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It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/malachi/2-14.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/malachi/2-14.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/malachi/">Malachi</a> > <a href="/malachi/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 14</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/malachi/2-13.htm" title="Malachi 2:13">◄</a> Malachi 2:14 <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm" title="Malachi 2:15">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/malachi/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/malachi/2.htm">New International Version</a> You ask, &#8220Why?&#8221 It is because the LORD is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. <a href="/nlt/malachi/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> You cry out, “Why doesn’t the LORD accept my worship?” I’ll tell you why! Because the LORD witnessed the vows you and your wife made when you were young. But you have been unfaithful to her, though she remained your faithful partner, the wife of your marriage vows. <a href="/esv/malachi/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. <a href="/bsb/malachi/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. <a href="/kjv/malachi/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. <a href="/nkjv/malachi/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Yet you say, “For what reason?” Because the LORD has been witness Between you and the wife of your youth, With whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion And your wife by covenant. <a href="/nasb_/malachi/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Yet you say, “For what reason?” Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your marriage companion and your wife by covenant. <a href="/nasb/malachi/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Yet you say, &#8216For what reason?&#8217 Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. <a href="/nasb77/malachi/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. <a href="/lsb/malachi/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because Yahweh has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. <a href="/amp/malachi/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But you say, “Why [does He reject it]?” Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously. Yet she is your marriage companion and the wife of your covenant [made by your vows]. <a href="/csb/malachi/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> And you ask, “Why? ” Because even though the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, you have acted treacherously against her. She was your marriage partner and your wife by covenant. <a href="/hcsb/malachi/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Yet you ask, &#8220For what reason?&#8221 Because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have acted treacherously against her, though she was your marriage partner and your wife by covenant. <a href="/asv/malachi/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because Jehovah hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously, though she is thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. <a href="/cev/malachi/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> And why isn't God pleased? It's because he knows that each of you men has been unfaithful to the wife you married when you were young. You promised that she would be your partner, but now you have broken that promise. <a href="/erv/malachi/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously, though she is thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. <a href="/gwt/malachi/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But you ask, "Why [aren't our offerings accepted]?" It is because the LORD is a witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been unfaithful. Yet, she is your companion, the wife of your marriage vows. <a href="/gnt/malachi/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> You ask why he no longer accepts them. It is because he knows you have broken your promise to the wife you married when you were young. She was your partner, and you have broken your promise to her, although you promised before God that you would be faithful to her. <a href="/isv/malachi/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Yet you ask, 'For what reason?' Because the LORD acts as a witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you were unfaithful to her, your partner, the wife of your covenant. <a href="/msb/malachi/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Yet you ask, ?Why?? It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. <a href="/net/malachi/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Yet you ask, "Why?" The LORD is testifying against you on behalf of the wife you married when you were young, to whom you have become unfaithful even though she is your companion and wife by law. <a href="/nheb/malachi/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Yet you say, 'Why?' Because the LORD has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion, and the wife of your covenant. <a href="/wbt/malachi/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Yet ye say, Why? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. <a href="/web/malachi/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Yet you say, ‘Why?’ Because Yahweh has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though she is your companion and the wife of your covenant. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/malachi/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And you have said, “Why?” Because YHWH has testified between you "" And the wife of your youth, "" That you have dealt treacherously against her, "" And she [is] your companion, and your covenant-wife. <a href="/ylt/malachi/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And ye have said, 'Wherefore?' Because Jehovah hath testified between thee And the wife of thy youth, That thou hast dealt treacherously against her, And she thy companion, and thy covenant-wife. <a href="/slt/malachi/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And ye said, For what? For that Jehovah testified between thee and between the wife of thy youth, which thou didst deal faithlessly against her, and she thy companion and the wife of thy covenant.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/malachi/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And you have said: For what cause? