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Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, 'How do we rob You?' In tithes and offerings.
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Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/malachi/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/malachi/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/malachi/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’ In tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/malachi/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/malachi/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/malachi/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Would anyone rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ <i>In</i> tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/malachi/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/malachi/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed Thee?’ In tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/malachi/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and contributions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/malachi/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings [you have withheld].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/malachi/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing me! ” “How do we rob you? ” you ask. “By not making the payments of the tenth and the contributions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/malachi/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!” You ask: “How do we rob You?"” By not making the payments of the tenth and the contributions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/malachi/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Will a man rob God? yet ye rob me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/malachi/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You people are robbing me, your God. And, here you are, asking, "How are we robbing you?" You are robbing me of the offerings and of the ten percent that belongs to me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/malachi/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Will a man rob God? yet ye rob me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/malachi/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"Can a person cheat God? Yet, you are cheating me! "But you ask, 'How are we cheating you?' "When [you don't bring] a tenth of your income and other contributions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/malachi/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I ask you, is it right for a person to cheat God? Of course not, yet you are cheating me. 'How?' you ask. In the matter of tithes and offerings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/malachi/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Will a person rob God? Yet you are robbing me! But you ask, 'How are we robbing you?' "By the tithe and the offering. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/malachi/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you ask, ?How do we rob You?? In tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/malachi/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Can a person rob God? You indeed are robbing me, but you say, 'How are we robbing you?' In tithes and contributions!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/malachi/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/malachi/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Will a man rob God? yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, In what have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/malachi/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/malachi/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Does man deceive God? But you are deceiving Me, "" And you have said, "" In what have we deceived You? The tithe and the raised-offering!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/malachi/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Doth man deceive God? but ye are deceiving Me, And ye have said: 'In what have we deceived Thee?' The tithe and the heave-offering!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/malachi/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Will man defraud God? For ye defraud me. And ye said, In what did we defraud thee? The tenths and the offerings.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/malachi/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Shall a man afflict God? for you afflict me. And you have said: Wherein do we afflict thee? in tithes and in firstfruits. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/malachi/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If a man will afflict God, then you greatly afflict me. And you have said, “In what way, do we afflict you?” In tithes and in first-fruits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/malachi/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Can anyone rob God? But you are robbing me! And you say, “How have we robbed you?” Of tithes and contributions! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/malachi/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Will anyone rob God? Yet you are robbing me! But you say, “How are we robbing you?” In your tithes and offerings!<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/malachi/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Will a man defraud God as you have defrauded me? But you say, How have we defrauded thee? In tithes and offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/malachi/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Will a son of man cheat God as you are cheating me? And if you say, ”In what have we cheated you?” In tithes and in first fruits<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/malachi/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Will a man rob God? Yet ye rob Me. But ye say: 'Wherein have we robbed Thee?' In tithes and heave-offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/malachi/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Will a man insult God? for ye insult me. But ye say, Wherein have we insulted thee? In that the tithes and first-fruits are with you <i>still</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/malachi/3-8.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=549" 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">7</span>Yet from the days of your fathers, you have turned away from My statutes and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts. “But you ask, ‘How can we return?’ <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">Will a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/6906.htm" title="6906: hă·yiq·ba‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- Perhaps to rob. A primitive root; to cover, i.e. defraud.">rob</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/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">Yet</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/6906.htm" title="6906: qō·ḇə·‘îm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- Perhaps to rob. A primitive root; to cover, i.e. defraud.">are robbing</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’ō·ṯî (DirObjM:: 1cs) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self.">Me!</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wa·’ă·mar·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">But you ask,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: bam·meh (Prep-b:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">‘How</a> <a href="/hebrew/6906.htm" title="6906: qə·ḇa·‘ă·nū·ḵā (V-Qal-Perf-1cp:: 2ms) -- Perhaps to rob. A primitive root; to cover, i.e. defraud.">do we rob You?’</a> <a href="/hebrew/4643.htm" title="4643: ham·ma·‘ă·śêr (Art:: N-ms) -- Tenth part, tithe. Or maasar; and feminine maasrah; from asar; a tenth; especially a tithe.">In tithes</a> <a href="/hebrew/8641.htm" title="8641: wə·hat·tə·rū·māh (Conj-w, Art:: N-fs) -- Contribution, offering (for sacred uses). Or trumah; from ruwm; a present, especially in sacrifice or as tribute.">and offerings.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>You are cursed with a curse, yet you—the whole nation—are still robbing Me.…<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="/leviticus/27-30.htm">Leviticus 27:30-32</a></span><br />Thus any tithe from the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD. / If a man wishes to redeem part of his tithe, he must add a fifth to its value. / Every tenth animal from the herd or flock that passes under the shepherd’s rod will be holy to the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/14-22.htm">Deuteronomy 14:22-29</a></span><br />You must be sure to set aside a tenth of all the produce brought forth each year from your fields. / And you are to eat a tenth of your grain, new wine, and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks, in the presence of the LORD your God at the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name, so that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always. / But if the distance is too great for you to carry that with which the LORD your God has blessed you, because the place where the LORD your God will choose to put His Name is too far away, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-10.htm">Nehemiah 13:10-12</a></span><br />I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. / So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts, / and all Judah brought a tenth of the grain, new wine, and oil into the storerooms.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-9.htm">Proverbs 3:9-10</a></span><br />Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops; / then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-23.htm">Matthew 23:23</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin. But you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-42.htm">Luke 11:42</a></span><br />Woe to you Pharisees! For you pay tithes of mint, rue, and every herb, but you disregard justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without neglecting the former.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/31-4.htm">2 Chronicles 31:4-6</a></span><br />Moreover, he commanded the people living in Jerusalem to make a contribution for the priests and Levites so that they could devote themselves to the Law of the LORD. / As soon as the order went out, the Israelites generously provided the firstfruits of the grain, new wine, oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field, and they brought in an abundance—a tithe of everything. / And the Israelites and Judahites who lived in the cities of Judah also brought a tithe of their herds and flocks and a tithe of the holy things consecrated to the LORD their God, and they laid them in large heaps.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/18-21.htm">Numbers 18:21-24</a></span><br />Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. / No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. / The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/7-5.htm">Hebrews 7:5-9</a></span><br />Now the law commands the sons of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they too are descended from Abraham. / But Melchizedek, who did not trace his descent from Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. / And indisputably, the lesser is blessed by the greater. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-13.htm">1 Corinthians 9:13-14</a></span><br />Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? / In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/14-18.htm">Genesis 14:18-20</a></span><br />Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine—since he was priest of God Most High— / and he blessed Abram and said: “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, / and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/12-4.htm">2 Kings 12:4-5</a></span><br />Then Joash said to the priests, “Collect all the money brought as sacred gifts into the house of the LORD—the census money, the money from vows, and the money brought voluntarily into the house of the LORD. / Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/4-4.htm">Amos 4:4-5</a></span><br />“Go to Bethel and transgress; rebel even more at Gilgal! Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days. / Offer leavened bread as a thank offering, and loudly proclaim your freewill offerings. For that is what you children of Israel love to do,” declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/haggai/1-4.htm">Haggai 1:4-11</a></span><br />“Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” / Now this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully your ways. / You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes but never get warm. You earn wages to put into a bag pierced through.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But you say, Wherein have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings.</p><p class="hdg">a man.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/29-2.htm">Psalm 29:2</a></b></br> Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/3-9.htm">Proverbs 3:9,10</a></b></br> Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a></b></br> They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.</p><p class="hdg">In.