Malachi 2:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And this have ye done {H6213} again {H8145}, covering {H3680} the altar {H4196} of the LORD {H3068} with tears {H1832}, with weeping {H1065}, and with crying out {H603}, insomuch that he regardeth {H6437} not the offering {H4503} any more, or receiveth {H3947} it with good will {H7522} at your hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Here is something else you do: you cover ADONAI's altar with tears, with weeping and with sighing, because he no longer looks at the offering or receives your gift with favor.

Berean Standard Bible

And this is another thing you do: You cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping and groaning, because He no longer regards your offerings or receives them gladly from your hands.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Malachi 2:13 powerfully depicts the Lord's rejection of the Israelites' worship, despite their outward expressions of sorrow and lamentation. The verse reveals that God no longer regards their offerings or receives them with favor because their ritualistic piety is undermined by a deep-seated unfaithfulness and treachery, particularly in their covenant relationships, rendering their tears and sacrifices meaningless in His sight.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Malachi 2:13 stands as a poignant culmination of the prophet's indictment against the people and priests of Israel. Immediately preceding this verse, Malachi condemns the priests for their failure to honor God's covenant, leading to defiled offerings and a corrupted ministry ([Malachi 1:6-14](/malachi/1-6-14 "Malachi 1:6-14 - Priests Despise the Lord's Name")). The focus then shifts to the people's treachery, specifically their breaking of the covenant with one another and, most pointedly, their wives. [Malachi 2:10-12](/malachi/2-10-12 "Malachi 2:10-12 - Treachery Against One Another") decries their unfaithfulness, particularly the widespread practice of divorcing their Israelite wives to marry foreign women, which was a direct violation of the Mosaic Law and the spirit of the covenant. The "tears, with weeping, and with crying out" in verse 13 are thus likely the lamentations of these forsaken wives, or perhaps the people's own sorrow over their perceived lack of divine blessing, even as they continued in their sin. This verse highlights the inseparable link between proper worship and righteous living, showing that God will not accept outward piety when inward corruption and injustice prevail.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Malachi ministered in Judah during the post-exilic period, likely in the mid-5th century BC, after the return of the exiles from Babylon under leaders like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. While the temple had been rebuilt, and sacrificial worship resumed, the initial fervor of the return had waned. Spiritual apathy, moral laxity, and ritualistic formalism had crept into the community. The people and even the priests had become complacent, offering blemished sacrifices and neglecting their tithes. Culturally, marriage to foreign women was a significant issue, as it threatened the spiritual purity and distinctiveness of the Israelite community, leading to idolatry and syncretism, a problem also addressed by Ezra and Nehemiah ([Ezra 9](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9 - Ezra's Prayer About Intermarriage") and [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23-27 "Nehemiah 13:23-27 - Nehemiah Condemns Mixed Marriages")). The altar was the central place of worship and atonement, where offerings were presented to God. The idea of "covering" it with tears suggests a scene of intense public lamentation, yet one that was devoid of genuine repentance from the heart.