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee, and the wife of thy youth, whom thou hast despised: yet she was thy partner, and the wife of thy covenant. <a href="/cpdv/malachi/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And you have said, “What is the reason for this?” It is because the Lord has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, whom you have despised. Yet she was your partner, and the wife of your covenant. <a href="/nabre/malachi/2.htm">New American Bible</a> And you say, “Why?”— Because the LORD is witness between you and the wife of your youth With whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion, your covenanted wife. <a href="/nrsvce/malachi/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> You ask, “Why does he not?” Because the LORD was a witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/malachi/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And if you say, For what reason? Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously though she is your companion and the wife of your covenant. <a href="/hpbt/malachi/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And if you say: “Why?”, it is because LORD JEHOVAH was witness between you and the wife of your youth that you have been treacherous to her, and she is your companion and the wife of your covenant<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/malachi/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Yet ye say: 'Wherefore?' Because the LORD hath been witness Between thee and the wife of thy youth, Against whom thou hast dealt treacherously, Though she is thy companion, And the wife of thy covenant. <a href="/sep/malachi/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Yet ye said, Wherefore? Because the Lord has borne witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, whom thou has forsaken, and yet she was thy partner, and the wife of thy covenant. <a href="/parallel/malachi/2-14.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6KyAs1WSHw?start=374" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/malachi/2.htm">Judah's Unfaithfulness</a> …13And this is another thing you do: You cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping and groaning, because He no longer regards your offerings or receives them gladly from your hands. 14<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wa·’ă·mar·tem (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">Yet you ask,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">“Why?”</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">It is because</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">the LORD</a> <a href="/hebrew/5749.htm" title="5749: hê·‘îḏ (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify; intensively, to encompass, restore.">has been a witness</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: bê·nə·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- An interval, space between. ">between you</a> <a href="/hebrew/996.htm" title="996: ū·ḇên (Conj-w:: Prep) -- An interval, space between. ">and</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: ’ê·šeṯ (N-fsc) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">the wife</a> <a href="/hebrew/5271.htm" title="5271: nə·‘ū·re·ḵā (N-mpc:: 2ms) -- Or naur; and nturah; properly, passive participle from na'ar as denominative; youth, the state or the persons.">of your youth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">against whom</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/898.htm" title="898: bā·ḡaḏ·tāh (V-Qal-Perf-2ms) -- To act or deal treacherously. A primitive root; to cover; figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage.">have broken faith,</a> <a href="/hebrew/bāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hî (Conj-w:: Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">though she is</a> <a href="/hebrew/2278.htm" title="2278: ḥă·ḇer·tə·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Consort. Feminine of chaber; a consort.">your companion</a> <a href="/hebrew/802.htm" title="802: wə·’ê·šeṯ (Conj-w:: N-fsc) -- Woman, wife, female. Feminine of 'iysh or 'enowsh; irregular plural, nashiym; a woman.">and your wife</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bə·rî·ṯe·ḵā (N-fsc:: 2ms) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">by covenant.</a> 15Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a> For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. <a href="/matthew/19-4.htm">Matthew 19:4-6</a> Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ / and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? / So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” <a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Ephesians 5:31-33</a> “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” / This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church. / Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. <a href="/proverbs/2-16.htm">Proverbs 2:16-17</a> It will rescue you from the forbidden woman, from the stranger with seductive words / who abandons the partner of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. <a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">1 Peter 3:7</a> Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">1 Corinthians 7:10-11</a> To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. / But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. <a href="/mark/10-6.htm">Mark 10:6-9</a> However, from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ / ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, / and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh. ... <a href="/deuteronomy/24-1.htm">Deuteronomy 24:1-4</a> If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds some indecency in her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. / If, after leaving his house, she goes and becomes another man’s wife, / and the second man hates her, writes her a certificate of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies, ... <a href="/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16</a> Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” <a href="/matthew/5-31.htm">Matthew 5:31-32</a> It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ / But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. <a href="/hosea/2-19.htm">Hosea 2:19-20</a> So I will betroth you to Me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in loving devotion and compassion. / And I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will know the LORD.” <a href="/jeremiah/3-1.htm">Jeremiah 3:1</a> “If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers—and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD. <a href="/colossians/3-19.htm">Colossians 3:19</a> Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. <a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">1 Timothy 5:8</a> If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. <a href="/isaiah/54-5.htm">Isaiah 54:5</a> For your husband is your Maker—the LORD of Hosts is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Yet you say, Why? Because the LORD has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously: yet is she your companion, and the wife of your covenant.Wherefore.