Malachi 2:13
And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.
Malachi 2:13 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Malachi illustrates the consequences of insincere and hypocritical worship. The people of Israel were offering sacrifices to God with tears, weeping, and crying out, but their hearts were far from Him. Their outward displays of emotion were not genuine; they were simply going through the motions of religious rituals without true repentance or devotion. As a result, God no longer accepted their offerings or regarded them with favor. It serves as a warning to believers to worship God with sincerity and authenticity, rather than just going through the motions. God desires genuine worship that comes from the heart, not empty gestures or religious formalities. This verse reminds us that our attitudes and intentions matter just as much, if not more, than our outward actions when it comes to worshiping God.
Theological Overview
In this verse, we see a powerful message from the prophet Malachi to the people of Israel. The imagery of tears, weeping, and crying out paints a vivid picture of the desperation and sorrow of the people as they bring offerings to the Lord. However, despite their outward displays of emotion, the Lord does not regard their offerings with favor. This serves as a warning against empty rituals and insincere worship. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the importance of genuine repentance and heartfelt devotion in our relationship with God. It reminds us that God desires sincerity and obedience from His people, rather than superficial displays of emotion or ritual. A word study of this verse reveals that the Hebrew word translated as "good will" conveys the idea of acceptance and approval. The verse challenges us to examine our motives and attitudes in our worship and offerings to God, urging us to approach Him with sincerity and reverence.
Malachi 2:13 in other translations
American Standard Version
And this again ye do: ye cover the altar of Jehovah with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, neither receiveth it with good will at your hand.
World English Bible
This again you do: you cover the altar of Yahweh with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, because he doesn’t regard the offering any more, neither receives it with good will at your hand.
Douay-Rheims
And this again have you done, you have covered the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping, and bellowing, so that I have no more a regard to sacrifice, neither do I accept any atonement at your hands.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And this haue ye done againe, and couered the altar of the Lord with teares, with weeping and with mourning: because the offering is no more regarded, neither receiued acceptably at your handes.