* **Key Themes:** Malachi 2:13 significantly contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Malachi. First, it underscores the theme of **Rejected Worship**, demonstrating that God prioritizes obedience and covenant faithfulness over mere ritualistic performance ([Malachi 1:10](/malachi/1-10 "Malachi 1:10 - God Despises Worthless Offerings")). Second, it exposes the **Hypocrisy** of the people, whose outward displays of sorrow did not align with their inward unfaithfulness and unjust actions, particularly their treachery in marriage ([Malachi 2:14-16](/malachi/2-14-16 "Malachi 2:14-16 - God Hates Divorce")). Third, the verse emphasizes the vital importance of **Covenant Faithfulness**, not only in the vertical relationship with God but also in the horizontal relationships within the community, especially the sacred covenant of marriage. Lastly, it highlights **God's Justice and Discernment**, revealing that the Lord is not deceived by outward appearances but sees the heart and responds justly to genuine repentance or its absence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **covering (Hebrew, _kâçâh'_):** H3680. From a primitive root meaning "to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)." In this context, it vividly portrays the overwhelming presence of tears and lamentation. It's not a literal covering, but a metaphorical one, indicating that the altar, the very place of communion with God, was saturated with the sounds and emotional outpouring of their distress, yet this distress was not leading to divine acceptance.
* **tears (Hebrew, _dimʻâh'_); weeping (Hebrew, _Bᵉkîy'_):** H1832; H1065. _Dimʻâh_ refers to "weeping" or "tears," while _Bᵉkîy_ denotes "a weeping" or "dripping," often implying a continuous or intense lament. The combination of these words emphasizes the profound and perhaps incessant nature of the sorrow expressed. However, the context reveals these were not tears of genuine repentance for their sin but possibly tears of self-pity, frustration over their perceived misfortune, or the genuine tears of the wronged wives.
* **good will (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** H7522. Meaning "delight (especially as shown); acceptable(-ance, -ed), desire, favour, (good) pleasure, (own, self, voluntary) will." This word signifies God's favorable disposition or acceptance. The phrase "receiveth it with good will" directly contrasts with God's actual response, indicating His complete lack of delight or approval for their offerings due to their unfaithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this have ye done again":** This opening clause points back to the preceding accusations, particularly the treachery against their brethren and wives ([Malachi 2:10-12](/malachi/2-10-12 "Malachi 2:10-12 - Breaking Covenant")). The word "again" (H8145, _shênîy_) emphasizes the repeated nature of their unfaithfulness, suggesting a persistent pattern of sin rather than an isolated incident. Their actions are not new but a continuation of their disregard for God's covenant.
* **"covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out":** This is a powerful, almost paradoxical image. The altar, meant for joyful communion and sacrificial atonement, is instead overwhelmed by expressions of profound sorrow. These "tears, weeping, and crying out" (H1832, H1065, H603) are the sounds of lamentation. As discussed in the context, these could be the tears of the abandoned Israelite wives, or the people's own lamentations over their perceived misfortunes or the lack of God's blessing, all while failing to address the root of their sin.
* **"insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more":** The consequence of their actions and insincere lamentation is God's absolute refusal to acknowledge their sacrifices. The Hebrew word for "regardeth" (H6437, _pânâh_) means "to turn," "to face," or "to look." God literally turns His face away from their offerings, refusing to even look at them, signifying His complete disapproval and disengagement.
* **"or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand":** This further clarifies God's rejection. Not only does He not "regard" their offerings, but He also does not "receive" them (H3947, _lâqach_) with "good will" (H7522, _râtsôwn_). The phrase "at your hand" (H3027, _yâd_) emphasizes that the offerings come from *their* hands, hands that are stained by treachery and injustice. God's rejection is not arbitrary but a direct response to the moral and spiritual state of those presenting the offerings.

#### Literary Devices
Malachi 2:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most striking is **Metaphor**, specifically in the phrase "covering the altar of the LORD with tears." This is not a literal act but a vivid image conveying the overwhelming presence of sorrow and lamentation around the sacred space. It contrasts sharply with the expected atmosphere of joyful worship and highlights the incongruity between their outward display and their inward unfaithfulness. Another device is **Anthropomorphism**, where God is described with human-like actions: "he regardeth not" and "receiveth it with good will." This helps the audience understand God's emotional and volitional response to their actions, making His rejection palpable. Finally, there is a strong element of **Irony**. The people bring offerings and lament before God, presumably seeking His favor, yet their very actions (the "tears" and "crying out") are a consequence of their sin or the sorrow of those they have wronged, and these outward displays are met with divine rejection, exposing the hollowness of their piety.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Malachi 2:13 profoundly underscores the theological truth that true worship is inseparable from righteous living and covenant faithfulness. God is not interested in mere ritualistic performance or outward displays of piety if the heart is unfaithful and actions are characterized by injustice, particularly within sacred covenant relationships like marriage. The Lord demands integrity and sincerity, where one's public devotion aligns with their private conduct and their treatment of others. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our relationship with God is intrinsically linked to our relationships with fellow humans, and that sin, especially treachery against those we are covenanted to, erects a barrier between us and divine favor, rendering our spiritual efforts futile.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Isaiah 1:15](/isaiah/1-15 "Isaiah 1:15 - God Rejects Hypocritical Prayer")
* [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - God Despises Insincere Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Malachi 2:13 serves as a timeless mirror, challenging believers to examine the authenticity of their worship and the integrity of their lives. It warns against the spiritual danger of compartmentalizing faith, where outward religious observance is disconnected from ethical conduct and relational faithfulness. For us today, this means that our prayers, praise, and offerings, no matter how fervent or outwardly impressive, are rendered meaningless if our hearts harbor unrepentant sin, if we deal treacherously with those closest to us, or if our lives are marked by injustice. True worship flows from a heart made right with God and committed to living righteously with others. It calls us to genuine repentance, not just sorrow over consequences, but a deep sorrow over sin itself that leads to a transformative turning away from it. Our spiritual disciplines must be accompanied by a life of integrity, love, and justice, ensuring that our "offerings" are truly acceptable to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might my outward religious practice be disconnected from my inward spiritual reality or my treatment of others?**
* **Am I genuinely repenting of my sins, or am I merely lamenting the consequences of my actions?**
* **How does my commitment to covenant relationships (marriage, family, church) reflect my commitment to God?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure my worship is characterized by integrity and faithfulness, rather than hypocrisy?**

