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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Malachi 2:8 But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi," says the LORD of Hosts.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/malachi/2-8.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/39_Mal_02_08.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Malachi 2:8 - A Warning to Priests" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of Hosts." /><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/2-8.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/2-8.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 8</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="/ad8.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/2-7.htm" title="Malachi 2:7">◄</a> Malachi 2:8 <a href="/malachi/2-9.htm" title="Malachi 2:9">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/malachi/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,&#8221 says the LORD Almighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/malachi/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But you priests have left God’s paths. Your instructions have caused many to stumble into sin. You have corrupted the covenant I made with the Levites,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/malachi/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/malachi/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/malachi/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/malachi/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” Says the LORD of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/malachi/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have ruined the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of armies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/malachi/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,&#8221 says the LORD of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/malachi/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/malachi/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says Yahweh of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/malachi/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But as for you [priests], you have turned from the way and you have caused many to stumble by your instruction [in the law]. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/malachi/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“You, on the other hand, have turned from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Armies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/malachi/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />You, on the other hand, have turned from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have violated the covenant of Levi,&#8221 says the LORD of Hosts. &#8220<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/malachi/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But ye are turned aside out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble in the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith Jehovah of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/malachi/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But you have turned your backs on me. Your teachings have led others to do sinful things, and you have broken the agreement I made with your ancestor Levi. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/malachi/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But ye are turned aside out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble in the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/malachi/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"But you have turned from the [correct] path and caused many to stumble over my teachings. You have corrupted the promise made to Levi," says the LORD of Armies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/malachi/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"But now you priests have turned away from the right path. Your teaching has led many to do wrong. You have broken the covenant I made with you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/malachi/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"But you priests turned aside from the way, and by your teaching you caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/malachi/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,? says the LORD of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/malachi/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />You, however, have turned from the way. You have caused many to violate the law; you have corrupted the covenant with Levi," says the LORD who rules over all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/malachi/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But you have turned aside out of the way. You have caused many to stumble in the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi," says the LORD of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/malachi/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But ye have departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/malachi/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But you have turned away from the path. You have caused many to stumble in the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says Yahweh of Armies. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/malachi/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And you, you have turned from the way, "" You have caused many to stumble in the Law, "" You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” said YHWH of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/malachi/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And ye, ye have turned from the way, Ye have caused many to stumble in the law, Ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, Said Jehovah of Hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/malachi/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And ye departed out of the way; ye made many weak by the law; ye corrupted the covenant of Levi, said Jehovah of armies.