from מָה and תְּלָאָה; what a trouble!; what a weariness.
Transliteration:mattᵉlâʼâh
Pronunciation:mat-tel-aw-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term מַתְּלָאָה (mattᵉlâʼâh, `{{H4972}}`) is a unique and emphatic interjection, derived from the interrogative particle מָה (mah, "what?") and the noun תְּלָאָה (telâʼâh, `{{H8513}}`), meaning "weariness," "toil," or "trouble." Etymologically, it conveys a strong sense of exasperation, translating literally as "what a weariness!" or "what a trouble!" Its semantic range is narrow but potent, expressing a deep-seated complaint, a feeling of being burdened, or an attitude of viewing a task as utterly tiresome and onerous. It encapsulates not just physical fatigue but a profound spiritual or emotional reluctance and disgust towards an obligation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word מַתְּלָאָה (mattᵉlâʼâh, `{{H4972}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, making its sole occurrence particularly weighty and significant. This singular instance is found in the book of Malachi:
* **[[Malachi 1:13]]**: "You say also, 'Behold, what a weariness this is!' (מַתְּלָאָה) and you sniff at it, says the LORD of hosts, and you bring what was taken by violence or the lame or the sick, and this you bring as the offering! Should I accept it from your hand? says the LORD."
In this passage, the prophet Malachi delivers God's indictment against the priests of Israel. The context reveals a severe spiritual decline among the priestly class, who were entrusted with mediating between God and His people. Instead of reverently fulfilling their sacred duties, they viewed the temple service and the offering of sacrifices as a burdensome, contemptible chore. Their exclamation, "Behold, what a weariness this is!" (מַתְּלָאָה), is not a cry of genuine exhaustion from diligent service, but rather an expression of disdain, spiritual apathy, and a profound lack of respect for the holy rituals and, by extension, for God Himself. They were offering defiled, inferior sacrifices, demonstrating their grudging and irreverent attitude towards their divine calling. The divine response highlights God's utter rejection of such insincere and contemptuous worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun from which מַתְּלָאָה (mattᵉlâʼâh, `{{H4972}}`) is formed:
* **תְּלָאָה** (telâʼâh, `{{H8513}}`): "weariness," "trouble," "distress," "toil." This root word appears more frequently in the Old Testament, often describing the arduousness of journeys or the difficulties faced by individuals or the nation (e.g., [[Numbers 20:14]], [[Nehemiah 9:32]]). While תְּלָאָה can denote genuine suffering or hardship, the prefixing of מָה in מַתְּלָאָה transforms it into an exclamation of complaint, emphasizing the *feeling* of burden rather than merely the state of being burdened.
Other related concepts and words that convey similar sentiments of burden, toil, or complaint include:
* **עָמָל** (amal, `{{H5999}}`): "toil," "labor," "trouble," often implying futility or distress (e.g., [[Ecclesiastes 1:3]]).
* **יָגַע** (yaga, `{{H3021}}`): A verb meaning "to toil," "to grow weary," or "to be exhausted" (e.g., [[Isaiah 43:22]], where Israel has wearied God with their iniquities).
* **מַשָּׂא** (massa, `{{H4853}}`): "burden," "load," often referring to a physical weight but also used metaphorically for a heavy responsibility or prophetic oracle (e.g., [[Numbers 11:11]]).
* The broader biblical theme of **complaint against God** or His commands, frequently seen in the wilderness narratives (e.g., [[Numbers 11:1]], [[Exodus 16:2]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of מַתְּלָאָה (mattᵉlâʼâh, `{{H4972}}`) in [[Malachi 1:13]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a stark warning against the dangers of spiritual apathy and contempt for divine service.
1. **The Nature of Acceptable Worship**: The priests' utterance reveals a heart that views sacred duty as a burdensome imposition rather than a joyful privilege. This stands in stark contrast to the biblical call for worship that is wholehearted, sincere, and offered with reverence and love ([[Deuteronomy 6:5]], [[Psalm 100:2]]). God desires willing obedience and genuine devotion, not grudging compliance or perfunctory rituals.
2. **Hypocrisy and Defilement**: The exclamation exposes the hypocrisy of those who stand in sacred office but despise their calling. Their internal attitude of "what a weariness!" led directly to external actions of offering defiled sacrifices, thereby polluting God's altar and profaning His name. It underscores that the internal disposition of the worshiper is as crucial as the external act of worship.
3. **God's Rejection of Insincere Service**: The Lord's strong rebuke in Malachi demonstrates His absolute intolerance for insincere, half-hearted, or contemptuous service. He will not accept offerings from hands that view His commands as a burden and His presence as an inconvenience. This principle extends beyond ancient temple rituals to all forms of service and worship in every age.
4. **A Warning for All Believers**: While directed at priests, the message is universal. It challenges all who claim to serve God to examine their hearts. Do we view our spiritual disciplines, acts of service, or obedience to God's commands as a "weariness" (מַתְּלָאָה) or as a joyous response to His grace and love? The passage calls for a renewed spirit of dedication and zeal in our relationship with the Divine.
### Summary
מַתְּלָאָה (mattᵉlâʼâh, `{{H4972}}`) is a rare yet exceptionally powerful Hebrew interjection, meaning "what a weariness!" or "what a trouble!" Its sole appearance in [[Malachi 1:13]] captures the profound spiritual apathy and contempt exhibited by the priests towards their sacred duties. This word serves as a divine indictment against those who view service to God as an onerous burden rather than a blessed privilege, leading to insincere worship and defiled offerings. Theologically, מַתְּלָאָה underscores God's demand for genuine, wholehearted reverence in worship and service, warning against the dangers of spiritual indifference and the eternal rejection of any offering born of a grudging or disdainful heart. It remains a potent reminder of the importance of a willing and joyful spirit in all our dealings with the Divine.
TRV