Haggai 2:14 Then Haggai replied, "So it is with this people and this nation before Me, declares the LORD, and so it is with every work of their hands; whatever they offer there is defiled.

◄ Haggai 2:14 ►

New International Version
Then Haggai said, “’So it is with this people and this nation in my sight,’ declares the LORD. ‘Whatever they do and whatever they offer there is defiled.

New Living Translation
Then Haggai responded, “That is how it is with this people and this nation, says the LORD. Everything they do and everything they offer is defiled by their sin.

English Standard Version
Then Haggai answered and said, “So is it with this people, and with this nation before me, declares the LORD, and so with every work of their hands. And what they offer there is unclean.

Berean Standard Bible
Then Haggai replied, “So it is with this people and this nation before Me, declares the LORD, and so it is with every work of their hands; whatever they offer there is defiled.

King James Bible
Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.

New King James Version
Then Haggai answered and said, “ ‘So is this people, and so is this nation before Me,’ says the LORD, ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.

New American Standard Bible
Then Haggai responded and said, “‘So is this people. And so is this nation before Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.

NASB 1995
Then Haggai said, “’So is this people. And so is this nation before Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.

NASB 1977
Then Haggai answered and said, “ ‘So is this people. And so is this nation before Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Haggai answered and said, “‘So is this people. And so is this nation before Me,’ declares Yahweh, ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they bring near to Me there is unclean.

Amplified Bible
Then Haggai answered, “‘So is this people. And so is this nation before Me,’ declares the LORD, ‘and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there [on the altar] is unclean [because they who offer it are unclean].

Christian Standard Bible
Then Haggai replied, “So is this people, and so is this nation before me—this is the LORD’s declaration. And so is every work of their hands; even what they offer there is defiled.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Haggai replied, “So is this people, and so is this nation before Me"—this is the LORD’s declaration. “And so is every work of their hands; even what they offer there is defiled.”

American Standard Version
Then answered Haggai and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith Jehovah; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.

Contemporary English Version
So the LORD told Haggai to say: That's how it is with this entire nation. Everything you do and every sacrifice you offer is unacceptable to me.

English Revised Version
Then answered Haggai and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Haggai answered, "In the same way, I have decided that these people are unclean, and so is this nation, declares the LORD. So is everything they do. Whatever offering they bring is unclean.

Good News Translation
Then Haggai said, "The LORD says that the same thing applies to the people of this nation and to everything they produce; and so everything they offer on the altar is defiled."

International Standard Version
Then Haggai answered, "'That's how I look at this people and this nation,' declares the LORD. 'And that's how it is with everything they undertake and with what they offer there—it is unclean.

Majority Standard Bible
Then Haggai replied, ?So it is with this people and this nation before Me, declares the LORD, and so it is with every work of their hands; whatever they offer there is defiled.

NET Bible
Then Haggai responded, "'The people of this nation are unclean in my sight,' says the LORD. 'And so is all their effort; everything they offer is also unclean.

New Heart English Bible
Then Haggai answered, "'So is this people, and so is this nation before me,' says the LORD; 'and so is every work of their hands. That which they offer there is unclean.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.

World English Bible
Then Haggai answered, “‘So is this people, and so is this nation before me,’ says Yahweh; ‘and so is every work of their hands. That which they offer there is unclean.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Haggai answers and says, “So [is] this people, and so [is] this nation before Me,” a declaration of YHWH, “and so [is] every work of their hands, and that which they bring near there—it is unclean.

Young's Literal Translation
And Haggai answereth and saith, 'So is this people, and so is this nation before Me -- an affirmation of Jehovah -- and so is every work of their hands, and that which they bring near there -- it is unclean.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Haggai will answer and say, Thus this people and thus this nation before me, says Jehovah; and thus all the work of their hands; and what they shall bring near there it is unclean.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Aggeus answered, and said: So is this people, and so is this nation before my face, saith the Lord, and so is all the work of their hands: and all that they have offered there, shall be defiled.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Haggai answered and he said: Such is this people, and such is this nation before my face, says the Lord, and such is all the work of their hands. And so all that they have offered there has been contaminated.

New American Bible
Then Haggai replied: So is this people, and so is this nation in my sight—oracle of the LORD— And so is all the work of their hands; what they offer there is defiled.