<a href="/malachi/1-6.htm">Malachi 1:6,7</a> A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name? … <a href="/malachi/3-8.htm">Malachi 3:8</a> Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.<a href="/proverbs/30-20.htm">Proverbs 30:20</a> Such is the way of an adulterous woman; she eateth, and wipeth her mouth, and saith, I have done no wickedness.the Lord.<a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Malachi 3:5</a> And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.<a href="/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50</a> If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.<a href="/judges/11-10.htm">Judges 11:10</a> And the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, The LORD be witness between us, if we do not so according to thy words.the wife.<a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Malachi 2:15</a> And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.<a href="/proverbs/5-18.htm">Proverbs 5:18,19</a> Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth… <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:9</a> Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.thy companion.<a href="/genesis/2-18.htm">Genesis 2:18</a> And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.<a href="/proverbs/2-17.htm">Proverbs 2:17</a> Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.<a href="/songs/1-15.htm">Song of Solomon 1:15</a> Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-20.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/malachi/2-10.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-7.htm">Early</a> <a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Faithless</a> <a href="/daniel/11-17.htm">Marriage</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-24.htm">Partner</a> <a href="/zechariah/2-4.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Treacherously</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/malachi/2-12.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-5.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/luke/1-8.htm">Acting</a> <a href="/matthew/12-5.htm">Broken</a> <a href="/acts/15-38.htm">Companion</a> <a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Dealt</a> <a href="/matthew/20-1.htm">Early</a> <a href="/matthew/6-30.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/malachi/2-16.htm">Faithless</a> <a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Marriage</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-15.htm">Partner</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Treacherously</a> <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/malachi/3-5.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Youth</a><div class="vheading2">Malachi 2</div>1. <a href="/malachi/2-1.htm">He sharply reproves the priests for neglecting their covenant;</a> 10. <a href="/malachi/2-10.htm">and the people for marrying strange wives;</a> 13. <a href="/malachi/2-13.htm">and for putting away their former ones,</a> 17. <a href="/malachi/2-17.htm">and for infidelity.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/malachi/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/malachi/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/malachi/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Yet you ask, “Why?” This phrase reflects the people's confusion and lack of understanding regarding God's displeasure with them. It indicates a spiritual blindness or unwillingness to see their own faults. This rhetorical question is common in prophetic literature, where God often addresses the people's ignorance or denial of their sins (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/58-3.htm">Isaiah 58:3</a>).It is because the LORD has been a witness The concept of God as a witness underscores His omniscience and His role as a divine judge. In ancient Israel, witnesses were crucial in legal matters (<a href="/deuteronomy/19-15.htm">Deuteronomy 19:15</a>). Here, God Himself is the witness, emphasizing the seriousness of the accusation. This also connects to the idea that God sees all actions, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/15-3.htm">Proverbs 15:3</a>.between you and the wife of your youth This phrase highlights the intimate and covenantal relationship between a husband and wife. The "wife of your youth" suggests a long-standing relationship, likely established when both were young. This reflects the cultural practice of marrying at a young age in ancient Israel. The phrase also evokes the idea of first love and the commitment that should endure over time (<a href="/proverbs/5-18.htm">Proverbs 5:18</a>).against whom you have broken faith Breaking faith implies betrayal and unfaithfulness, not just to the spouse but also to God, who is part of the marriage covenant. This mirrors the broader theme of Israel's unfaithfulness to God throughout the Old Testament, such as in Hosea, where Israel's idolatry is likened to marital infidelity.though she is your companion The term "companion" suggests partnership and equality, highlighting the relational aspect of marriage. This reflects the creation narrative where Eve is created as a suitable helper for Adam (<a href="/genesis/2-18.htm">Genesis 2:18</a>). It emphasizes the intended mutual support and companionship in marriage.and your wife by covenant Marriage is described as a covenant, a binding agreement not just between two individuals but also before God. This covenantal view of marriage is foundational in Scripture, as seen in <a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a> and reiterated by Jesus in <a href="/matthew/19-4.htm">Matthew 19:4-6</a>. The covenant language underscores the seriousness and sacredness of the marital bond, reflecting God's covenant with His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The LORD (Yahweh)</a> The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who acts as a witness to the faithfulness of His people. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The original audience of Malachi's prophecy, who were being rebuked for their unfaithfulness in marriage. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_wife_of_your_youth.htm">The Wife of Your Youth</a> Refers to the spouse whom the Israelite men married in their younger years, highlighting the covenantal nature of marriage. 