Malachi 2:13
11 Judah has broken faith; an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the LORD’s beloved sanctuary by marrying the daughter of a foreign god.
12 As for the man who does this, may the LORD cut off from the tents of Jacob everyone who is awake and aware—even if he brings an offering to the LORD of Hosts.
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.
14 Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.
15 Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- 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.
- 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.
- WEB
- “This again you do: you cover the LORD’s altar with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, because he doesn’t regard the offering any more, neither receives it with good will at your hand.
- ASV
- 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.
- DARBY
- And further ye do this: ye cover the altar of Jehovah with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, insomuch that he regardeth not the oblation any more, nor receiveth [it] with satisfaction at your hand.
- BLB
- And this [is] the second [thing] you⁺ do: You cover with tears the altar of YHWH, with weeping and groaning, because there is not anymore turning to the offering or receiving [it] with acceptance from your⁺ hand.
- ÅB
- For det annet gjør dere også dette: Dere dekker Herrens alter med tårer, med gråt og sukk[^4], så han ikke mere ser på offergaven eller med velbehag tar imot noe av deres hånd[^5].
- OTB
- Og dette er en annen ting dere gjør: dere oversvømmer Herrens alter med tårer, gråt og klage fordi han ikke lenger ser på deres offer eller tar imot dem med velvilje fra deres hender.
- B1930
- For det annet gjør I også dette: I dekker Herrens alter med tårer, med gråt og sukk, så han ikke mere ser på offergaven eller med velbehag tar imot noget av eders hånd. / < nemlig: av eders forskutte hustruer.> / < MLK 1, 10.>
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Isaiah 1:11–15
“What good to Me is your multitude of sacrifices?” says the LORD. “I am full from the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I take no delight in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.
Read in contextJeremiah 14:12
Although they may fast, I will not listen to their cry; although they may offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will finish them off by sword and famine and plague.”
Read in contextPsalms 78:34–37
When He slew them, they would seek Him; they repented and searched for God.
Read in context2 Samuel 13:19–20
And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her robe. And putting her hand on her head, she went away crying bitterly.
Read in contextDeuteronomy 15:9
Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought in your heart: “The seventh year, the year of release, is near,” so that you look upon your poor brother begrudgingly and give him nothing. He will cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin.
Read in contextDeuteronomy 26:14
I have not eaten any of the sacred portion while in mourning, or removed any of it while unclean, or offered any of it for the dead. I have obeyed the LORD my God; I have done everything You commanded me.
Read in contextJeremiah 6:20
What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please Me.”
Read in context1 Samuel 1:9–10
So after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD.
Read in context