Proverbs 15:8
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.
Original Language Analysis
זֶ֣בַח
The sacrifice
H2077
זֶ֣בַח
The sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
רְ֭שָׁעִים
of the wicked
H7563
רְ֭שָׁעִים
of the wicked
Strong's:
H7563
Word #:
2 of 7
morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
is an abomination
H8441
תּוֹעֲבַ֣ת
is an abomination
Strong's:
H8441
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
יְהוָ֑ה
to the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
to the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וּתְפִלַּ֖ת
but the prayer
H8605
וּתְפִלַּ֖ת
but the prayer
Strong's:
H8605
Word #:
5 of 7
intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn
Cross References
Proverbs 15:29The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.Proverbs 21:27The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?1 Chronicles 29:17I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto thee.Jeremiah 6:20To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.Proverbs 28:9He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.Isaiah 61:8For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.Ecclesiastes 5:1Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.John 4:24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.Isaiah 66:3He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.Psalms 17:1Hear the right, O LORD, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.
Historical Context
Israel's sacrificial system could become empty ritualism divorced from covenant faithfulness. Prophets consistently condemned sacrifices offered without justice, mercy, and genuine devotion (Isaiah 1:11-17, Amos 5:21-24).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you engage in religious activities while harboring unconfessed sin or unrighteousness?
- What is the state of your heart in worship—genuine devotion or empty ritual?
- How does this verse challenge you to examine the authenticity of your spiritual practices?
Analysis & Commentary
God's moral preferences are stark: 'The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.' Even religious activity (sacrifice) is 'abomination' (Hebrew 'toebah'—detestable) when offered by the wicked. This echoes Samuel's rebuke: 'to obey is better than sacrifice' (1 Samuel 15:22). Reformed theology emphasizes that external religion without heart transformation is worthless. Meanwhile, the 'prayer of the upright' (Hebrew 'yashar'—straight/righteous) delights God—Hebrew 'ratson' means pleasure or acceptance. God desires righteousness, not empty ritual.