New Revised Standard Version
Haggai then said, So is it with this people, and with this nation before me, says the LORD; and so with every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then answered Haggai and said, So is this people and so is this generation before me, says the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and what they offer there is unclean.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Khaggi answered and said: “So is this people and so is this generation before me, says LORD JEHOVAH, and thus are all the works of their hands and anything that they bring there is defiled

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Then answered Haggai, and said: 'So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Aggaeus answered and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the Lord; and so are all the works of their hands: and whosoever shall approach them, shall be defiled because of their early burdens: they shall be pained because of their toils; and ye have hated him that reproved in the gates.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Blessings for a Defiled People
…13So Haggai asked, “If one who is defiled by contact with a corpse touches any of these, does it become defiled?” “Yes, it becomes defiled,” the priests answered. 14Then Haggai replied, “So it is with this people and this nation before Me, declares the LORD, and so it is with every work of their hands; whatever they offer there is defiled. 15Now consider carefully from this day forward: Before one stone was placed on another in the temple of the LORD,…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Leviticus 10:10
You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the clean and the unclean,

Isaiah 64:6
Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

Numbers 19:11-13
Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days. / He must purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean. / Anyone who touches a human corpse and fails to purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the LORD. That person must be cut off from Israel. He remains unclean, because the water of purification has not been sprinkled on him, and his uncleanness is still on him.

Ezekiel 36:17
“Son of man, when the people of Israel lived in their land, they defiled it by their own ways and deeds. Their behavior before Me was like the uncleanness of a woman’s impurity.

Matthew 15:11
A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”

Mark 7:15
Nothing that enters a man from the outside can defile him; but the things that come out of a man, these are what defile him.”

Leviticus 15:31
You must keep the children of Israel separate from their uncleanness, so that they do not die by defiling My tabernacle, which is among them.

Romans 14:14
I am convinced and fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for him it is unclean.

Titus 1:15
To the pure, all things are pure; but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure. Indeed, both their minds and their consciences are defiled.

2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”

Isaiah 1:4
Alas, O sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who act corruptly! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him.

Jeremiah 2:22
Although you wash with lye and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before Me,” declares the Lord GOD.

Amos 5:21-22
“I hate, I despise your feasts! I cannot stand the stench of your solemn assemblies. / Even though you offer Me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them; for your peace offerings of fattened cattle I will have no regard.

Malachi 1:7-8
By presenting defiled food on My altar. But you ask, ‘How have we defiled You?’ By saying that the table of the LORD is contemptible. / When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is it not wrong? And when you present the lame and sick ones, is it not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you or show you favor?” asks the LORD of Hosts.

Matthew 23:27-28
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and every kind of impurity. / In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Treasury of Scripture

Then answered Haggai, and said, So is this people, and so is this nation before me, said the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.

So is this people.

Haggai 1:4-11
Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste? …

Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Proverbs 21:4,27
An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin…

and that.

Ezra 3:2,3
Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God…

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Haggai 2

1. He encourages the people to the work,
4. by promise of greater glory to the second temple than was in the first.
10. In the type of holy things and unclean he shows their sins hindered the work.
20. God's promise to Zerubbabel.

Berean Study Bible

So it is with this people
The phrase "this people" refers to the Israelites, specifically those who returned from Babylonian exile. In Hebrew, the term used is "הָעָם הַזֶּה" (ha'am hazzeh), which can carry a tone of reproach or disappointment. Historically, the Israelites had been chosen by God as His covenant people, yet they often strayed from His commands. This phrase underscores the collective responsibility and spiritual state of the community, emphasizing that their current condition is a result of their actions and attitudes.

and this nation before Me
The term "nation" (גּוֹי, goy) is often used in the Old Testament to describe a group of people bound by common descent, language, and culture. Here, it highlights the corporate identity of Israel as a nation accountable to God. The phrase "before Me" (לְפָנַי, lefanai) indicates their position in relation to God, suggesting that their actions are not hidden from Him. This serves as a reminder of God's omnipresence and His role as the ultimate judge of nations.

declares the LORD
This phrase is a prophetic formula used throughout the Old Testament to assert the authority and authenticity of the message. The Hebrew word for "declares" (נְאֻם, ne'um) is often used in divine pronouncements, emphasizing that the message comes directly from Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God. It reassures the audience that the words spoken are not merely human opinions but divine truths that demand attention and obedience.

