Malachi 3:8
What does Malachi 3:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Malachi 3:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Malachi 3:8 means
This verse directly addresses the people's spiritual blindness and challenges their claim of innocence by asking a provocative question: "Will a man rob God?" The Lord then asserts, "yet ye rob me." When the people, still in denial, ask, "Wherein have we robbed thee?" God provides a clear and specific answer: "In tithes and offerings." This reveals a significant financial and spiritual transgression. By withholding the portions prescribed by God's law, the people were not merely neglecting a religious duty; they were actively defrauding their Creator, demonstrating a profound lack of trust and obedience.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Will a man rob God? yet ye rob me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Will a man rob God? yet ye rob me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Will a man keep back from God what is right? But you have kept back what is mine. But you say, What have we kept back from you? Tenths and offerings.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Doth man deceive God? but ye are deceiving Me, And ye have said: `In what have we deceived Thee?' The tithe and the heave-offering!
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Shall a man afflict God, for you afflict me. And you have said: Wherein do we afflict thee? in tithes and in firstfruits.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Will a man robGod? But ye rob me. And ye say, Wherein do we rob thee? [In] tithes and heave-offerings.
Context
Building directly on the people's dismissive question in verse 7 ("Wherein shall we return?"), this verse immediately answers by identifying their specific sin. It moves from the general accusation of straying from ordinances to the concrete charge of withholding tithes and offerings. This direct accusation then provides the foundation for the declaration of a curse and the subsequent call to bring the whole tithe in verses 9-10.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Leviticus 27:2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When a man shall accomplish a vow, the persons shall be for Jehovah by thy estimation.
- Malachi 1:13
Ye say also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith Jehovah of hosts; and ye have brought that which was taken by violence, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye bring the offering: should I accept this at your hand? saith Jehovah.
- Romans 13:7
Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.
- Psalms 29:2
Ascribe unto Jehovah the glory due unto his name; Worship Jehovah in holy array.
- Mark 12:17
And Jesus said unto them, Render unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled greatly at him.
- Numbers 18:21
And unto the children of Levi, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the tent of meeting.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Malachi 3
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Malachi 3.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Fellowship
Explore Bible verses about Christian fellowship, its meaning, purpose, and impact on believers' lives and the Church.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Immutability of God
The immutability of God means He is unchanging in His character, nature, and promises, offering a secure hope.
Topic
Bible Verses About Orphans
The Bible consistently calls believers to care for orphans, reflecting God's heart for the vulnerable and marginalized
What the Bible says about…