Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
O Son of Kunti! Those devotees who, with faith and reverence, worship other deities unknowingly worship Me through them. Nevertheless, this form of worship is of a lower nature. (9:23)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
येऽप्यन्यदेवता भक्ता यजन्ते श्रद्धयान्विताः ।
तेऽपि मामेव कौन्तेय यजन्त्यविधिपूर्वकम्॥
Word-by-word
ये अपि अन्य देवताः भक्ताः यजन्ते श्रद्धया-अन्विताः,
ते अपि माम् एव, कौन्तेय, यजन्ति अ-विधि-पूर्वकम्।
Commentary
Should no subordinate deity be worshipped then? This question arises because in verse 3:12, Semi-God Brahmā states that those who do not offer oblations in sacrificial fire-ceremonies to the gods, as a return for the gifts bestowed upon humans by the gods, are deemed "stealers" for taking what is rightfully theirs. This divergence invites reflection.
It appears there may be a difference of opinion between Semi-God Brahmā and God-the-Supreme, which becomes apparent in verses 3:14 to 3:18. Further clarification can be found in the notes on these verses. In such cases, it is essential to uphold the Word of God over the word of Semi-God Brahmā.