Malachi 1:6
New International Version
“A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the LORD Almighty. “It is you priests who show contempt for my name. “But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’

New Living Translation
The LORD of Heaven’s Armies says to the priests: “A son honors his father, and a servant respects his master. If I am your father and master, where are the honor and respect I deserve? You have shown contempt for my name! “But you ask, ‘How have we ever shown contempt for your name?’

English Standard Version
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’

Berean Standard Bible
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we despised Your name?’

King James Bible
A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

New King James Version
“A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’

New American Standard Bible
“‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?’ says the LORD of armies to you, the priests who despise My name! But you say, ‘How have we despised Your name?’

NASB 1995
“’A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?’ says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, ‘How have we despised Your name?’

NASB 1977
“ ‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?’ says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, ‘How have we despised Thy name?’

Legacy Standard Bible
“‘A son honors his father, and a slave his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is the fear of Me?’ says Yahweh of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, ‘How have we despised Your name?’

Amplified Bible
“‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is the [reverent] fear and respect due Me?’ says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise My name. But you say, ‘How and in what way have we despised Your name?’

Christian Standard Bible
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of me? says the LORD of Armies to you priests, who despise my name.” Yet you ask, “How have we despised your name? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me? says Yahweh of Hosts to you priests, who despise My name.” Yet you ask: “How have we despised Your name?"”

American Standard Version
A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master: if then I am a father, where is mine honor? and if I am a master, where is my fear? saith Jehovah of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

Contemporary English Version
I, the LORD All-Powerful, have something to say to you priests. Children respect their fathers, and servants respect their masters. I am your father and your master, so why don't you respect me? You priests have insulted me, and now you ask, "How did we insult you?"

English Revised Version
A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"This is what the LORD of Armies says: A son honors his father, and a servant honors his master. So if I am a father, where is my honor? If I am a master, where is my respect? You priests despise my name. "But you ask, 'How have we despised your name?'

Good News Translation
The LORD Almighty says to the priests, "Children honor their parents, and servants honor their masters. I am your father--why don't you honor me? I am your master--why don't you respect me? You despise me, and yet you ask, 'How have we despised you?'

International Standard Version
"A son honors his father and a servant his master. So if I'm a father, where is my honor? And if I'm a master, where is my respect?" says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies to you priests who are despising my name. "But you ask, 'How have we despised your name?'

Majority Standard Bible
?A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?? says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. ?But you ask, ?How have we despised Your name??

NET Bible
"A son naturally honors his father and a slave respects his master. If I am your father, where is my honor? If I am your master, where is my respect? The LORD who rules over all asks you this, you priests who make light of my name! But you reply, 'How have we made light of your name?'

New Heart English Bible
"A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, then where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is the respect due me? says the LORD of hosts to you, priests, who despise my name. You say, 'How have we despised your name?'

Webster's Bible Translation
A son honoreth his father, and a servant his master: if then I am a father, where is my honor? and if I am a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, In what have we despised thy name?

World English Bible
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, then where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says Yahweh of Armies to you priests who despise my name. “You say, ‘How have we despised your name?’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
A son honors a father, and a servant his master. And if I [am] a father, where [is] My glory? And if I [am] a master, where [is] My fear? Said YHWH of Hosts to you, "" O priests, despising My Name! And you have said, In what have we despised Your Name?

Young's Literal Translation
A son honoureth a father, and a servant his master. And if I am a father, where is Mine honour? And if I am a master, where is My fear? Said Jehovah of Hosts to you, O priests, despising My name! And ye have said: 'In what have we despised Thy name?'

Smith's Literal Translation
A son will honor the father, and the servant his lord; and if I a father, where mine honor? and if I their lord, where my fear? said Jehovah of armies to you, O priests despising my name. And ye said, In what did we despise thy name?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The son honoureth the father, and the servant his master: if then I be a father, where is my honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The son honors the father, and the servant his master. If, therefore, I am Father, where is my honor? And if I am Master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. And you have said, “In what way, have we despised your name?”

New American Bible
A son honors his father, and a servant fears his master; If, then, I am a father, where is the honor due to me? And if I am a master, where is the fear due to me? So says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who disdain my name. But you ask, “How have we disdained your name?”

