CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Malachi 3:14 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?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/malachi/3-14.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/39_Mal_03_14.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Malachi 3:14 - Robbing God" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/malachi/3-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/malachi/3-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/malachi/">Malachi</a> > <a href="/malachi/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/malachi/3-13.htm" title="Malachi 3:13">◄</a> Malachi 3:14 <a href="/malachi/3-15.htm" title="Malachi 3:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/malachi/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/malachi/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />&#8220You have said, &#8216It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the LORD Almighty?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/malachi/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/malachi/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/malachi/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/malachi/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Ye have said, It <i>is</i> vain to serve God: and what profit <i>is it</i> that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/malachi/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God; What profit <i>is it</i> that we have kept His ordinance, And that we have walked as mourners Before the LORD of hosts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/malachi/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have said, ‘It is pointless to serve God; and what benefit <i>is it for us</i> that we have done what He required, and that we have walked in mourning before the LORD of armies?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/malachi/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220You have said, &#8216It 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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/malachi/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/malachi/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/malachi/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/malachi/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/malachi/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You have said: &#8220It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/malachi/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/malachi/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />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? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/malachi/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/malachi/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/malachi/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />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? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/malachi/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />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?' <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/malachi/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/malachi/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/malachi/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/malachi/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/malachi/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/malachi/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />You 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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/malachi/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> 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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/malachi/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />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?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/malachi/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And 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? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/malachi/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/malachi/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />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? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/malachi/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />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?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/malachi/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />You 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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/malachi/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />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?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/malachi/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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 Because of the LORD of hosts?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/malachi/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/malachi/3-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6KyAs1WSHw?start=614" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/malachi/3.htm">Robbing God</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">13</span>“Your words against Me have been harsh,” says the LORD. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we spoken against You?’ <span class="reftext">14</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ă·mar·tem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">You have said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7723.htm" title="7723: šāw (N-ms) -- Or shav; from the same as show' in the sense of desolating; evil, literally or morally; figuratively idolatry, uselessness.">‘It is futile</a> <a href="/hebrew/5647.htm" title="5647: ‘ă·ḇōḏ (V-Qal-Inf) -- To work, serve. A primitive root; to work; by implication, to serve, till, enslave, etc.">to serve</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·mah- (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">What</a> <a href="/hebrew/1215.htm" title="1215: be·ṣa‘ (N-ms) -- Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit. From batsa'; plunder; by extension, gain.">have we gained</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: šā·mar·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">by keeping</a> <a href="/hebrew/4931.htm" title="4931: miš·mar·tōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Fem. Of mishmar; watch, i.e. The act, or The sentry, the post; obj. Preservation, or Safe; fig. Observance, i.e. Duty or A usage or party.">His requirements</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: wə·ḵî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hā·laḵ·nū (V-Qal-Perf-1cp) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">and walking</a> <a href="/hebrew/6941.htm" title="6941: qə·ḏō·ran·nîṯ (Adv) -- As mourners. Adverb from qadar; blackish ones; used adverbially, in mourning weeds.">mournfully</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: mip·pə·nê (Prep-m:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ (N-cp) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">of Hosts?