12 But ye have polluted it, in that ye say, [a]The table of the Lord is polluted, and the fruit thereof even his meat is not to be regarded.

13 Ye said also, Behold, it is a [b]weariness, and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of hosts, and ye offered that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick: thus ye offered an offering: should I accept this of your hand, saith the Lord?

14 But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock [c]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 terrible among the heathen.

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Footnotes

  1. Malachi 1:12 Both the Priests and the people were infected with this error, that they passed not what was offered: for they thought that God was as well content with the lean, as with the fat: but in the mean season they showed not that obedience to God, which he required, and so committed both impiety, and also showed their contempt of God, and covetousness.
  2. Malachi 1:13 The Priests and people were both weary with serving God, and passed not what manner of sacrifice and service they gave to God: for that which was least profitable, was thought good enough for the Lord.
  3. Malachi 1:14 That is, hath ability to serve the Lord according to his word, and yet will serve him according to his covetous mind.

12 “But you profane it by saying, ‘The Lord’s table(A) is defiled,’ and, ‘Its food(B) is contemptible.’ 13 And you say, ‘What a burden!’(C) and you sniff at it contemptuously,(D)” says the Lord Almighty.

“When you bring injured, lame or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices,(E) should I accept them from your hands?”(F) says the Lord. 14 “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal(G) to the Lord. For I am a great king,(H)” says the Lord Almighty,(I) “and my name is to be feared(J) among the nations.(K)

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