New Revised Standard Version
A son honors his father, and servants their master. If then I am a father, where is the honor due me? And if I am a master, where is the respect due me? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. You say, “How have we despised your name?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
A son honors his father, and a servant his master; if then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. And if you say, In what have we despised thy name?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
A son honors his father and a Servant his Master; if I am The Father where is it that you are honoring me? And if I am THE LORD, where is it that you are in awe of me, LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts says to you Priests who despise my name? And if you say, ”In what have we despised your name?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
A son honoureth his father, And a servant his master; If then I be a father, Where is My honour? And if I be a master, Where is My fear? Saith the LORD of hosts Unto you, O priests, that despise My name. And ye say: 'Wherein have we despised Thy name?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
A son honours his father, and a servant his master: if then I am a father, where is mine honour? and if I am a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord Almighty. Ye the priests are they that despise my name: yet ye said, Wherein have we despised thy name?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Polluted Offerings
6“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?” says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name. “But you ask, ‘How have we despised Your name?’ 7By presenting defiled food on My altar. But you ask, ‘How have we defiled You?’ By saying that the table of the LORD is contemptible.…

Cross References
Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

Proverbs 1:8
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother.

Proverbs 3:9
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops;

Isaiah 1:2
Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me.

Isaiah 43:23-24
You have not brought Me sheep for burnt offerings, nor honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, nor wearied you with frankincense. / You have not bought Me sweet cane with your silver, nor satisfied Me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened Me with your sins; you have wearied Me with your iniquities.

Jeremiah 35:16
Yes, the sons of Jonadab son of Rechab carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not listened to Me.

Ezekiel 22:7
Father and mother are treated with contempt. Within your walls the foreign resident is exploited, the fatherless and the widow are oppressed.

Hosea 4:6
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

Matthew 15:4-6
For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’ / But you say that if anyone says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever you would have received from me is a gift devoted to God,’ / he need not honor his father or mother with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.

Matthew 21:37-39
Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said. / But when the tenants saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and take his inheritance.’ / So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

Luke 6:46
Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say?

John 5:23
so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

Romans 1:21
For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts.

Romans 2:4
Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?


Treasury of Scripture

A son honors his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is my honor? and if I be a master, where is my fear? said the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, that despise my name. And you say, Wherein have we despised your name?

son.

Exodus 20:12
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Leviticus 19:3
Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 5:16
Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

a servant.

1 Timothy 6:1,2
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed…

Titus 2:9,10
Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; …

1 Peter 2:17-19
Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king…

if then.

Malachi 2:9
Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

Exodus 4:22,23
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: …

Isaiah 1:2
Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Isaiah 64:8
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.

and if.

Matthew 7:21
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Luke 6:46
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

John 13:13-17
Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am…

O priests.

Malachi 2:8
But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

1 Samuel 2:28-30
And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel? …

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Malachi 1
1. Malachi complains of Israel's unkindness;
2. of their irreverence and profaneness.














A son honors his father
This phrase establishes a fundamental principle of respect and honor within familial relationships, which is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of ancient Israel. The Hebrew word for "honors" is "כָּבֵד" (kavod), which implies a weightiness or significance. In the context of the family, this respect is not merely a social expectation but a divine commandment, as seen in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). The relationship between a son and his father is a microcosm of the relationship between humanity and God, emphasizing the importance of reverence and obedience.

and a servant his master
This phrase extends the principle of honor to the social and economic structures of the time. The Hebrew word for "servant" is "עֶבֶד" (eved), which can also mean "slave" or "bondservant." In ancient Israel, servitude was a common practice, and the relationship between a servant and master was governed by mutual respect and responsibility. This analogy underscores the expectation of loyalty and duty, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people, where God is the ultimate Master deserving of honor and service.

If I am a father, where is My honor?
Here, God speaks directly, using the familial metaphor to question the Israelites' lack of respect. The rhetorical question highlights the disconnect between the expected behavior and the reality of the people's actions. The use of "father" (אָב, av) emphasizes God's role as the originator and sustainer of Israel, deserving of the same honor a son would give to his earthly father. This appeal to the father-child relationship is meant to provoke introspection and repentance among the Israelites.

