Definition: Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought [that which was] torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Malachi 1:13. It's a really important message about God’s judgment and a chance for repentance. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: God is deeply disappointed with the people of Israel. He’s saying they’ve been acting foolishly, causing trouble, and are not listening to Him. He's essentially pointing out that their behavior has brought them suffering and hardship. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]!” – “Behold” is a dramatic word meaning "look!" This suggests a long-standing feeling of frustration and exhaustion from God. He's acknowledging that he’s been burdened with their actions for a long time. “and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts;” – “Snuffed at it” is a poetic way of saying they’ve ignored or dismissed His voice and guidance. It suggests they were pushing away from what He wants them to do. “[that which was] torn, and the lame, and the sick;” – This is the real problem. God describes their actions as causing pain, distress, and suffering. He's pointing out that they’ve been hurting themselves and others with their wrongdoings. “Torn” suggests a deep physical and emotional damage has occurred. “thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand?” – This is the most important part. God isn’t just complaining; He's asking for something from them. He’s saying, “If you continue down this path of selfishness, pain and suffering will follow.” He’s essentially inviting them to repent (turn away from their wrongdoings) and seek His forgiveness. Overall Meaning: This verse is a warning. It's telling us that God is very serious about what we are doing. He’s not just annoyed; He’s demanding that we change our ways and stop causing harm to ourselves and others. It's a call for repentance – acknowledging our mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and starting anew. In short, it's a message of judgment and an invitation to change. --- To help me explain this verse even better and tailor it to your needs, could you tell me: What specifically are you curious about? (e.g., Do you want a more detailed explanation of the word "weariness"? Are you wondering why this is happening?)