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/1-8.htm">Malachi 1:8,13</a></b></br> And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, <i>is it</i> not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, <i>is it</i> not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/5-15.htm">Leviticus 5:15,16</a></b></br> If a soul commit a trespass, and sin through ignorance, in the holy things of the LORD; then he shall bring for his trespass unto the LORD a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/27-2.htm">Leviticus 27:2-34</a></b></br> Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall make a singular vow, the persons <i>shall be</i> for the LORD by thy estimation… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/zechariah/13-4.htm">Deceive</a> <a href="/obadiah/1-7.htm">Deceived</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-8.htm">Deceiving</a> <a href="/ezekiel/48-20.htm">Heave-Offering</a> <a href="/ezekiel/20-40.htm">Heave-Offerings</a> <a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">How</a> <a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/malachi/3-4.htm">Offerings</a> <a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Right</a> <a href="/micah/3-2.htm">Rob</a> <a href="/hosea/13-8.htm">Robbed</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-2.htm">Robbing</a> <a href="/amos/4-4.htm">Tenths</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-14.htm">Tithe</a> <a href="/amos/4-4.htm">Tithes</a> <a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">Wherein</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/24-4.htm">Deceive</a> <a href="/luke/21-8.htm">Deceived</a> <a href="/malachi/3-9.htm">Deceiving</a> <a href="/exodus/25-2.htm">Heave-Offering</a> <a href="/numbers/18-8.htm">Heave-Offerings</a> <a href="/malachi/3-13.htm">How</a> <a href="/malachi/3-9.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/matthew/2-11.htm">Offerings</a> <a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">Right</a> <a href="/malachi/3-9.htm">Rob</a> <a href="/malachi/3-9.htm">Robbed</a> <a href="/malachi/3-9.htm">Robbing</a> <a href="/leviticus/14-10.htm">Tenths</a> <a href="/malachi/3-10.htm">Tithe</a> <a href="/malachi/3-10.htm">Tithes</a> <a href="/malachi/3-13.htm">Wherein</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>Will a man rob God?</b><br>This rhetorical question challenges the audacity of humans attempting to deprive God of what is rightfully His. In the context of ancient Israel, God had established a covenant with His people, which included specific laws about tithes and offerings. The idea of "robbing" God underscores the seriousness of failing to fulfill these obligations. The question implies that such an act is not only possible but is occurring, highlighting the people's spiritual and moral decline.<p><b>Yet you are robbing Me!</b><br>God directly accuses the Israelites of theft, emphasizing the personal nature of their disobedience. This statement reflects the covenant relationship between God and Israel, where the people were expected to honor God with their resources. The use of "Me" indicates that their failure to give tithes and offerings is not just a social or communal issue but a direct affront to God Himself.<p><b>But you ask, ‘How do we rob You?’</b><br>The people's response reveals either ignorance or denial of their wrongdoing. This question suggests a disconnect between their religious practices and the requirements set by God. It reflects a common theme in prophetic literature where the people are unaware of their spiritual state. This question sets the stage for God to clarify their specific transgressions.<p><b>In tithes and offerings.</b><br>Tithes were a tenth of one's produce or income, designated for the support of the Levites, the temple, and the poor. Offerings were additional gifts given to God, often as acts of worship or thanksgiving. By withholding these, the Israelites were failing to support the religious and social structures ordained by God. This failure is not just a financial issue but a spiritual one, reflecting a lack of trust and obedience. The concept of tithes and offerings is rooted in the Law of Moses, with connections to passages like <a href="/leviticus/27-30.htm">Leviticus 27:30-32</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/14-22.htm">Deuteronomy 14:22-29</a>. This practice foreshadows the ultimate offering of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the law and becomes the perfect sacrifice for humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/malachi.htm">Malachi</a></b><br>The prophet through whom God delivers His message to the Israelites. His name means "my messenger" in Hebrew.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The speaker in this verse, addressing the Israelites about their failure to give tithes and offerings.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people of Israel, who are being accused of robbing God by withholding tithes and offerings.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/tithes_and_offerings.htm">Tithes and Offerings</a></b><br>The specific means by which the Israelites are accused of robbing God. Tithes were a tenth of one's income, while offerings were additional gifts.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/temple.htm">Temple</a></b><br>The place where tithes and offerings were brought, serving as the center of worship and community life for the Israelites.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_ownership.htm">Understanding God's Ownership</a></b><br>Recognize that everything we have is from God, and tithing is an acknowledgment of His provision and sovereignty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_giving.htm">Faithfulness in Giving</a></b><br>Tithing and offerings are acts of obedience and trust in God's provision, reflecting our faithfulness to Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/heart_attitude_in_giving.htm">Heart Attitude in Giving</a></b><br>God desires a willing and cheerful heart in giving, not just the fulfillment of a duty.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/impact_on_community.htm">Impact on Community</a></b><br>Tithes and offerings support the work of the church and the needs of the community, reflecting God's love and care for others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_consequences.htm">Spiritual Consequences</a></b><br>Withholding tithes can lead to spiritual stagnation, while faithful giving can open the door to God's blessings.<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/how_do_tithes_fit_in_today's_economy.htm">Malachi 3:8–10 – How do we reconcile this injunction about tithes with a modern economy and the lack of a physical temple? