Malachi 1:13

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Ye said {H559} also, Behold, what a weariness {H4972} is it! and ye have snuffed {H5301} at it, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}; and ye brought {H935} that which was torn {H1497}, and the lame {H6455}, and the sick {H2470}; thus ye brought {H935} an offering {H4503}: should I accept {H7521} this of your hand {H3027}? saith {H559} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You also say, 'It's all so tiresome!' and sniff scornfully at it," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot. "Then you bring animals that were taken by violence, or they are lame or sick. This is the sort of offering you bring. Am I supposed to accept this from you?" asks ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Malachi 1:13 powerfully exposes the profound spiritual apathy and contempt displayed by the post-exilic Jewish community and its priests toward their covenant obligations and the worship of God. The people's dismissive attitude, expressed as a weariness with sacred duties, manifested in their offering of blemished, inferior animals for sacrifice—animals that were torn, lame, or sick—a direct violation of Mosaic Law. This verse culminates in God's indignant rhetorical question, underscoring His absolute refusal to accept such defiled and insincere worship, revealing His demand for reverence, purity, and wholehearted devotion from His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Malachi, the final book of the Old Testament prophetic corpus, is structured as a series of disputations where the LORD confronts Israel's spiritual failures and the priests' dereliction of duty. Following the return from Babylonian exile, the people had rebuilt the temple and reinstituted sacrifices, yet their devotion had become superficial. This specific verse falls within the first disputation (Malachi 1:6-2:9), where God directly challenges the priests for despising His name and defiling His altar. The preceding verses (Malachi 1:7-8) already establish the problem of offering defiled food and blemished animals, setting the stage for the explicit accusation in Malachi 1:13 regarding the people's and priests' internal attitude of "weariness" and their contemptuous offerings. The subsequent verses (Malachi 1:14-2:3) promise judgment for those who practice such deceitful worship, emphasizing the gravity of their sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Malachi is set roughly a century after the return from Babylonian exile (around 450-430 BC), following the ministries of Haggai and Zechariah. While the temple had been rebuilt, the initial zeal had waned. The people faced economic hardship, unfulfilled messianic expectations, and a general sense of disillusionment. In this environment, religious observance often became a mere formality. The sacrificial system was central to Israelite worship, serving as a means of atonement, communion, and expressing devotion to God. Mosaic Law, particularly in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/22 "Leviticus - Laws for Priests and Offerings") and [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/15 "Deuteronomy - Laws and Covenant Renewal"), explicitly commanded that sacrifices be "without blemish" (e.g., [Leviticus 22:20-25](/leviticus/22-20-25 "Laws for Unblemished Sacrifices")). Offering sick, lame, or torn animals was not only a direct violation of these laws but also a profound insult to the holy God, implying He was not worthy of their best, or that He was blind to their insincerity.
* **Key Themes:** Malachi 1:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. It highlights the pervasive theme of **Disrespect for God's Name and Holiness**, as the people and priests treat God's worship as a burden and offer Him worthless sacrifices, thereby profaning His altar and His very name (Malachi 1:6-7). This verse also underscores the theme of **Corrupt and Hypocritical Worship**, revealing that outward religious acts are meaningless without an inward heart of reverence and sincerity. God desires genuine devotion, not mere ritualistic compliance, a concept echoed throughout the prophetic tradition (e.g., [Isaiah 1:11-15](/isaiah/1-11-15 "Isaiah - God Rejects Empty Rituals")). Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **God's Unwavering Justice and Demand for Purity**, as the LORD of hosts unequivocally rejects their defiled offerings, demonstrating that He will not tolerate contempt for His covenant or His commands. This sets the stage for the coming judgment and the eventual purification of the priesthood and people, as promised later in [Malachi 3:1-4](/malachi/3-1-4 "Malachi - The Coming Messenger and Purification").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Weariness (Hebrew, _mattᵉlâʼâh'_):** Derived from a phrase meaning "what a trouble!" or "what a burden!", this word encapsulates the deep-seated spiritual apathy and disdain felt by the people and priests towards their religious duties. It signifies not just fatigue, but a profound annoyance and exasperation with the demands of worship, treating sacred service as an onerous chore rather than a privilege or joyful obligation. This attitude is at the heart of their defiled offerings.
* **Snuffed (Hebrew, _nâphach'_):** This primitive root means "to puff," "to blow hard," or "to disesteem." In this context, to "snuff at it" conveys a gesture of contempt, disdain, or scorn, much like exhaling in disgust. It vividly illustrates the dismissive and contemptuous attitude with which the people regarded the altar and the sacrificial system, treating them as something worthless or even repulsive, rather than holy and honorable.
