Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty? New Living Translation “You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the LORD of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? English Standard Version You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the LORD of hosts? Berean Standard Bible You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? King James Bible 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? New King James Version You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God; What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, And that we have walked as mourners Before the LORD of hosts? New American Standard Bible You have said, ‘It is pointless to serve God; and what benefit is it for us that we have done what He required, and that we have walked in mourning before the LORD of armies? NASB 1995 “You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept His charge, and that we have walked in mourning before the LORD of hosts? NASB 1977 “You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept His charge, and that we have walked in mourning before the LORD of hosts? Legacy Standard Bible You have said, ‘It is worthless to serve God; and what gain is it that we have kept His charge and that we have walked in mourning before Yahweh of hosts? Amplified Bible You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God. What profit is it if we keep His ordinances, and walk around like mourners before the LORD of hosts? Christian Standard Bible You have said, “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping his requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Armies? Holman Christian Standard Bible You have said: “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? American Standard Version Ye have said, It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept his charge, and that we have walked mournfully before Jehovah of hosts? Contemporary English Version Here is what you have said: "It's foolish to serve the LORD God All-Powerful. What do we get for obeying God and from going around looking sad? English Revised Version Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his charge, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? GOD'S WORD® Translation "You have said, 'It's pointless to serve God. What do we gain if we meet his standards or if we walk around feeling sorry for what we've done? Good News Translation You have said, 'It's useless to serve God. What's the use of doing what he says or of trying to show the LORD Almighty that we are sorry for what we have done? International Standard Version You said, 'It is futile to serve God,' and, 'What did we get out of it when we carried out his requirements and went about like mourners in the presence of the LORD of the Heavenly Armies?' Majority Standard Bible You have said, ?It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? NET Bible You have said, 'It is useless to serve God. How have we been helped by keeping his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD who rules over all? New Heart English Bible You have said, 'It is vain to serve God;' and 'What profit is it that we have followed his instructions, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? Webster's Bible Translation 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? World English Bible You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God,’ and ‘What profit is it that we have followed his instructions and that we have walked mournfully before Yahweh of Armies? Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionYou have said, A vain thing to serve God! And what gain when we kept His charge? And when we have gone in black, "" Because of YHWH of Hosts? Young's Literal Translation Ye have said, 'A vain thing to serve God! And what gain when we kept His charge? And when we have gone in black, Because of Jehovah of Hosts? Smith's Literal Translation Ye said, Vanity to serve God: and what profit that we watched his watches, and that we went mourning from the face of Jehovah of armies? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd you have said: What have we spoken against thee? You have said: He laboureth in vain that serveth God, and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinances, and that we have walked sorrowful before the Lord of hosts? Catholic Public Domain Version And you have said, “What have we spoken against you?” You have said, “He labors in vain who serves God,” and, “What advantage is it that we have kept his precepts, and that we have walked sorrowfully in the sight of the Lord of hosts? New American Bible You have said, “It is useless to serve God; what do we gain by observing God’s requirements, And by going about as mourners before the LORD of hosts? New Revised Standard Version You have said, “It is vain to serve God. What do we profit by keeping his command or by going about as mourners before the LORD of hosts? Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYou have said, We have served God in vain; what have we profited that we have kept his ordinances and that we have walked meekly before the LORD of hosts? Peshitta Holy Bible Translated You have said, ”We have served LORD JEHOVAH for nothing, and what has it profited us that we keep his observances, and that we walk humbly before LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts? OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Ye have said: 'It is vain to serve God; And what profit is it that we have kept His charge, And that we have walked mournfully Because of the LORD of hosts? Brenton Septuagint Translation Ye said, He that serves God labours in vain: and what have we gained in that we have kept his ordinances, and in that we have walked as suppliants before the face of the Lord Almighty? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Robbing God…13“Your words against Me have been harsh,” says the LORD. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ 14You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? 15So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’ ”… Cross References Job 21:15 Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’ Psalm 73:13-14 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. / For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning. Isaiah 58:3 “Why have we fasted, and You have not seen? Why have we humbled ourselves, and You have not noticed?” “Behold, on the day of your fast, you do as you please, and you oppress all your workers. Jeremiah 2:25 You should have kept your feet from going bare and your throat from being thirsty. But you said, ‘It is hopeless! For I love foreign gods, and I must go after them.’ Zephaniah 1:12 And at that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish the men settled in complacency, who say to themselves, ‘The LORD will do nothing, either good or bad.’ Job 34:9 For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God.’ Ecclesiastes 1:3 What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun? Ecclesiastes 2:22 For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun? Isaiah 43:22-24 But you have not called on Me, O Jacob, because you have grown weary of Me, O Israel. / 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 18:12 But they will reply, ‘It is hopeless. We will follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’” Matthew 15:9 They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’” Luke 18:11-12 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. / I fast twice a week and pay tithes of all that I acquire.’ 