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_it_possible_for_a_man_to_rob_god.htm">Is it possible for a man to rob God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_the_biblical_types_of_love.htm">Is it possible for a man to rob God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'rebuke_the_devourer'_mean.htm">What does "Rebuke the Devourer" mean?</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>(8) <span class= "bld">Robbed me.</span>--Because the tithes are said to be offered to Jehovah, and then He gives them to the Levites in place of an inheritance (<a href="/numbers/18-24.htm" title="But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as an heave offering to the LORD, I have given to the Levites to inherit: therefore I have said to them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.">Numbers 18:24</a>).<p><span class= "bld">In tithes and offerings.</span>--See Notes on <a href="/exodus/23-19.htm" title="The first of the first fruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God. You shall not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.">Exodus 23:19</a>; <a href="/context/leviticus/27-30.htm" title="And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD's: it is holy to the LORD.">Leviticus 27:30-33</a>; <a href="/numbers/18-12.htm" title="All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the first fruits of them which they shall offer to the LORD, them have I given you.">Numbers 18:12</a>; <a href="/context/numbers/18-21.htm" title="And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.">Numbers 18:21-24</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/18-4.htm" title="The first fruit also of your corn, of your wine, and of your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep, shall you give him.">Deuteronomy 18:4</a>; <a href="/context/leviticus/3-1.htm" title="And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.">Leviticus 3:1-17</a>; <a href="/context/leviticus/7-11.htm" title="And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer to the LORD.">Leviticus 7:11-21</a>; <a href="/context/leviticus/7-28.htm" title="And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,">Leviticus 7:28-36</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/malachi/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Will a man rob God?</span> The prophet shows the people how they have departed from God, in not keeping even the outward observances of religion. The word translated "rob," defraud, found also in <a href="/proverbs/22-23.htm">Proverbs 22:23</a>, etc., is rendered in the Septuagint, <span class="greek">πτερνιεῖ</span>, "trip up," "supplant;" Vulgate, <span class="accented">si affliget homo Deum</span>, or, as St. Jerome first translated, "si affiget homo Deum," and referred the words to the crucifixion of our Lord. <span class="cmt_word">In tithes and offerings.</span> These were due to the Lord, and therefore in withholding them they were defrauding not man but God. (For tithe, see <a href="/leviticus/27-30.htm">Leviticus 27:30</a>, etc.; <a href="/numbers/18-21.htm">Numbers 18:21</a>. See the complaint of Nehemiah, <a href="/nehemiah/13-10.htm">Nehemiah 13:10-12</a>.) The "offering" meant is the heave offering, the breast and shoulder of the peace offering, which were the priests' portion (<a href="/exodus/29-27.htm">Exodus 29:27</a>; <a href="/leviticus/7-14.htm">Leviticus 7:14, 32-34</a>; comp. <a href="/nehemiah/10-37.htm">Nehemiah 10:37-39</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/malachi/3-8.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">“Will a man</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֜ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rob</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲיִקְבַּ֨ע</span> <span class="translit">(hă·yiq·ba‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6906.htm">Strong's 6906: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover, defraud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God?</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֗ים</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">Yet</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתֶּם֙</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are robbing</span><br /><span class="heb">קֹבְעִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(qō·ḇə·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6906.htm">Strong's 6906: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover, defraud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Me!”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֹתִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Direct object marker | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_853.htm">Strong's 853: </a> </span><span class="str2">Untranslatable mark of the accusative case</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You ask,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·mar·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive 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">“How</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּמֶּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(bam·meh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | 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">do we rob You?”</span><br /><span class="heb">קְבַעֲנ֑וּךָ</span> <span class="translit">(qə·ḇa·‘ă·nū·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6906.htm">Strong's 6906: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover, defraud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“In tithes</span><br /><span class="heb">הַֽמַּעֲשֵׂ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(ham·ma·‘ă·śêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4643.htm">Strong's 4643: </a> </span><span class="str2">Tenth part, tithe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and offerings.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַתְּרוּמָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hat·tə·rū·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8641.htm">Strong's 8641: </a> </span><span class="str2">Contribution, offering (for sacred uses)</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/malachi/3-8.htm">OT Prophets: Malachi 3:8 Will a man rob God? Yet you (Malachi Mal Ml) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/malachi/3-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Malachi 3:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Malachi 3:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/malachi/3-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Malachi 3:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Malachi 3:9" /></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>