And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.

MALACHI 2:13KJV
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Malachi 2:13 (KJV)

What does Malachi 2:13 mean?

Malachi 2:13 describes how the people of Israel have repeatedly brought offerings to God’s altar, but their actions are accompanied by tears, weeping, and loud cries because God no longer accepts their offerings with favor. The verse explains that God is not pleased with their sacrifices, no matter how emotional or sorrowful they appear.

In this verse, the prophet Malachi is speaking to the people of Israel on God’s behalf. The situation is that the people are upset because God is not responding to their religious rituals as He once did. The verse highlights that outward displays of emotion or repeated sacrifices do not guarantee God’s approval if there are deeper issues in the people’s relationship with Him.

The Hebrew behind Malachi 2:13

  • "covering" (כָּסָה, kasah): This word means to cover or conceal. Here, it paints a picture of the altar being so drenched in tears that it is figuratively “covered,” emphasizing the intensity of the people’s distress.
  • "offering" (מִנְחָה, minchah): This refers to a gift or sacrifice, often a grain offering. The use of this word shows that the people are bringing what should be acceptable offerings, but something is wrong with their approach or hearts.
  • "regardeth" (פָּנָה, panah): This word means to turn toward or pay attention to. The verse says God does not “regard” the offering, stressing that God is deliberately choosing not to accept or notice their sacrifices.

Why Malachi 2:13 matters

  • Malachi 2:13 clears up the misunderstanding that strong emotions or repeated rituals alone can win God’s favor; it points to the importance of sincerity and right relationships over outward displays.
  • The verse emphasizes that God looks beyond the surface, showing that He cares more about the people’s hearts and actions than about their sacrifices or emotional expressions.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage, where Malachi confronts the people for unfaithfulness, especially in their relationships and covenants, explaining why God is displeased despite their religious activity.

Where else these words appear

“out” Hebrew H603 · used in 4 verses

  • Psalms 12:5 For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him.
  • Psalms 79:11 Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;
  • Psalms 102:20 To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death;

“tears” Hebrew H1832 · used in 22 verses

  • 2 Kings 20:5 Turn again, and tell Hezekiah the captain of my people, Thus saith the LORD, the God of David thy father, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will heal thee: on the third day thou shalt go up unto the house of the LORD.
  • Psalms 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
  • Jeremiah 13:17 But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive.

“weeping” Hebrew H1065 · used in 29 verses

  • Genesis 45:2 And he wept aloud: and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard.
  • Psalms 6:8 Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.
  • Isaiah 38:3 And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

“will” Hebrew H7522 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
  • Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.