### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qᵉdôrannîyth**, represented by `{{H6941}}`, is an adverb used to mean **mournfully**. Derived from a root meaning blackish, it evokes the image of being in mourning weeds or sackcloth. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its single usage particularly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H6941}}` is in [[Malachi 3:14]], where the people of Israel express their frustration with God. They complain, "Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked **mournfully** before the LORD of hosts?" In this context, the word describes an outward act of sorrowful piety, a religious performance that the people feel has gone unrewarded and has yielded no profit `{{H1215}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{H6941}}` is clarified by the words used alongside it in its only biblical context:
* `{{H7723}}` **shâvᵉʼ** (vain): This word means uselessness or evil, often used adverbially as "in vain." The people declare that their service to God is **vain** [[Malachi 3:14]], a stark contrast to the Psalmist's declaration that labor is **vain** without the LORD [[Psalms 127:1]].
* `{{H1980}}` **hâlak** (to walk): A primitive root meaning to walk, both literally and figuratively. While the people claimed they had **walked** `{{H1980}}` mournfully, scripture commends those who **walk** in the law of the LORD [[Psalms 119:1]] and promises that God will go with them [[Deuteronomy 31:6]].
* `{{H5647}}` **ʻâbad** (to serve): Meaning to work or serve. The complaint in Malachi is that it is pointless to **serve** `{{H5647}}` God, which stands against the biblical command to **serve** the LORD with a perfect heart [[1 Chronicles 28:9]] and with all your heart and soul [[Deuteronomy 10:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6941}}` is found entirely within its specific context, highlighting the tension between outward religious acts and true faith.
* **Performative Piety:** The use of **mournfully** `{{H6941}}` in [[Malachi 3:14]] illustrates a piety that is transactional. The people performed acts of sorrow and expected a "profit" `{{H1215}}`, viewing their relationship with God as a system of works and rewards rather than one of faithful service.
* **The Heart of Service:** The complaint that it is "vain to serve God" reveals a deep spiritual issue. The act of walking **mournfully** before the LORD of hosts `{{H6635}}` was seen as an unfulfilled obligation. This is contrasted with the scriptural call to serve God `{{H5647}}` from a willing mind and a perfect heart [[1 Chronicles 28:9]].
* **External vs. Internal State:** The word points to an external expression of grief or repentance. However, its use in a complaint suggests the internal state was not one of genuine humility but of resentful expectation. This differs from the call to seek God's "face" `{{H6440}}` with humility and turn from wicked ways [[2 Chronicles 7:14]].
### Summary
In summary, though used only once, `{{H6941}}` **qᵉdôrannîyth** captures a critical spiritual attitude. It defines a "mournful" walk that is merely an outward show, performed with the expectation of material gain rather than from a heart of genuine devotion. The word's context in Malachi serves as a powerful biblical critique of religious performance that lacks sincere faith, reminding believers that the posture of one's heart is more important than the appearance of piety.
TRV