Malachi 1:14

But cursed [be] the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I [am] a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name [is] dreadful among the heathen.

But cursed {H779} be the deceiver {H5230}, which {H3426} hath in his flock {H5739} a male {H2145}, and voweth {H5087}, and sacrificeth {H2076} unto the Lord {H136} a corrupt thing {H7843}: for I am a great {H1419} King {H4428}, saith {H559} the LORD {H3068} of hosts {H6635}, and my name {H8034} is dreadful {H3372} among the heathen {H1471}.

"Moreover, cursed is the deceiver who has a male animal in his flock that is damaged, but vows and sacrifices to ADONAI anyway. For I am a great king," says ADONAI-Tzva'ot, "and my name is respected among the nations.

“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.

But cursed be the deceiver, who hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a blemished thing; for I am a great King, saith Jehovah of hosts, and my name is terrible among the Gentiles.

Commentary on Malachi 1:14 (KJV)

Malachi 1:14 delivers a powerful rebuke and a stern warning against insincere and deceptive worship, underscoring the absolute majesty and sovereignty of God. This verse concludes a section where the Lord expresses His indignation over the defiled offerings presented by the priests and the people of Israel after their return from exile.

Context

The prophet Malachi, whose name means "my messenger," addresses the spiritual complacency and moral decay prevalent in Judah during the post-exilic period. The people had become lukewarm in their devotion, and the priests were failing in their duty to uphold the covenant. Earlier in the chapter, God directly confronts their contempt for His name, specifically highlighting their practice of offering blemished sacrifices—blind, lame, or sick animals—which they would never dare offer to a human governor (Malachi 1:8). Verse 14 intensifies this condemnation, pronouncing a curse upon those who knowingly possess a perfect animal for sacrifice but intentionally offer a "corrupt thing" instead.

Key Themes

  • Deception and Hypocrisy in Worship: The verse targets the "deceiver" (Hebrew: rammāh), indicating not merely an error but a deliberate act of fraud and treachery against God. This person has a "male" (a prime, unblemished animal, suitable for sacrifice) in their flock, yet chooses to break their vow by offering something "corrupt" or "spoiled." This highlights the sin of offering less than one's best, a profound lack of integrity in devotion.
  • God's Uncompromising Majesty: The latter half of the verse emphatically declares God's nature: "for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen." This serves as the divine justification for the curse. God is not merely a local deity or a lenient master; He is the sovereign "King" over all, the "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth), signifying His immense power and authority over all creation and heavenly armies. His "name is dreadful" (Hebrew: nôrāʾ, awe-inspiring, to be feared) not just among Israel but even "among the heathen" (nations). This universal recognition of His power stands in stark contrast to Israel's casual disregard.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The "curse" pronounced upon the deceiver underscores the serious repercussions of treating God and His commands lightly. God demands genuine reverence and faithfulness, not mere ritual performed with a corrupt heart.

Linguistic Insights

The term "deceiver" (Hebrew: rammāh) implies a cunning, treacherous individual who acts with premeditation. It's not a mistake but a deliberate act of fraud. The "corrupt thing" (Hebrew: mashḥiṯ) refers to something spoiled, ruined, or unfit for sacred use, contrasting sharply with the unblemished offerings prescribed in the Law (e.g., Leviticus 22:21). The title "LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) emphasizes God's omnipotence and position as the supreme commander of all forces, both earthly and heavenly. His name being "dreadful" (nôrāʾ) among the nations speaks to His universal renown and the awe He inspires, even among those who do not formally worship Him.

Practical Application

Malachi 1:14 remains highly relevant today. It calls believers to examine the integrity of their worship and service to God. Do we offer God our best in all areas of life—our time, talents, resources, and devotion—or do we give Him what is leftover, convenient, or "corrupt" while reserving the best for ourselves or other pursuits? This verse is a powerful reminder that God is a "great King" who deserves our utmost reverence and genuine heart, not merely outward religious performance. True worship, as taught throughout Scripture, involves a sincere heart that honors God's majestic nature and gives Him the glory due His name (Romans 12:1).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:12

    For if there be first a willing mind, [it is] accepted according to that a man hath, [and] not according to that he hath not.

  • Acts 5:1

    ¶ But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

  • Acts 5:10

    Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying [her] forth, buried [her] by her husband.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:4

    ¶ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:5

    Better [is it] that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

  • Malachi 1:8

    And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, [is it] not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, [is it] not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.

  • Jeremiah 10:10

    But the LORD [is] the true God, he [is] the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.

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