and so it is with every work of their hands
The "work of their hands" refers to the labor and efforts of the Israelites, particularly in rebuilding the temple. In Hebrew, "מַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵיהֶם" (ma'aseh yedehem) conveys the idea of human endeavor and craftsmanship. However, due to their spiritual impurity, even their sincere efforts are tainted. This highlights the biblical principle that outward actions, no matter how noble, are insufficient if the heart is not aligned with God's will.

and whatever they offer there is defiled
The word "offer" (יַקְרִיבוּ, yakrivu) pertains to sacrifices and offerings made to God. In the context of the Old Testament sacrificial system, offerings were meant to be pure and holy. The term "defiled" (טָמֵא, tamei) indicates ritual impurity, suggesting that their offerings are unacceptable to God due to their spiritual state. This serves as a sobering reminder that God desires holiness and purity in worship, and that true worship must stem from a heart that is right with Him.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(14) That which they offer there--i.e., probably, "on yon altar," but the expression is singular. In Ezra 3:3 we read, "And they set the altar upon his bases. . . . and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord, even burnt offerings morning and evening."

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 14. - Then answered Haggai, and said; then Haggai continued and said. He applies the principles just enunciated to the case of the Jews, taking the communication of uncleanness first. So is this people. Not, my people, because by their acts they had disowned God (Haggai 1:2). This people is defiled in my sight like one who has touched a corpse, and not only they themselves, but so is every work of their hands; all their labour, all that they put their hands to, is unclean, and can win no blessing. Their pollution was their disobedience in not building the house of God. They had calmly contemplated the lifeless symbol of the theocracy, the ruined temple, and made no determined effort to resuscitate it, so a blight had rested on all their work. That which they offer there (pointing to the altar which they had built when they first returned, Ezra 3:2) is unclean. They had fancied that the sanctifying influence of the altar and its sacrifices would extend to all their works, and cover all their shortcomings; but so far from this, their very offerings were unclean, because the offerers were polluted. They who come before the Holy One should themselves be holy. Neither the altar nor the Holy Land imparted sanctity by any intrinsic virtue of their own, but entailed upon all an obligation to personal holiness (Wordsworth). The LXX. has an addition at the end of the verse. Ανεκεν τῶν λημμάτων αὐτῶν τῶν ὀρθρινῶν ὀδυνηθήσονται ἀπὸ προσώπου πόνων αὐτῶν καὶ ἐμισεῖτε ἐν πύλαις ἐλέγχοντας "On account of their morning gains [or, 'burdens'] they shall be pained in the presence of their labours, and ye hated those who reproved in the gates." This is expounded by Theodoret thus: As soon as morning dawned ye employed yourselves in no good work, but sought only how to obtain sordid gain. And ye regarded with. hatred these who reproved, you, who sitting at the gate spake words of wisdom to all who passed by. The passage is found in no other version.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Then Haggai
חַגַּ֜י (ḥag·gay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2292: Haggai -- 'festal', a Hebrew prophet

replied:
וַיַּ֨עַן (way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

“So
כֵּ֣ן (kên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

is this
הַ֠זֶּה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

people,
הָֽעָם־ (hā·‘ām-)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and so
וְכֵן־ (wə·ḵên-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

is this
הַזֶּ֤ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

nation
הַגּ֨וֹי (hag·gō·w)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

before Me,
לְפָנַי֙ (lə·p̄ā·nay)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440: The face

declares
נְאֻם־ (nə·’um-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5002: An oracle

the LORD,
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

and so
וְכֵ֖ן (wə·ḵên)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

is every
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

work
מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה (ma·‘ă·śêh)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4639: An action, a transaction, activity, a product, property

of their hands;
יְדֵיהֶ֑ם (yə·ḏê·hem)
Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3027: A hand

and whatever
וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר (wa·’ă·šer)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

they offer
יַקְרִ֛יבוּ (yaq·rî·ḇū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7126: To come near, approach

there
שָׁ֖ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

is defiled.
טָמֵ֥א (ṭā·mê)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2931: Unclean

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OT Prophets: Haggai 2:14 Then Haggai answered 'So is this people (Hagg. Hag. Hg)