And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me?
The term "fear" (יִרְאָה, yirah) in Hebrew conveys a sense of awe and reverence, not merely terror. This phrase challenges the Israelites to consider their lack of reverence for God as their sovereign Lord. The master-servant relationship is one of authority and submission, and God is questioning why the Israelites do not exhibit the proper respect and obedience due to Him. This call to fear God is a recurring theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of recognizing His power and authority.

says the LORD of Hosts to you priests who despise My name
The title "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, Yahweh Tseva'ot) is a powerful designation of God as the commander of heavenly armies, underscoring His supreme authority and might. The priests, as spiritual leaders, are specifically addressed because they have a critical role in guiding the people in worship and reverence of God. The accusation of despising God's name (בָּזָה, bazah) indicates a profound disrespect and irreverence, which is particularly egregious given their position. This rebuke serves as a call to accountability and a reminder of the sacred responsibility entrusted to them.

Yet you ask, 'How have we despised Your name?'
This question reveals the priests' ignorance or denial of their wrongdoing. It reflects a spiritual blindness or complacency that has taken root among the leaders. The name of God represents His character and reputation, and to despise it is to treat it with contempt or disregard. This dialogue between God and the priests sets the stage for the subsequent verses, where specific examples of their failures are addressed. It serves as a wake-up call for self-examination and a return to genuine worship and honor of God.

(6-14) The prophet's rebuke for the dishonouring of God's name is addressed to the priests as the responsible persons, but applies to the whole nation.

(6) A father.--God is distinctly called the Father of Israel in Deuteronomy 32:6; Deuteronomy 32:18. (Comp. Exodus 4:22 : "My son, my firstborn, is Israel.")

A master.--Comp. Isaiah 1:3.

Mine honour--i.e., the respect due to me. . . .

Verses 6-14. ? § 3. Israel had shown no gratitude for all these proofs of God's love, and the very priests had been the chief offenders by offering defective sacrifices, and profaning the temple worship. Verse 6. - A son honoureth his father. The prophet commences with a general principle which every one allows, and argues from that what was the attitude which they ought to assume towards God. A father. God was the Father of Israel by creation, election, preservation, watchful guardianship (see Exodus 4:22; Deuteronomy 32:6; Isaiah 63:16; Isaiah 64:8, etc.). My fear. The fear, respect, reverence, due to me. O priests. He addresses his reproof to the priests, as the representatives of the people, and bound to lead them to obedience and holiness, and to be a pattern to the flock. Wherein have we despised thy Name? The priests have grown so callous, and have so obscured true religion by Pharisaical externalism, that they profess to be utterly unconscious how they have shown contempt of God. The Name of God is God himself and all that has to do with him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“A son
בֵּ֛ן (bên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

honors
יְכַבֵּ֥ד (yə·ḵab·bêḏ)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome

his father,
אָ֖ב (’āḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

and a servant
וְעֶ֣בֶד (wə·‘e·ḇeḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

his master.
אֲדֹנָ֑יו (’ă·ḏō·nāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

But if
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

I
אָ֣נִי (’ā·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am a father,
אָ֣ב (’āḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1: Father

where
אַיֵּ֣ה (’ay·yêh)
Interrogative
Strong's 346: Where?

is My honor?
כְבוֹדִ֡י (ḵə·ḇō·w·ḏî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3519: Weight, splendor, copiousness

And if
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

I
אָנִי֩ (’ā·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am a master,
אֲדוֹנִ֣ים (’ă·ḏō·w·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 113: Sovereign, controller

where
אַיֵּ֨ה (’ay·yêh)
Interrogative
Strong's 346: Where?

is your fear of Me?”
מוֹרָאִ֜י (mō·w·rā·’î)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 4172: Fear, a fearful thing, deed

says
אָמַ֣ר ׀ (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the LORD
יְהוָ֣ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

of Hosts
צְבָא֗וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign

to you
לָכֶם֙ (lā·ḵem)
Preposition | second person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

priests
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙ (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

who despise
בּוֹזֵ֣י (bō·w·zê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 959: To disesteem

My name.
שְׁמִ֔י (šə·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8034: A name

Yet you ask,
וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם (wa·’ă·mar·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“How
בַּמֶּ֥ה (bam·meh)
Preposition-b | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

have we despised
בָזִ֖ינוּ (ḇā·zî·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 959: To disesteem

Your name?”
שְׁמֶֽךָ׃ (šə·me·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name


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OT Prophets: Malachi 1:6 A son honors his father (Malachi Mal Ml)
Malachi 1:5
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