* **Accept (Hebrew, _râtsâh'_):** Meaning "to be pleased with," "to approve," or "to reconcile oneself," this word is crucial in understanding God's response. The rhetorical question, "should I accept this of your hand?" highlights God's absolute refusal to be pleased by or to approve of their insincere offerings. It emphasizes that for God to accept a sacrifice, it must be offered with a pure heart and according to His standards, signifying His favor and reconciliation. Their blemished offerings, given with contempt, could never achieve this.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]!":** This opening clause reveals the internal, cynical attitude of the people and priests. It's a direct quote of their grumbling, showing their profound spiritual apathy and disdain for the sacred duties of worship. They viewed serving God and bringing offerings not as a privilege but as an exhausting, burdensome task.
* **"and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts;":** This clause further elaborates on their contemptuous attitude, depicting a dismissive, scornful gesture. The inclusion of "saith the LORD of hosts" emphasizes the divine authority behind this accusation, highlighting that their disrespect was not merely for a ritual, but for the Almighty God Himself, who commands vast armies and celestial powers.
* **"and ye brought [that which was] torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering:":** This part details the tangible manifestation of their internal weariness and contempt. Instead of unblemished animals as required by the Law, they brought animals that were already useless to them—torn (perhaps by wild animals, making them unfit for consumption or sacrifice), lame, or sick. This was a deliberate act of offering the worst, not the best, mocking the very purpose of sacrifice.
* **"should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.":** This rhetorical question serves as God's indignant response and the climax of the accusation. It underscores His absolute refusal to legitimize or be pleased by such defiled and insincere offerings. The phrase "of your hand" emphasizes the source of the offering—their own actions and intentions—and highlights that God sees through the outward ritual to the heart of the offerer. The repetition of "saith the LORD" reaffirms the divine origin and unchangeable nature of this judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Malachi 1:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Rhetorical Question** is prominently used ("should I accept this of your hand?"), serving not as a genuine inquiry but as a forceful statement of God's unequivocal rejection and righteous indignation. This device engages the audience directly, forcing them to confront the absurdity and offensiveness of their actions. **Personification** is subtly present in the idea of the "weariness" itself, almost as if the duty of worship is an oppressive entity. **Irony** is deeply embedded in the situation: the very acts intended to honor God (sacrifices) are being used to dishonor Him through their contemptuous execution. The contrast between the exalted title "LORD of hosts" and the despicable offerings highlights this irony. Finally, **Repetition** of "saith the LORD" (or "saith the LORD of hosts") throughout the verse and the book reinforces the divine authority and certainty of the pronouncements, emphasizing that these are not mere human observations but direct words from God Himself.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Malachi 1:13 profoundly illustrates that God values the heart and attitude of the worshiper far more than the outward performance of religious rituals. The superficiality and contempt with which the people offered their sacrifices rendered them unacceptable, demonstrating that true worship is not merely about fulfilling obligations but about genuine reverence, love, and a desire to give one's best to a holy God. This principle transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system, emphasizing that God looks beyond external actions to the sincerity and devotion of the human heart, rejecting any offering, service, or praise that stems from apathy, begrudging duty, or disrespect. It serves as a timeless reminder that our worship must be characterized by authenticity and wholeheartedness.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice")
* [Isaiah 1:11-15](/isaiah/1-11-15 "Isaiah 1:11-15 - God Rejects Empty Rituals")
* [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Desires Justice, Not Empty Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Malachi 1:13 serves as a stark and convicting mirror for believers today, prompting a profound self-examination of our own attitudes towards worship, service, and giving. Do we approach our spiritual disciplines—prayer, Bible study, corporate worship, tithing, serving others—with a joyful heart of gratitude and reverence, or do we secretly harbor a sense of "weariness," viewing them as burdensome obligations? The prophet's indictment reminds us that God is not impressed by outward conformity if our hearts are disengaged or contemptuous. He desires our "firstfruits," our best, not our leftovers or what is convenient. This means offering our primary time, our most fervent prayers, our deepest attention, and our genuine resources, not just what we can spare or what feels like a minimal effort. Our worship, whether in private devotion or public gathering, must be an overflow of love and honor for God, recognizing His supreme worthiness. To offer anything less, especially with a dismissive attitude, is to "snuff at" the very One who deserves our utmost devotion, and such an offering, regardless of its form, will not be accepted by the LORD.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my spiritual life do I find myself feeling "weariness" or approaching duties with a sense of obligation rather than joy?**
* **Am I offering God my "best" in my time, talents, and resources, or am I giving Him the "lame, sick, and torn" aspects of my life?**
* **How can I cultivate a heart of genuine reverence and enthusiasm for worship and service, rather than allowing apathy or contempt to creep in?**
* **What does "accepting" my offering mean to God, and how does my attitude impact His reception of my worship?**

