Malachi 3:14
Malachi 3:14 in Multiple Translations
You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts?
Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?
Ye have said, It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept his charge, and that we have walked mournfully before Jehovah of hosts?
You have said, It is no use worshipping God: what profit have we had from keeping his orders, and going in clothing of sorrow before the Lord of armies?
You have said, “What's the point of serving God? What benefit is there in keeping his commandments or going before the Lord Almighty with long faces?
Ye haue saide, It is in vaine to serue God: and what profite is it that we haue kept his commandement, and that we walked humbly before the Lord of hostes?
Ye have said, 'A vain thing to serve God! And what gain when we kept His charge? And when we have gone in black, Because of Jehovah of Hosts?
You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God,’ and ‘What profit is it that we have followed his instructions and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of Armies?
Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?
And you have said: What have we spoken against thee? You have said: He laboureth in vain that serveth God, and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinances, and that we have walked sorrowful before the Lord of hosts?
I reply, “You have said, ‘It is useless for us to serve God. We have gained nothing [RHQ] by obeying the commands that he gave to us and by trying to show the Commander of the armies of angels that we are sorry for the sins that we have committed.
Berean Amplified Bible — Malachi 3:14
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 3:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם
שָׁ֖וְא
עֲבֹ֣ד
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
וּ/מַה
בֶּ֗צַע
כִּ֤י
שָׁמַ֨רְנוּ֙
מִשְׁמַרְתּ֔/וֹ
וְ/כִ֤י
הָלַ֨כְנוּ֙
קְדֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
יְהוָ֥ה
צְבָאֽוֹת
אֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
שָׁ֖וְא
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
vanity
N-ms
עֲבֹ֣ד
ʻâbad
H5647
to serve
V-Qal-Inf-a
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Part
בֶּ֗צַע
betsaʻ
H1215
unjust-gain
N-ms
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׁמַ֨רְנוּ֙
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
מִשְׁמַרְתּ֔/וֹ
mishmereth
H4931
charge
N-fs | Suff
וְ/כִ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
הָלַ֨כְנוּ֙
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
קְדֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית
qᵉdôrannîyth
H6941
mournfully
Adv
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
יְהוָ֥ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
צְבָאֽוֹת
tsâbâʼ
H6635
army
N-cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Malachi 3:14
אֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
שָׁ֖וְא
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
"vanity"
N-ms
Vanity or falsehood, this word describes something empty, useless, or deceitful, like the idols worshipped by the Israelites in Isaiah 41:29, or the lies and false promises spoken by false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25.
Definition: : false 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood 1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity 1b) emptiness of speech, lying 1c) worthlessness (of conduct) Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. See also: Exodus 20:7; Isaiah 1:13; Psalms 12:3.
עֲבֹ֣ד
ʻâbad
H5647
"to serve"
V-Qal-Inf-a
To serve or work is the meaning of this verb, which can also imply slavery or bondage, as seen in the story of the Israelites in Egypt. It is used to describe various types of work or service, including serving God or other people. The word has different forms and meanings in different contexts.
Definition: : serve[someone] 1) to work, serve 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to labour, work, do work 1a2) to work for another, serve another by labour 1a3) to serve as subjects 1a4) to serve (God) 1a5) to serve (with Levitical service) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be worked, be tilled (of land) 1b2) to make oneself a servant 1c) (Pual) to be worked 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to compel to labour or work, cause to labour, cause to serve 1d2) to cause to serve as subjects 1e) (Hophal) to be led or enticed to serve
Usage: Occurs in 262 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be, keep in bondage, be bondmen, bond-service, compel, do, dress, ear, execute, [phrase] husbandman, keep, labour(-ing man, bring to pass, (cause to, make to) serve(-ing, self), (be, become) servant(-s), do (use) service, till(-er), transgress (from margin), (set a) work, be wrought, worshipper, See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:14; Psalms 2:11.
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וּ/מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
בֶּ֗צַע
betsaʻ
H1215
"unjust-gain"
N-ms
This word describes unjust gain or profit, often acquired through violence or dishonest means, as referred to in the Bible.
Definition: profit, unjust gain, gain (profit) acquired by violence
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: covetousness, (dishonest) gain, lucre, profit. See also: Genesis 37:26; Isaiah 56:11; Psalms 30:10.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁמַ֨רְנוּ֙
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
מִשְׁמַרְתּ֔/וֹ
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
N-fs | Suff
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
וְ/כִ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הָלַ֨כְנוּ֙
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
קְדֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית
qᵉdôrannîyth
H6941
"mournfully"
Adv
This word means to mourn or grieve, often wearing sackcloth as a sign of sadness, like in times of bereavement or repentance. It is used in the Bible to describe times of sorrow. The KJV translates it as mournfully.
Definition: mournfully
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: mournfully. See also: Malachi 3:14.
מִ/פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יְהוָ֥ה
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.
צְבָאֽוֹת
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.