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/malachi/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But you have departed out of the way, and have caused many to stumble at the law: you have made void the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/malachi/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But you have withdrawn from the way, and you have scandalized very many in the law. You have nullified the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/malachi/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But you have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to stumble by your instruction; You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/malachi/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by your instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/malachi/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/malachi/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />But you have turned from the way and you have subverted many from the Law and you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/malachi/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But ye are turned aside out of the way; Ye have caused many to stumble in the law; Ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, Saith the LORD of hosts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/malachi/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But ye have turned aside from the way, and caused many to fail in <i>following</i> the law: ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord Almighty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/malachi/2-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6KyAs1WSHw?start=293" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/malachi/2.htm">A Warning to Priests</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tem (Conj-w:: Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">But you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5493.htm" title="5493: sar·tem (V-Qal-Perf-2mp) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">have departed</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/1870.htm" title="1870: had·de·reḵ (Art:: N-cs) -- Way, road, distance, journey, manner. From darak; a road; figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb.">the way,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8451.htm" title="8451: bat·tō·w·rāh (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- Direction, instruction, law. Or torah; from yarah; a precept or statute, especially the Decalogue or Pentateuch.">and your instruction</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rab·bîm (Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">has caused many</a> <a href="/hebrew/3782.htm" title="3782: hiḵ·šal·tem (V-Hifil-Perf-2mp) -- To stumble, stagger, totter. A primitive root; to totter or waver; by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall.">to stumble.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7843.htm" title="7843: ši·ḥat·tem (V-Piel-Perf-2mp) -- Perhaps to go to ruin. A primitive root; to decay, i.e. ruin.">You have violated</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: bə·rîṯ (N-fsc) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">the covenant</a> <a href="/hebrew/3878.htm" title="3878: hal·lê·wî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- A son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him. From lavah; attached; Levi, a son of Jacob.">of Levi,”</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: ’ā·mar (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">says</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/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ (N-cp) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">of Hosts.</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>“So I in turn have made you despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not kept My ways, but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/18-15.htm">Jeremiah 18:15</a></span><br />Yet My people have forgotten Me. They burn incense to worthless idols that make them stumble in their ways, leaving the ancient roads to walk on rutted bypaths instead of on the highway.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a></span><br />My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-16.htm">Isaiah 9:16</a></span><br />For those who guide this people mislead them, and those they mislead are swallowed up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/22-26.htm">Ezekiel 22:26</a></span><br />Her priests do violence to My law and profane My holy things. They make no distinction between the holy and the common, and they fail to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. They disregard My Sabbaths, so that I am profaned among them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Zephaniah 3:4</a></span><br />Her prophets are reckless, faithless men. Her priests profane the sanctuary; they do violence to the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/13-29.htm">Nehemiah 13:29</a></span><br />Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/2-8.htm">Jeremiah 2:8</a></span><br />The priests did not ask, ‘Where is the LORD?’ The experts in the law no longer knew Me, and the leaders rebelled against Me. The prophets prophesied by Baal and followed useless idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/3-11.htm">Micah 3:11</a></span><br />Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets practice divination for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD, saying, “Is not the LORD among us? No disaster can come upon us.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-12.htm">1 Samuel 2:12-17</a></span><br />Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD / or for the custom of the priests with the people. When any man offered a sacrifice, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged meat fork while the meat was boiling / and plunge it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or cooking pot. And the priest would claim for himself whatever the meat fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/15-3.htm">2 Chronicles 15:3</a></span><br />For many years Israel has been without the true God, without a priest to instruct them, and without the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-14.htm">Matthew 15:14</a></span><br />Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Matthew 23:16-24</a></span><br />Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ / You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes it sacred? / And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Romans 2:17-24</a></span><br />Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God; / if you know His will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law; / if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those in darkness, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-6.htm">1 Timothy 1:6-7</a></span><br />Some have strayed from these ways and turned aside to empty talk. / They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_peter/2-1.htm">2 Peter 2:1-3</a></span><br />Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But you are departed out of the way; you have caused many to stumble at the law; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi, said the LORD of hosts.</p><p class="hdg">ye are.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-21.htm">Psalm 18:21</a></b></br> For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-102.htm">Psalm 119:102</a></b></br> I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/30-11.htm">Isaiah 30:11</a></b></br> Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.