### FAQ

**What does "snuffed at it" mean in this context?**

Answer: To "snuff at it" (Hebrew: *nâphach*) conveys a strong sense of disdain, scorn, or contempt. It's an action akin to blowing out air in disgust or exhaling dismissively. In Malachi 1:13, it illustrates the profound disrespect and utter contempt the priests and people had for the sacred duties of worship and the sacrificial system. They treated God's altar and His commands as something worthless or even repulsive, rather than holy and honorable. This attitude was a direct affront to the "LORD of hosts," emphasizing the gravity of their sin.

**Why did God reject their offerings if they were still performing sacrifices?**

Answer: God rejected their offerings not because the act of sacrifice itself was wrong, but because of the corrupt attitude and blemished quality of what was offered. The Mosaic Law explicitly required animals for sacrifice to be "without blemish" (e.g., [Leviticus 22:20](/leviticus/22-20 "Leviticus 22:20 - Requirement for Unblemished Offerings")). By bringing "torn, and the lame, and the sick" animals, they were directly violating God's commands and showing contempt for His holiness. God values the heart behind the offering more than the offering itself; ritual without reverence is an abomination to Him (as seen in [Proverbs 15:8](/proverbs/15-8 "Proverbs 15:8 - The Sacrifice of the Wicked")). Their actions demonstrated a profound lack of respect for God's name and His covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Malachi 1:13, with its depiction of defiled offerings and a weary, contemptuous people, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, with its constant need for unblemished animals, pointed forward to a perfect, once-for-all sacrifice. The "torn, lame, and sick" animals offered by the Israelites stand in stark contrast to the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who was without sin and offered Himself as the ultimate, spotless sacrifice for the sins of the world (as proclaimed by John the Baptist in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Where the Old Covenant sacrifices were repeatedly offered with weariness and contempt, Christ's sacrifice was offered willingly and perfectly, out of profound love and obedience to the Father ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His atoning work, believers are now able to offer "spiritual sacrifices" that are truly acceptable to God—not of animals, but of praise, good deeds, and lives consecrated to Him, offered through Christ Jesus ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Spiritual Sacrifices") and [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")). The weariness and contempt of Malachi's day are overcome by the joy and gratitude found in the new covenant, where we are called to worship God in spirit and truth, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and made acceptable through the perfect offering of Christ ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Micah 6:3

O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.

Mark 14:37

And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour?

Mark 14:38

Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly [is] ready, but the flesh [is] weak.

Ezekiel 4:14

Then said I, Ah Lord GOD! behold, my soul hath not been polluted: for from my youth up even till now have I not eaten of that which dieth of itself, or is torn in pieces; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

Isaiah 57:6

Among the smooth [stones] of the stream [is] thy portion; they, they [are] thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?

Zechariah 7:5

Speak unto all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, When ye fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh [month], even those seventy years, did ye at all fast unto me, [even] to me?

Zechariah 7:6

And when ye did eat, and when ye did drink, did not ye eat [for yourselves], and drink [for yourselves]?