Study Notes — Malachi 3:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Malachi 3:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Malachi 3:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Malachi 3:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Malachi 3:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Malachi 3:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Malachi 3:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Malachi 3:14
- Cambridge Bible on Malachi 3:14
- Barnes' Notes on Malachi 3:14
- Sermons on Malachi 3:14
Context — The Book of Remembrance
12“Then all the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight,” says the LORD of Hosts.
13“Your words against Me have been harsh,” says the LORD. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we spoken against You?’
14You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts?
15So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’” 16At that time those who feared the LORD spoke with one another, and the LORD listened and heard them. So a scroll of remembrance was written before Him regarding those who feared the LORD and honored His name.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 58:3 | “Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers. |
| 2 | Zephaniah 1:12 | And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men settled in complacency, who say to themselves, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’ |
| 3 | Psalms 73:8–13 | They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth. So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance. The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. |
| 4 | Job 35:3 | For you ask, ‘What does it profit me, and what benefit do I gain apart from sin?’ |
| 5 | Zechariah 7:3–6 | by asking the priests of the house of the LORD of Hosts, as well as the prophets, “Should I weep and fast in the fifth month, as I have done these many years?” Then the word of the LORD of Hosts came to me, saying, “Ask all the people of the land and the priests, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months for these seventy years, was it really for Me that you fasted? And when you were eating and drinking, were you not doing so simply for yourselves? |
| 6 | Joel 2:12 | “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” |
| 7 | Job 34:9 | For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God.’ |
| 8 | Job 22:17 | They said to God, ‘Depart from us. What can the Almighty do to us?’ |
| 9 | James 4:9 | Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. |
| 10 | Job 21:14–15 | Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’ |
Malachi 3:14 Summary
This verse shows that some people think it's pointless to follow God's rules and be sad about their sins. But, as we see in Psalm 119:35, following God's commands can bring joy and fulfillment. Serving God is not about what we get out of it, but about loving and obeying Him because of who He is, as seen in John 14:15. By trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, we can find purpose and meaning in our lives, even when things don't seem to be going our way, and trust in His promise that He will reward those who diligently seek Him, as stated in Hebrews 11:6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'walk mournfully' before the LORD of Hosts?
Walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts means to approach God with humility, reverence, and a sense of sorrow for sin, as seen in Isaiah 61:3 and Psalm 51:17.
Is serving God really futile, as the verse suggests?
No, serving God is not futile, as stated in Matthew 19:29 and Psalm 37:3, which emphasize the rewards of following and obeying God.
What are the 'requirements' being referred to in this verse?
The requirements likely refer to the commandments and laws given by God, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 10:12-13 and Micah 6:8, which include loving and obeying Him.
Why do people say it's futile to serve God?
People may say it's futile to serve God because they do not see immediate benefits or rewards, as expressed in Psalm 73:13-14, but this perspective is short-sighted and neglects the eternal rewards promised in Matthew 25:21-23.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have spoken against God or doubted His goodness, and how can I repent and realign my heart with His?
- In what areas of my life do I feel like serving God is 'futile' or unrewarding, and how can I shift my perspective to trust in His sovereignty and promises?
- How can I practically 'walk mournfully' before the LORD of Hosts, acknowledging my sin and humbly seeking His forgiveness and mercy?
- What are some 'requirements' of God that I have been neglecting or struggling to obey, and how can I seek His help and empowerment to follow Him more closely?
Gill's Exposition on Malachi 3:14
Ye have said, it [is] vain to serve God,.... This they said in their hearts, if not with their lips, that it was a vain thing for a man to serve God; he got nothing by it; he had no reward for it; it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Malachi 3:14
Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Malachi 3:14
Ye; ye that are the children of forefathers who had this good land given to them, and ever made fruitful while they feared and obeyed their God; you that have been well rewarded for your obedience, or you priests who have tithes, sacrifices, offerings, and first-fruits given you for your services. Have said; have thought first, and next have discoursed it; unthankful to your God, you have atheistlike maintained it in disputes, that it is vain to serve God; all is lost labour, no profit to God nor any to yourselves; therefore better sit still and do nothing, than to no purpose. What profit is it that we have kept his ordinance? while what they have before their eyes is the fruit of God’ s goodness, and what they want is punishment of their not doing it better; whilst a very unsuitable observing the ordinances of God hath so much profit for you, dare you say there is no profit? Sottish atheists! who will not try what a more agreeable service would do. And that we have walked mournfully: so the hypocrites and ungodly object against God, ; yet their dissembled mournings, as Ahab’ s, had their reward, and infinitely better than they Ye; ye that are the children of forefathers who had this good land given to them, and ever made fruitful while they feared and obeyed their God; you that have been well rewarded for your obedience, or you priests who have tithes, sacrifices, offerings, and first-fruits given you for your services. And that we have walked mournfully: so the hypocrites and ungodly object against God, ; yet their dissembled mournings, as Ahab’ s, had their reward, and infinitely better than they
