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.
Malachi 1:13 · King James Version
Meaning
Within this verse, the prophet Malachi is conveying a message from the Lord to the people of Israel, questioning the sincerity of their worship. The people were found lacking in their offerings to the Lord, bringing Him torn, lame, and sick animals as sacrifices. This was in direct violation of the laws set forth by God, requiring offerings to be unblemished and pure. The people's attitude towards worship had become apathetic and lacking in reverence, viewing it as a burden rather than a privilege. The Lord, through Malachi, challenges the people to reflect on the quality of their offerings and their true devotion to Him. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of genuine worship and the need to honor God with our best, rather than giving Him what is left over or imperfect.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the people are expressing weariness in their worship and offerings to the Lord. The term "snuffed at it" could imply a disdainful attitude towards the sacrifices they were making. The verse goes on to highlight the quality of the offerings being brought before the Lord. The people were bringing torn, lame, and sick animals as sacrifices, which was not in line with the expectations of a worthy offering to the Lord. The Lord questions whether He should accept such offerings from their hands. This verse speaks to the importance of sincerity and reverence in worship. It is not enough to simply go through the motions of offering sacrifices; the heart and attitude behind the worship are crucial. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the value of honoring God with our best, both in our actions and in our attitudes towards Him.
Malachi 1:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
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.
World English Bible
You say also, ‘Behold, what a weariness it is!’ and you have sniffed at it”, says Yahweh 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 Yahweh.
Douay-Rheims
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?
Geneva Bible (1599)
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?