defiled You ?’ By saying that the table of the LORD is contemptible. When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts.
5	Jeremiah 7:9–11	Will you steal and murder, commit adultery and perjury, burn incense to Baal, and follow other gods that you have not known, and then come and stand before Me in this house, which bears My Name, and say, ‘We are delivered, so we can continue with all these abominations’? Has this house, which bears My Name, become a den of robbers in your sight? Yes, I too have seen it, declares the LORD.
6	Deuteronomy 15:21	But if an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the LORD your God.
7	Matthew 6:5	And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.
8	Amos 5:21–23	“I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard. Take away from Me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.
9	Isaiah 1:12	When you come to appear before Me, who has required this of you— this trampling of My courts?
10	Ezekiel 4:14	“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I have never defiled myself. From my youth until now I have not eaten anything found dead or mauled by wild beasts. No unclean meat has ever entered my mouth.”

Malachi 1:13 Summary

[Malachi 1:13 teaches us that the Lord is not pleased when we give Him our worst or show contempt for His offerings. This is like giving a gift to someone we care about, but instead of giving them our best, we give them something broken or unwanted. The Lord wants us to give our best, just as He gives us His best, as seen in John 3:16. By giving our best and doing so with a sincere heart, we demonstrate our love and respect for the Lord.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to turn up our nose at the Lord's offerings?

To turn up our nose at the Lord's offerings, as stated in Malachi 1:13, means to show contempt or disdain for the things of God, just like the Israelites did when they brought defiled and unacceptable offerings, as seen in Malachi 1:12 and Deuteronomy 15:21.

Why does the Lord reject stolen, lame, or sick offerings?

The Lord rejects such offerings because they do not reflect the best we have to give, but rather our leftovers or things we no longer want, as seen in Malachi 1:14 and Leviticus 22:20.

How can we ensure our offerings are acceptable to the Lord?

To ensure our offerings are acceptable, we must give our best, just as the Lord gives His best to us, as seen in John 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 9:7, and we must do so with a sincere heart, not just going through the motions.

What is the significance of the Lord being referred to as the Lord of Hosts in this verse?

The title Lord of Hosts emphasizes God's power and authority over all creation, as seen in Isaiah 6:3 and Psalm 24:10, and serves as a reminder of our accountability to Him for our actions and offerings.

Reflection Questions

In what ways do I show contempt or disdain for the things of God in my own life, and how can I change this?
What are some ways I can ensure that my offerings, whether financial or through service, are my best and not just my leftovers?
How can I cultivate a heart of sincerity and worship in my daily life, rather than just going through the motions of religious rituals?
What does it mean for me to fear the Lord's name, as stated in Malachi 1:14, and how can I demonstrate this fear in my actions and decisions?

Gill's Exposition on Malachi 1:13

Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]?.... These are either the words of the priests, saying what a wearisome and fatiguing business the temple service was to them, for which they thought

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Malachi 1:13

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Malachi 1:13

Ye said also; to those sins before mentioned, the priests chiefly, and the people with them, added this also, that they openly complained of God’ s service. Behold, what a weariness! what a toil and drudgery is it to observe every point of the law about ordering ourselves and the sacrifices! Ye have snuffed at it, in token of discontent, and that you thought it was all needless labour; would not examine your sacrifices as you should. Ye brought that which was torn, & c.: for want of value for the ordinance, and patience in examining whether the sacrifice were perfect and according to law, you priests accepted and offered the torn, and blind, &c., which are expressly forbidden to be made sacrifices: see . Thus ye brought an offering; with such minds, snuffing at my service, and with such sacrifices, unfit for mine altar, have they wearied themselves somewhat, but their God more. Should I accept this of your hands? saith the Lord, i.e. it is not at all fit to be accepted, nor will our God receive it.

Trapp's Commentary on Malachi 1:13

Malachi 1:13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought [that which was] torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.Ver. 13. And ye have said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, &c.] At what? At the chiding you have had for your lame and lean sacrifices. A little offensive breath hath blown you up into rage. This is a kind of blasphemy, Ezekiel 20:27, when graceless men fall into a fustian fume, as they say, by hearing of their faults; and bristle against a reproof, though never so just. Or thus, Ye have puffed and blown, as almost breathless, by carrying some carrion sheep for a sacrifice; as if it were so fat and full of flesh that you could hardly bring it without breaking your wind; whereas ye might have blown it away, it is so thin and light. Hateful hypocrisy! And it sped accordingly. For should I accept this at your hand? No, no: Sapiens nummularius est Deus: nummum fictum non recipiet (Bernard). God is a wise mint man; he will take no counterfeit coin. He not only detects the deceiver, and detests him, as here, but curseth him bitterly in the next verse. He rejects the hypocrite’ s sacrifice, and plagueth such Prometheuses; when as he wipes not out any of the good services of his sincere people, Nehemiah 13:4, but abundantly blesseth them. Labour, therefore, for that "truth in the inward parts," Psalms 51:6, that we may be with "Apelles approved in Christ," Romans 16:10, and with Nathanael, "an Israelite indeed," John 1:47. Be we the same that we would seem to be; and if not, as the windows of the temple were, wider within than without, yet to be no more in show than we are in truth. It stands us in hand when to deal with God to have the greater part of our ware in the inner part of the shop, and not all on the foreside, on the board or stall; and to see, that though our work be but mean, yet it may be clean; though not fine, yet not foul, soiled and slubbered with the slur of a rotten heart. Sweet powders can make even leather an ornament, when the sanies of a plaguesore will render a rich robe loathsome and infectious.