Trapp's Commentary on Malachi 3:14
Malachi 3:14 Ye have said, It [is] vain to serve God: and what profit [is it] that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?Ver. 14. Ye have said, It is vain to serve God] Vulgate: He is vain that serves God. Ye are idle, ye are idle, said Pharaoh to the Israelites, when they would needs go sacrifice; and to Moses and Aaron, Ye let the people from their works. Anything seems due work to a carnal mind saving God’ s service; that is labour lost, time cast away, they think. But this is their want of spiritual judgment; they see not the beauty of holiness, they taste not how good the Lord is; they discern not things that are excellent; they measure all by present sight, sense, and taste, as do children, swine, and other brute creatures; and, therefore, they themselves are vani et vanissimi, as an expositor here speaketh, vain, and most vain, and that for two reasons, and in two respects. First, for that they take themselves to be servers of God. Secondly, they stick in the bark, serve him with the outside only, honour him with their lips, and not with their hearts; they bring him vain oblations, empty performances, serve him with shows and formalities which he delights not in, nay, he rejects them with infinite scorn, as he did the Pharisees’ devotions, Luke 16:15, because they were but skin deep, and not heart sprung; therefore they were not a button the better for them. God loves and looks for truth in the inward parts, Psalms 51:6; he looks that men should do his will from the heart, Ephesians 6:6, and serve him in their spirits, Romans 1:9, in doing whereof there is great reward, Psalms 19:11 praemium ante praemium, reward before the reward, that commendation of a good conscience; this the stranger meddleth not with, conceives not, the wealth of God’ s pilgrims standing more in jewels and gold, things light of carnage, and well portable, than in house and land. His servants have that here that doth abundantly pay them for their pains beforehand; righteousness being its own reward; and they knowing within themselves that they have in heaven a better and an enduring substance, Hebrews 10:34. But hereafter oh the rich recompense that God shall make them! oh the heaped up happiness of such at the last! when these vain talkers in the text, and all that are of their mind, shall roar out Nos insensati, We fools counted their lives madness; but now, &c. doctr. 5.
What profit is it that we have kept his ordinance?] The Chaldee hath it, Quod mammon adepti sumus? what mammon or wealth have we gained? Mammonists are all for gain, their very godliness is gain, still they have an eagle’ s eye to the prey when they seem to fly highest toward heaven; if they may not get by God they soon grow weary of his work.
Ellicott's Commentary on Malachi 3:14
(14) Mournfully—i.e., with all outward signs of fasting. (Comp. Matthew 6:16.) The fasting referred to is not that of the Day of Atonement, but of voluntary fasts. We see here, in already a somewhat developed form, that disposition to attribute merit to observances of outward forms of religion for their own sake, without regard to the secret attitude of the heart, which reached such a pitch among the majority of the Jews in the time of our Lord, and especially among the Pharisees.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Malachi 3:14
Verse 14. Ye have said, It is vain to serve God] They strove to destroy the Divine worship; they asserted that it was vanity; that, if they performed acts of worship, they should be nothing the better; and if they abstained, they should be nothing the worse. This was their teaching to the people. Walked mournfully] Even repentance they have declared to be useless. This was a high pitch of ungodliness; but see what follows; behold the general conclusions of these reprobates-
Cambridge Bible on Malachi 3:14
14. kept his ordinance] lit. observed his observance. Kept his charge, R.V. It is the same tendency to regard mere outward observance as true religion, which earlier prophets had denounced (1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 58:1-4), and which culminated in the Pharisaism of New Testament times (John 18:28). walked mournfully] With outward signs of mourning: “in mourning apparel”, R.V. as a sign of humiliation and contrition. Comp. Joe 2:13; Isaiah 58:5; Matthew 6:16-18. There may possibly be a reference to the frequent national Fasts which were observed after the return from Babylon. See Zechariah 7:3; Zechariah 7:5; Zechariah 8:19.
Barnes' Notes on Malachi 3:14
Ye have said, It is vain to serve the God - o “as receiving no gain or reward for their service. This is the judgment of the world, whereby worldlings think pious, just, sincere, strict men, vain, i.
Sermons on Malachi 3:14
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(Basics) 51. Bringing Up Godly Children by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of teaching children to be honest and responsible. He uses the example of a child stealing a pencil and explains how ignoring |
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The Last Day Return to Discernment Part 1 by Carter Conlon | In the video, Brother Tom Larkin shares his experience in Zambia, where he witnessed the transformation of children living in desperate conditions. These children were once hopeles |
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Malachi on Repentance and Faithfulness by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, Brother Stephen Kahn begins by praying for the congregation to be filled with God's love and to be able to hear His voice. He emphasizes the importance of serving G |
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(Revival) Revival Presupposes Declension - Part 2 by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three steps that lead to the decline of the people of God. The first step is when the acts of God become only a memory, leading to skeptic |
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(Through the Bible) Zechariah 6-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of a change of heart and how it is only achieved through being born again. He emphasizes that while people may change their minds |
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Episodes in Life of T/lord 08 Healing on the Sabbath by Robert Constable | In this sermon, the preacher uses an illustration involving a man with a withered hand to emphasize the importance of true commitment to Christ. He highlights the tendency of peopl |
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Fasting by Keith Malcomson | Keith Malcomson emphasizes the importance of fasting as a practice for Christians to abstain from food for a set purpose and period to pray in faith to God. The sermon delves into |