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

MALACHI 1:6KJV
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Malachi 1:6 (KJV)

What does Malachi 1:6 mean?

Malachi 1:6 describes God speaking to the priests of Israel, questioning why they do not show Him the honor and respect that a father or master would normally receive, even though they call Him their Father and Master. God points out that the priests have been treating His name with contempt, but the priests respond by asking how they have done so.

In this verse, God is addressing the priests directly, using everyday relationships—between a son and father, and a servant and master—to highlight how natural it is to show respect in those roles. By comparing these relationships to His own with the priests, God exposes their lack of proper reverence and honor towards Him, especially in their temple duties. The priests’ question at the end shows either their ignorance or denial of their disrespectful actions.

The Hebrew behind Malachi 1:6

  • "Honoureth" (כָּבֵד, kavēd): This word means to give weight, value, or respect. God uses it to show that He deserves real, substantial honor, not just empty words or rituals.
  • "Despise" (בָּזָה, bazah): This word means to treat as worthless or to hold in contempt. God accuses the priests of treating His name—His reputation and character—as insignificant, which is a serious charge for those meant to lead worship.
  • "Name" (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, a name represents the whole person, their reputation and authority. To despise God’s name is to disrespect who He is, not just a title.

Why Malachi 1:6 matters

  • Malachi 1:6 clarifies that God expects genuine honor and respect from those who serve Him, especially leaders, not just outward religious actions.
  • This verse highlights a disconnect between the priests’ words and their actions, showing that it is possible to go through religious motions while actually disrespecting God.
  • Malachi 1:6 sets the tone for the rest of the book, where God challenges the spiritual leaders of Israel to recognize and correct their attitude toward Him.

Where else these words appear

“fear” Hebrew H4172 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 9:2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.
  • Deuteronomy 26:8 And the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness, and with signs, and with wonders:
  • Isaiah 8:12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid.

“despise” Hebrew H959 · used in 41 verses

  • Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
  • Esther 3:6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
  • Isaiah 37:22 This is the word which the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

“honoureth” Hebrew H3513 · used in 109 verses

  • Genesis 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
  • 2 Samuel 6:22 And I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight: and of the maidservants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.
  • Proverbs 8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.