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so. 1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” Treasury of Scripture You 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? It is. Job 21:14,15 Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways… Job 22:17 Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them? Job 34:9 For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God. ordinance. Isaiah 58:3 Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Joel 2:12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: Zechariah 7:3-6 And to speak unto the priests which were in the house of the LORD of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years? … mournfully. Jump to Previous Armies Carrying Charge Clothing Followed Futile Gain Good Hosts Instructions Keeping Kept Mourners Mournfully Mourning Orders Ordinance Profit Requirements Serve Sorrow Use Vain Walk Walked Walking WorshippingJump to Next Armies Carrying Charge Clothing Followed Futile Gain Good Hosts Instructions Keeping Kept Mourners Mournfully Mourning Orders Ordinance Profit Requirements Serve Sorrow Use Vain Walk Walked Walking WorshippingMalachi 3 1. Of the messenger, majesty, and grace of Christ.7. Of the rebellion, 8. sacrilege, 13. and infidelity of the people. 16. The promise of blessing to those who fear God. You have said This phrase introduces a direct accusation from God against the people of Israel. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here is "אָמַרְתֶּם" (amartem), which is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action. This suggests that the people have repeatedly made this statement, reflecting a persistent attitude or belief. The use of direct speech highlights the personal nature of the people's complaint against God, emphasizing their boldness and lack of reverence. It is futile to serve God What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? Persons / Places / Events 1. MalachiThe prophet who delivered God's message to the Israelites. His name means "my messenger" in Hebrew, and he is the last of the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. 2. Israelites The people of God to whom Malachi is speaking. They are questioning the value of their devotion and service to God. 3. The LORD of Hosts A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It underscores His power and authority. 4. Temple Worship The context of the Israelites' service, which included sacrifices and adherence to the Law. This was central to their relationship with God. 5. Post-Exilic Period The time after the Israelites returned from Babylonian exile, during which Malachi prophesied. This period was marked by spiritual apathy and disillusionment among the people. Teaching Points The Danger of Spiritual ApathySpiritual apathy can lead to questioning the value of serving God. It's crucial to guard our hearts against becoming indifferent to our faith. The Importance of Perspective Our perspective on serving God should be eternal rather than temporal. Earthly rewards may not always be evident, but eternal rewards are promised. Faithfulness in Obedience Obedience to God should not be based on immediate gain but on trust in His character and promises. Faithfulness is rewarded in God's timing. The Role of Suffering in Faith Walking "mournfully" before God can be a part of the Christian journey. Suffering and trials can deepen our faith and reliance on God. God's Sovereignty and Justice Trust in God's ultimate justice and sovereignty. He sees and knows all, and His timing and ways are perfect, even when we don't understand.(14) Mournfully--i.e., with all outward signs of fasting. (Comp. Matthew 6:16.) The fasting referred to is not that of the Day of Atonement, but of voluntary fasts. We see here, in already a somewhat developed form, that disposition to attribute merit to observances of outward forms of religion for their own sake, without regard to the secret attitude of the heart, which reached such a pitch among the majority of the Jews in the time of our Lord, and especially among the Pharisees.Verse 14. - It is vain. It brings no acknowledgment or reward. The Latin and Greek Versions have, "He is vain who serveth God." Have kept his ordinance (charge). Have done what he ordered. They are either wilfully deceiving themselves and others by pretending an obedience which they never really paid; or they think that the outward observance of certain legal requirements is all that is required. Some think that an interval of time separates this from the last section, and that meanwhile they had made some efforts at improvement, expecting, how. ever, immediate results in added blessings; and as these did not come as quickly as they hoped, they relapsed into their old distrust. Have walked mournfully; i.e. in mourning apparel, as if fasting and mourning for sin (Psalm 35:13, 14; Job 30:28). Septuagint, "Why went we as suppliants (ἱκέται)?" Before the Lord. Out of reverence and awe of Jehovah. They attributed a certain virtue to voluntary fasts, without any consideration of the spirit in which they were observed (see the reproof of such formal observances in Isaiah 58:4, etc.). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew You have said,אֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם (’ă·mar·tem) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say ‘It is futile שָׁ֖וְא (šāw) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 7723: Evil, idolatry, uselessness to serve עֲבֹ֣ד (‘ă·ḇōḏ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5647: To work, to serve, till, enslave God. אֱלֹהִ֑ים (’ĕ·lō·hîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative What וּמַה־ (ū·mah-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what have we gained בֶּ֗צַע (be·ṣa‘) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1215: Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit by keeping שָׁמַ֙רְנוּ֙ (šā·mar·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to His requirements מִשְׁמַרְתּ֔וֹ (miš·mar·tōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4931: A guard, watch, charge, function and walking הָלַ֙כְנוּ֙ (hā·laḵ·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk mournfully קְדֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית (qə·ḏō·ran·nîṯ) Adverb Strong's 6941: Blackish ones, in mourning weeds before מִפְּנֵ֖י (mip·pə·nê) Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 6440: The face the LORD יְהוָ֥ה (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3069: YHWH of Hosts? צְבָאֽוֹת׃ (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ) Noun - common plural Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign Links Malachi 3:14 NIVMalachi 3:14 NLT Malachi 3:14 ESV Malachi 3:14 NASB Malachi 3:14 KJV Malachi 3:14 BibleApps.com Malachi 3:14 Biblia Paralela Malachi 3:14 Chinese Bible Malachi 3:14 French Bible Malachi 3:14 Catholic Bible OT Prophets: Malachi 3:14 You have said 'It is vain (Malachi Mal Ml) |
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