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Malachi 1:8
ESV When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the LORD of hosts.
NIV When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?' says the LORD Almighty.
NASB And when you present a blind animal for sacrifice, is it not evil? Or when you present a lame or sick animal, is it not evil? So offer it to your governor! Would he be pleased with you, or would he receive you kindly?' says the Lord of armies.
CSB "When you present a blind animal for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present a lame or sick animal, is it not wrong? Bring it to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor? " asks the Lord of Armies.
NLT When you give blind animals as sacrifices, isn’t that wrong? And isn’t it wrong to offer animals that are crippled and diseased? Try giving gifts like that to your governor, and see how pleased he is!' says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
KJV And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.

What does Malachi 1:8 mean?

Apparently, the priests were sacrificing animals forbidden by the Law. Leviticus 22:22 explicitly says that blind animals are not to be offered. Neither are lame or diseased animals. Yet, these are the kinds of offerings being brought. The point being made is that the priests know what the correct sacrifices are. This section of Malachi is addressed to Israel's spiritual leaders, who are being both lazy and disrespectful in their duties.

Making the point even more clear is the reference to politicians. If a human leader would reject these animals as unfit gifts, how can the priests think God would find them worthy? This again speaks to the level of disrespect being shown. To give God what other people wouldn't want, instead of what He deserves, is a clear sign of contempt.

Interestingly, the word translated "governor" here is not a Hebrew term. Rather, it is Persian: pechah. This is a Babylonian term, representing the nation Israel was still subject to. This means Israel is bringing sacrifices to their God which are less worthy than those brought to their oppressors!

Applying this to modern life suggests the question of priorities. Are we giving God the best, or just what's left? Would God consider our efforts for Him worthy, or are we bringing something that even other people would find sub-par?
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