4. <a href="/topical/m/malachi.htm">Malachi</a> The prophet delivering God's message to the Israelites, calling them to account for their actions. 5. <a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a> A solemn agreement or promise, in this context, the marriage covenant between a husband and wife.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_marriage.htm">The Sanctity of Marriage</a> Marriage is a sacred covenant witnessed by God, and breaking it is a serious offense. <a href="/topical/g/god_as_a_witness.htm">God as a Witness</a> Recognize that God observes our commitments and holds us accountable for our faithfulness. <a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_in_relationships.htm">Faithfulness in Relationships</a> Uphold integrity and loyalty in all relationships, especially in marriage, as a reflection of our faithfulness to God. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_unfaithfulness.htm">The Impact of Unfaithfulness</a> Understand that breaking faith in marriage affects not only the individuals involved but also their relationship with God. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_repentance.htm">Restoration and Repentance</a> Seek God's forgiveness and strive for restoration in broken relationships, aligning with His desire for reconciliation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_malachi_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Malachi 2</a> <a href="/q/married__how_to_handle_attraction.htm">How to handle attraction to someone else when married?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_a_covenant_marriage.htm">What is a covenant marriage?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_believers_divorce_despite_god.htm">Malachi 2:14 – If God is a witness to marriage, why do so many believers experience divorce despite this warning? </a> <a href="/q/what's_the_essence_of_marriage.htm">What constitutes the essence of marriage?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/malachi/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(14) Again with supercilious surprise they ask, "Wherefore?"Witness.--Comp. <a href="/context/genesis/31-49.htm" title="And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and you, when we are absent one from another.">Genesis 31:49-50</a> : "The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee." If people would seriously consider the meaning of this verse of Genesis, they would not be so fond of putting MIZPAH on their rings, for it denotes a strong suspicion as to the fidelity of the other party.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/malachi/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - Yet ye say, Wherefore? Here is the usual sceptical objection, as in <a href="/malachi/1-6.htm">Malachi 1:6, 7</a>. The people will not acknowledge their guiltiness, and ask, "Why is God displeased with us? why are our offerings not acceptable?" The prophet replies, Because the Lord hath been witness, etc. The sin is now disclosed. Their marriages had been made before God; he who first instituted matrimony (<a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a>) was a witness of the contract and gave it his sanction (comp. <a href="/genesis/31-50.htm">Genesis 31:50</a>). The wife of thy youth. Whom thou didst marry when thine affections were pure and fresh, and for whom thy love was strong and simple (<a href="/proverbs/5-18.htm">Proverbs 5:18</a>). Against whom thou hast dealt treacherously; Septuagint, "whom thou hast deserted." This wife of thine thou hast betrayed, breaking faith with her by repudiating her. The wife of thy covenant. With whom thou didst make a solemn vow and covenant, to violate which is a monstrous crime. We have very little information respecting the religious ceremonies connected with a Jewish wedding. The previous espousal was a formal proceeding, conducted by friends and parents, and confirmed by oaths. The actual marriage seems to have been accompanied by certain solemn promises and blessings (see <a href="/proverbs/2-17.htm">Proverbs 2:17</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/16-8.htm">Ezekiel 16:8</a>; <a href="/genesis/24-60.htm">Genesis 24:60</a>; <a href="/ruth/4-11.htm">Ruth 4:11, 12</a>; Tobit 7:13; Smith, 'Dict. of Bible'). <a href="/commentaries/malachi/2-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Yet you ask, וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם (wa·’ă·mar·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “Why?” עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against It is because עַ֡ל (‘al) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the LORD יְהוָה֩ (Yah·weh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel has been a witness הֵעִ֨יד (hê·‘îḏ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5749.htm">Strong's 5749: </a> To duplicate, repeat, to protest, testify, to encompass, restore between you בֵּינְךָ֜ (bê·nə·ḵā) Preposition | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> An interval, space between and וּבֵ֣ין ׀ (ū·ḇên) Conjunctive waw | Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_996.htm">Strong's 996: </a> An interval, space between the wife אֵ֣שֶׁת (’ê·šeṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female of your youth, נְעוּרֶ֗יךָ (nə·‘ū·re·ḵā) Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5271.htm">Strong's 5271: </a> Youth, the state, the persons against whom אֲשֶׁ֤ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that you אַתָּה֙ (’at·tāh) Pronoun - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you have broken faith, בָּגַ֣דְתָּה (bā·ḡaḏ·tāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_898.htm">Strong's 898: </a> To cover, to act covertly, to pillage though she is וְהִ֥יא (wə·hî) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are your companion חֲבֶרְתְּךָ֖ (ḥă·ḇer·tə·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2278.htm">Strong's 2278: </a> A consort and your wife וְאֵ֥שֶׁת (wə·’ê·šeṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_802.htm">Strong's 802: </a> Woman, wife, female by covenant. בְּרִיתֶֽךָ׃ (bə·rî·ṯe·ḵā) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> A covenant <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/malachi/2-14.htm">OT Prophets: Malachi 2:14 Yet you say 'Why?' Because Yahweh has (Malachi Mal Ml) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/malachi/2-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Malachi 2:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Malachi 2:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/malachi/2-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Malachi 2:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Malachi 2:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>