### FAQ

**Whose tears are being referred to in Malachi 2:13, and why were they shed?**

Answer: The "tears, with weeping, and with crying out" primarily refer to the lamentations of the Israelite wives who were being treacherously divorced by their husbands for foreign women, as described in the verses immediately preceding ([Malachi 2:14-16](/malachi/2-14-16 "Malachi 2:14-16 - God Hates Divorce")). These women were crying out to God because their husbands had broken their marriage covenants, leaving them vulnerable and heartbroken. It is also possible that some of the tears were from the unfaithful men themselves, lamenting their perceived misfortunes or the lack of God's blessing, without recognizing that their own sin was the cause. Regardless of whose tears, the key point is that these were not tears of genuine repentance from the unfaithful, and God therefore rejected their offerings.

**Why did God "regard not the offering any more" despite the people's apparent devotion?**

Answer: God rejected their offerings not because of a lack of outward devotion, but because their hearts and lives were characterized by unfaithfulness and injustice, particularly in their covenant relationships. The people were performing religious rituals (bringing offerings) while simultaneously engaging in treachery, divorce, and other sins ([Malachi 2:10-12](/malachi/2-10-12 "Malachi 2:10-12 - Treachery and Divorce")). God looks beyond the outward act to the condition of the heart and the integrity of one's life. He would not accept sacrifices from hands stained by sin and a people who had broken their covenant with Him and with one another. This principle is consistent throughout the Old Testament, where prophets consistently emphasize that obedience and justice are more pleasing to God than mere ritual ([1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Over Sacrifice"); [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11-17 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - True Worship and Justice")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Malachi 2:13, with its stark portrayal of God's rejection of insincere worship, finds its profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant system, with its altars, tears, and offerings, was ultimately incapable of addressing the deep-seated problem of human sin and hypocrisy that Malachi condemns. The people's inability to offer acceptable worship stemmed from their unfaithful hearts, a condition that no amount of animal sacrifice or lamentation could truly rectify. Jesus, however, perfectly embodies the acceptable offering and the true worshiper. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose [one sacrifice perfected forever those who are being sanctified](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"). Through His death and resurrection, Christ established a [New Covenant](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant"), not based on external rituals or the flawed obedience of humanity, but on His perfect obedience and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who writes God's law on our hearts ([Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - God's Law on Our Hearts")). In Christ, our worship is no longer dependent on our own imperfect efforts or the purity of our hands, but on His righteousness imputed to us. He cleanses us from all unrighteousness, enabling us to [draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Draw Near with a True Heart"). Thus, the tears of lamentation for sin are transformed into tears of repentance and joy, knowing that through Christ, our worship is truly acceptable to the Father, offered in spirit and truth ([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

Isaiah 1:11

To what purpose [is] the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.

Jeremiah 14:12

When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and an oblation, I will not accept them: but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.

Proverbs 15:8

¶ The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright [is] his delight.

1 Samuel 1:9

¶ So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

1 Samuel 1:10

And she [was] in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

Nehemiah 8:9

¶ And Nehemiah, which [is] the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day [is] holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.