Ellicott's Commentary on Malachi 1:13

(13) Said.—Better, say.And ye have snuffed at it.—Better, and ye puff at it—that is, treat it with contempt, “pooh-pooh it,” as we say. The service of the Temple, which they ought to have regarded as their highest privilege and pleasure, they look on as burdensome and contemptible. For “brought,” read bring.Torn.—The word Gβzϋl elsewhere means “stolen” (Deuteronomy 28:31), or “robbed “—i.e., “spoiled” (Deuteronomy 28:29). It is perhaps not impossible that it may here be a later word for trκphβh, “torn” (comp. the cogn. Arabic ajzal, “galled on the back”), but it is not so used in post-Biblical Jewish writings. On the contrary, Rabbinic tradition uses our word when expressly mentioning that which is stolen as unfit to be offered as a burnt offering—e.g., the Sifrβ, (Vayyikrβ, Perek 6, Parashta 5, ed. Weis 7b), commenting on the words of Lev 1:10, says: “ ‘From the flock,’ and ‘from the sheep,’ and ‘from the goats:’ These words are limitations—viz., to exclude the sick (comp. also Malachi 1:8), and the aged, and that which has been dedicated in thought to an idol, and that which is defiled with its own filth; ‘its offering’ [English Version, his offering, comp. Note on Zechariah 4:2], to exclude that which is stolen.” (See also Talmud Babli, Baba Kamma 66b.) The English Version has the same in view in its rendering of Isa 61:8, where it has the authority of Talmud Babli, Sukkah 30a, and of Jerome and Luther. Perhaps the reason why people were inclined to offer a stolen animal may be, that it might very likely have a mark on it, which would render it impossible for the thief to offer it for sale, and so realise money on it, for fear of detection; so then he makes a virtue of a necessity, and brings as an offering to God that which he could not otherwise dispose of.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Malachi 1:13

Verse 13. Ye have snuffed at it] A metaphor taken from cattle which do not like their fodder. They blow strongly through their nose upon it; and after this neither they nor any other cattle will eat it. Ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick] There had never been such abominations in the Divine worship before. What was of no worth in itself, and what could not be used by its owner, was brought to God's altar, and offered for sacrifice! Was not the punishment of these wretches less than their crimes?

Cambridge Bible on Malachi 1:13

13. what a weariness is it!] i.e. the service of the Sanctuary. torn] Rather, taken by violence. R.V. ye brought an offering] Rather, ye bring the offering, R.V. The reference is perhaps to “the (stated, public) offerings,” which the priests provided out of the Temple funds entrusted to them (Nehemiah 10:32-33). Comp. “the offering of Judah and Jerusalem,” Malachi 3:4. By purchasing cheap and unworthy animals they would increase their own portion of the fund. But Malachi 1:12; Malachi 1:14 make it clear that similar abuses were tolerated in the private sacrifices of individuals.

Barnes' Notes on Malachi 1:13

What a weariness! - What an onerous service it is! The service of God is its own reward. If not, it becomes a greater toil, with less reward from this earth, than the things of this earth.

Whedon's Commentary on Malachi 1:13

Malachi 1:13 continues the thought of Mal 1:12. Their faithlessness and corruption is seen in their attitude toward the entire sacrificial service.

Sermons on Malachi 1:13

	Sermon	Description
	Discerning the Fellowship of Jesus Christ by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of experiencing a sudden encounter with God's power and presence. He compares it to the moment when Lazarus heard Jesus' voic
	Brokenness by Alan Andrews	In this sermon, the speaker discusses three themes: brokenness, integrity, and clarity of vision. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing brokenness in order to effectively mi
	An Alarm to the Unconverted 2 of 5 by Joseph Alleine	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of self-examination and the danger of being deceived about one's spiritual state. He challenges the listeners to honestly ass
	What Am I Doing Here by Jenny Daniel	In this sermon, the speaker shares a historical story of a young leader who faced a much larger army. The young leader demonstrated his unwavering determination and loyalty by comm
	A Plea for the Godly by Thomas Watson	Thomas Watson preaches about the characteristics of a righteous man, emphasizing the importance of humility, holiness, justice, love, and perseverance in one's faith. He highlights
	Praying in Spite of Yourself by Mary Wilder Tileston	Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of persevering in prayer, regardless of our feelings or lack of spiritual uplift. She encourages believers to view prayer as a noble
	The Complaints of Jehovah by G. Campbell Morgan	G. Campbell Morgan addresses the seven complaints of God against His people, emphasizing their formalism and self-satisfaction. He highlights issues such as profanity, sacrilege, g