</p><p class="hdg">ye have caused.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Malachi 2:9</a></b></br> Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/2-17.htm">1 Samuel 2:17,24,30</a></b></br> Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/9-16.htm">Isaiah 9:16</a></b></br> For the leaders of this people cause <i>them</i> to err; and <i>they that are</i> led of them <i>are</i> destroyed.</p><p class="hdg">stumble at.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/malachi/2-5.htm">Malachi 2:5,10</a></b></br> My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him <i>for</i> the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/21-15.htm">Leviticus 21:15</a></b></br> Neither shall he profane his seed among his people: for I the LORD do sanctify him.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/13-29.htm">Nehemiah 13:29</a></b></br> Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/malachi/2-5.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-6.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-7.htm">Corrupted</a> <a href="/malachi/2-5.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/hosea/10-5.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-12.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/malachi/2-6.htm">Law</a> <a href="/malachi/2-6.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/nahum/3-3.htm">Stumble</a> <a href="/malachi/2-6.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/malachi/2-6.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/zephaniah/3-4.htm">Violated</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-2.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Agreement</a> <a href="/malachi/2-12.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/malachi/2-12.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Caused</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-2.htm">Corrupted</a> <a href="/malachi/2-10.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/malachi/3-13.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/malachi/2-12.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Instruction</a> <a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Law</a> <a href="/matthew/3-5.htm">Numbers</a> <a href="/matthew/5-29.htm">Stumble</a> <a href="/matthew/4-23.htm">Teaching</a> <a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-12.htm">Violated</a> <a href="/malachi/2-9.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Malachi 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/2-1.htm">He sharply reproves the priests for neglecting their covenant;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/2-10.htm">and the people for marrying strange wives;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/2-13.htm">and for putting away their former ones,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/malachi/2-17.htm">and for infidelity.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>But you have departed from the way</b><br>This phrase indicates a deviation from the path of righteousness and obedience to God's commands. In the context of Malachi, the priests were responsible for guiding the people in the ways of the Lord, but they had strayed from their duties. The "way" refers to the covenantal path established by God, which includes adherence to His laws and commands. This departure is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where Israel often turns away from God, leading to consequences and calls for repentance (e.g., <a href="/jeremiah/6-16.htm">Jeremiah 6:16</a>).<p><b>and your instruction has caused many to stumble.</b><br>The priests' failure in their teaching role led others into sin, highlighting the significant responsibility of spiritual leaders. This stumbling is not just a personal failing but has communal implications, affecting the entire nation. The New Testament echoes this concern, as seen in <a href="/james/3.htm">James 3:1</a>, where teachers are warned of stricter judgment. The priests' incorrect instruction contrasts with the ideal of leading others to truth and righteousness, as seen in <a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a>, where God's word is a lamp and light.<p><b>You have violated the covenant of Levi,”</b><br>The covenant of Levi refers to the special relationship and responsibilities given to the Levitical priesthood, as outlined in passages like <a href="/numbers/25-10.htm">Numbers 25:10-13</a> and <a href="/deuteronomy/33-8.htm">Deuteronomy 33:8-11</a>. This covenant included duties of teaching the law, offering sacrifices, and maintaining the sanctuary. By violating this covenant, the priests failed in their divine mandate, which was meant to preserve the holiness and purity of worship in Israel. This breach is a serious offense, as covenants in the biblical context are solemn agreements with God, carrying blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.<p><b>says the LORD of Hosts.</b><br>The title "LORD of Hosts" emphasizes God's sovereignty and power, often used in contexts where His authority and ability to execute judgment are highlighted. It underscores the seriousness of the accusation and the divine authority behind the message. This title is frequently used in prophetic literature to remind the audience of God's ultimate control over heavenly and earthly armies, reinforcing that the message is not merely human criticism but a divine indictment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/malachi.htm">Malachi</a></b><br>The last prophet of the Old Testament, Malachi's name means "my messenger." He delivered God's message to the Israelites, addressing their spiritual apathy and calling them to repentance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/priests_of_israel.htm">Priests of Israel</a></b><br>The religious leaders during Malachi's time, who were responsible for teaching the law and maintaining the covenant. They are specifically addressed in <a href="/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8</a> for their failure to uphold their duties.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, who had returned from exile and were struggling with faithfulness to God's covenant during Malachi's prophetic ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_faithful_leadership.htm">The Importance of Faithful Leadership</a></b><br>Leaders in the church are called to a high standard of integrity and faithfulness. Just as the priests in Malachi's time were held accountable, so are today's spiritual leaders.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_truth.htm">Guarding the Truth</a></b><br>The priests' deviation from the path serves as a warning to guard the truth of Scripture diligently. Believers must be vigilant in upholding biblical doctrine.