</a> </span><span class="reftext">15</span>So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’ ”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-15.htm">Job 21:15</a></span><br />Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13-14</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-3.htm">Isaiah 58:3</a></span><br />“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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-25.htm">Jeremiah 2:25</a></span><br />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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/1-12.htm">Zephaniah 1:12</a></span><br />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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/34-9.htm">Job 34:9</a></span><br />For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-3.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:3</a></span><br />What does a man gain from all his labor, at which he toils under the sun?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-22.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:22</a></span><br />For what does a man get for all the toil and striving with which he labors under the sun?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/43-22.htm">Isaiah 43:22-24</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/18-12.htm">Jeremiah 18:12</a></span><br />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.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-9.htm">Matthew 15:9</a></span><br />They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-11.htm">Luke 18:11-12</a></span><br />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.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-10.htm">Hebrews 6:10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">1 Peter 3:12</a></span><br />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.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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?</p><p class="hdg">It is.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-14.htm">Job 21:14,15</a></b></br> Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/22-17.htm">Job 22:17</a></b></br> Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-9.htm">Job 34:9</a></b></br> For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.</p><p class="hdg">ordinance.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/58-3.htm">Isaiah 58:3</a></b></br> Wherefore have we fasted, <i>say they</i>, and thou seest not? <i>wherefore</i> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12</a></b></br> Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye <i>even</i> to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/7-3.htm">Zechariah 7:3-6</a></b></br> <i>And</i> to speak unto the priests which <i>were</i> 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? … </p><p class="hdg">mournfully.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/malachi/3-12.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/zechariah/5-10.htm">Carrying</a> <a href="/malachi/2-4.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-14.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-30.htm">Futile</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-9.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/malachi/3-11.htm">Good</a> <a href="/malachi/3-12.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-7.htm">Instructions</a> <a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/malachi/3-9.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/amos/5-16.htm">Mourners</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-11.htm">Mournfully</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-11.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/amos/9-9.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-3.htm">Ordinance</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-18.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/zechariah/3-7.htm">Requirements</a> <a href="/zechariah/4-14.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-18.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-13.htm">Use</a> <a href="/malachi/1-10.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-12.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/malachi/2-6.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/malachi/2-6.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/daniel/3-11.htm">Worshipping</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/malachi/3-17.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/matthew/1-11.htm">Carrying</a> <a href="/matthew/4-6.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/matthew/4-20.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/acts/4-25.htm">Futile</a> <a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Gain</a> <a href="/matthew/3-10.htm">Good</a> <a href="/malachi/3-17.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/matthew/10-5.htm">Instructions</a> <a href="/matthew/3-8.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/malachi/3-16.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Mourners</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-11.htm">Mournfully</a> <a href="/matthew/2-18.htm">Mourning</a> <a href="/matthew/4-6.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/romans/1-32.htm">Ordinance</a> <a href="/matthew/15-5.htm">Profit</a> <a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Requirements</a> <a href="/malachi/3-18.htm">Serve</a> <a href="/matthew/2-18.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/matthew/5-39.htm">Use</a> <a href="/matthew/6-7.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/matthew/9-5.htm">Walk</a> <a href="/matthew/4-18.htm">Walked</a> <a href="/matthew/4-18.htm">Walking</a> <a href="/matthew/20-20.htm">Worshipping</a><div class="vheading2">Malachi 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Of the messenger, majesty, and grace of Christ.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">Of the rebellion,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/3-8.htm">sacrilege,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/3-13.htm">and infidelity of the people.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/3-16.htm">The promise of blessing to those who fear God.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/malachi/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/malachi/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/malachi/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God.</b><br>This phrase reflects a sentiment of disillusionment and skepticism among the people of Israel. Historically, this period follows the return from Babylonian exile, during which the Israelites expected prosperity and blessing. However, they faced economic hardship and social injustice, leading to a questioning of the value of their covenantal relationship with God. This attitude is reminiscent of the Israelites' complaints during their wilderness journey (<a href="/exodus/16-3.htm">Exodus 16:3</a>). Theologically, it challenges the understanding of serving God as inherently rewarding, a theme explored in the Book of Job.<p><b>What have we gained by keeping His requirements</b><br>The people question the tangible benefits of adhering to God's laws. This reflects a transactional view of faith, where obedience is expected to yield immediate rewards. The "requirements" refer to the Mosaic Law, which was central to Jewish life and worship. This perspective contrasts with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized storing up treasures in heaven rather than seeking earthly rewards (<a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-20</a>). The historical context shows a community struggling with unmet expectations of divine favor.<p><b>and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts?</b><br>"Walking mournfully" suggests a ritualistic observance of religious duties without joy or genuine devotion. The term "LORD of Hosts" underscores God's sovereignty and power, often used in contexts emphasizing His authority over heavenly armies. This phrase indicates a disconnect between the people's external religious practices and their internal spiritual state. It echoes the prophetic calls for sincere worship rather than mere ritual (<a href="/isaiah/1-11.htm">Isaiah 1:11-17</a>). The lament here is not just about personal loss but a perceived lack of divine justice, a theme that resonates with the cries for justice found in the Psalms.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/malachi.htm">Malachi</a></b><br>The 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.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of God to whom Malachi is speaking. They are questioning the value of their devotion and service to God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lord_of_hosts.htm">The LORD of Hosts</a></b><br>A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies. It underscores His power and authority.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/temple_worship.htm">Temple Worship</a></b><br>The context of the Israelites' service, which included sacrifices and adherence to the Law. This was central to their relationship with God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/post-exilic_period.htm">Post-Exilic Period</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_spiritual_apathy.htm">The Danger of Spiritual Apathy</a></b><br>Spiritual apathy can lead to questioning the value of serving God. It's crucial to guard our hearts against becoming indifferent to our faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_perspective.htm">The Importance of Perspective</a></b><br>Our perspective on serving God should be eternal rather than temporal. Earthly rewards may not always be evident, but eternal rewards are promised.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_obedience.htm">Faithfulness in Obedience</a></b><br>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.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_suffering_in_faith.htm">The Role of Suffering in Faith</a></b><br>Walking "mournfully" before God can be a part of the Christian journey. Suffering and trials can deepen our faith and reliance on God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_justice.htm">God's Sovereignty and Justice</a></b><br>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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_malachi_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Malachi 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_original_bible_texts_have_punctuation.htm">What are the Bible's teachings on generosity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_a_good_conscience.htm">What are the key themes of the Minor Prophets?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/malachi_on_israel's_faith_and_god's_promises.htm">How does Malachi address Israel's faithfulness and God's promises?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_believers_still_suffer_long.htm">Psalm 30:11-12: If mourning is truly turned to dancing, why do faithful believers throughout history often remain in prolonged suffering?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/malachi/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) <span class= "bld">Mournfully</span>--<span class= "ital">i.e.,</span> with all outward signs of fasting. (Comp. <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm" title="Moreover when you fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear to men to fast. Truly I say to you, They have their reward.">Matthew 6:16</a>.) 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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/malachi/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 14.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">It is vain.</span> It brings no acknowledgment or reward. The Latin and Greek Versions have, "He is vain who serveth God." <span class="cmt_word">Have kept his ordinance</span> (<span class="accented">charge</span>). 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. <span class="cmt_word">Have walked mournfully</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> in mourning apparel, as if fasting and mourning for sin (<a href="/psalms/35-13.htm">Psalm 35:13, 14</a>; <a href="/job/30-28.htm">Job 30:28</a>). Septuagint, "Why went we as suppliants (<span class="greek">ἱκέται</span>)?" <span class="cmt_word">Before the Lord.</span> 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 <a href="/isaiah/58-4.htm">Isaiah 58:4</a>, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/malachi/3-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">You have said,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·mar·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">‘It is futile</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֖וְא</span> <span class="translit">(šāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7723.htm">Strong's 7723: </a> </span><span class="str2">Evil, idolatry, uselessness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to serve</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲבֹ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·ḇōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5647.htm">Strong's 5647: </a> </span><span class="str2">To work, to serve, till, enslave</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">What</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמַה־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have we gained</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּ֗צַע</span> <span class="translit">(be·ṣa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1215.htm">Strong's 1215: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gain made by violence, unjust gain, profit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by keeping</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁמַ֙רְנוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(šā·mar·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His requirements</span><br /><span class="heb">מִשְׁמַרְתּ֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(miš·mar·tōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4931.htm">Strong's 4931: </a> </span><span class="str2">A guard, watch, charge, function</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and walking</span><br /><span class="heb">הָלַ֙כְנוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(hā·laḵ·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mournfully</span><br /><span class="heb">קְדֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית</span> <span class="translit">(qə·ḏō·ran·nîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6941.htm">Strong's 6941: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blackish ones, in mourning weeds</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">מִפְּנֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(mip·pə·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3069.htm">Strong's 3069: </a> </span><span class="str2">YHWH</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Hosts?</span><br /><span class="heb">צְבָאֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">OT Prophets: Malachi 3:14 You have said 'It is vain (Malachi Mal Ml) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/malachi/3-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Malachi 3:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Malachi 3:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/malachi/3-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Malachi 3:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Malachi 3:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>