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_unfaithfulness.htm">Consequences of Unfaithfulness</a></b><br>The priests' failure led many to stumble. This highlights the ripple effect of unfaithfulness, urging believers to consider how their actions impact others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_repentance.htm">The Call to Repentance</a></b><br>Malachi's message is a call to return to God. Believers are encouraged to examine their lives and repent where they have strayed from God's commands.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_accountability.htm">The Role of Accountability</a></b><br>Just as the priests were accountable to God, believers are reminded of the importance of accountability within the church community to maintain spiritual health.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_malachi_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Malachi 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_child_custody.htm">What does the Bible say about child custody issues?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_priests_corrupted_covenant.htm">Malachi 2:7–8 – Where is the historical or archaeological support that the priests actually corrupted God’s covenant in this manner? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/malachi_on_israel's_faith_and_god's_promises.htm">How does Malachi address Israel's faithfulness and God's promises?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_verify_the_'book_of_the_law'.htm">How can we verify that the 'Book of the Law' truly existed and was merely 'found' in the Temple as claimed in 2 Kings 22:8?</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>(8) <span class= "bld">But ye.</span>--Priests of the present day have done in every respect the reverse.<p><span class= "bld">Caused many to stumble at the law.</span>--Or rather, <span class= "ital">in the Law</span>; and ye have given them false instruction in the Law, and allowed those things which were forbidden, and so <span class= "ital">ye have corrupted the covenant of the</span> (tribe of) <span class= "ital">Levi:</span> ye have turned the Law, which ought to have been a light to their feet and a lamp to their path, into a stumbling-block.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/malachi/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But ye are departed out of the way.</span> The priests of this time had far declined from the high ideal set forth in vers. 6, 7, the "way" in which God would have had them to walk. <span class="cmt_word">Ye have caused many to stumble at</span> (<span class="accented">in</span>) <span class="cmt_word">the law</span>. By their example and teaching they had made the Law a stumbling block, causing many to err, while they fancied they were not infringing God's commandments. Septuagint, <span class="greek">Ἠσθενήσατε πολλοὺς ἐν νόμῳ</span>, "Ye made many weak [equivalent to <span class="greek">ἠσθενώσατε</span>] in the Law." <span class="cmt_word">Ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi</span> (see ver. 5). They broke their part of the covenant, therefore Jehovah held himself no longer bound by it. They did not pay him due reverence and obedience; he withdrew the blessings promised to Levi, as threatened (ver. 2). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/malachi/2-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">“But you</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַתֶּם֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’at·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">have departed</span><br /><span class="heb">סַרְתֶּ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(sar·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn aside</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="heb">מִן־</span> <span class="translit">(min-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the way,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדֶּ֔רֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(had·de·reḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1870.htm">Strong's 1870: </a> </span><span class="str2">A road, a course of life, mode of action</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and your instruction</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּתּוֹרָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(bat·tō·w·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8451.htm">Strong's 8451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Direction, instruction, law</span><br /><br /><span class="word">has caused many</span><br /><span class="heb">רַבִּ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(rab·bîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Much, many, great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to stumble.</span><br /><span class="heb">הִכְשַׁלְתֶּ֥ם</span> <span class="translit">(hiḵ·šal·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3782.htm">Strong's 3782: </a> </span><span class="str2">To totter, waver, to falter, stumble, faint, fall</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You have violated</span><br /><span class="heb">שִֽׁחַתֶּם֙</span> <span class="translit">(ši·ḥat·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7843.htm">Strong's 7843: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps to go to ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the covenant</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרִ֣ית</span> <span class="translit">(bə·rîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covenant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Levi,”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַלֵּוִ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(hal·lê·wî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3878.htm">Strong's 3878: </a> </span><span class="str2">Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him</span><br /><br /><span class="word">says</span><br /><span class="heb">אָמַ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the LORD</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Hosts.</span><br /><span class="heb">צְבָאֽוֹת׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/malachi/2-8.htm">Malachi 2:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/malachi/2-8.htm">OT Prophets: Malachi 2:8 But you have turned aside out (Malachi Mal Ml) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/malachi/2-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Malachi 2:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Malachi 2:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/malachi/2-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Malachi 2:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Malachi 2:9" /></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>