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So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful. <a href="/nlt/malachi/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> “For I hate divorce!” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “To divorce your wife is to overwhelm her with cruelty,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “So guard your heart; do not be unfaithful to your wife.” <a href="/esv/malachi/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the LORD, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.” <a href="/bsb/malachi/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith. <a href="/kjv/malachi/2.htm">King James Bible</a> For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. <a href="/nkjv/malachi/2.htm">New King James Version</a> “For the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one’s garment with violence,” Says the LORD of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously.” <a href="/nasb_/malachi/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of armies. “So be careful about your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.” <a href="/nasb/malachi/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For I hate divorce,&#8221 says the LORD, the God of Israel, &#8220and him who covers his garment with wrong,&#8221 says the LORD of hosts. &#8220So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/malachi/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says the LORD of hosts. “So take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.” <a href="/lsb/malachi/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For I hate divorce,” says Yahweh, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong,” says Yahweh of hosts. “Be careful then to keep your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.” <a href="/amp/malachi/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel, “and him who covers his garment with wrong and violence,” says the LORD of hosts. “Therefore keep watch on your spirit, so that you do not deal treacherously [with your wife].” <a href="/csb/malachi/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “If he hates and divorces his wife,” says the LORD God of Israel, “he covers his garment with injustice,” says the LORD of Armies. Therefore, watch yourselves carefully, and do not act treacherously. <a href="/hcsb/malachi/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If he hates and divorces his wife,&#8221 says the LORD God of Israel, &#8220he covers his garment with injustice,&#8221 says the LORD of Hosts. Therefore, watch yourselves carefully, and do not act treacherously. <a href="/asv/malachi/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> For I hate putting away, saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, and him that covereth his garment with violence, saith Jehovah of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. <a href="/cev/malachi/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> The LORD God All-Powerful of Israel hates anyone who is cruel enough to divorce his wife. So take care never to be unfaithful! <a href="/erv/malachi/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> For I hate putting away, saith the LORD, the God of Israel, and him that covereth his garment with violence, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. <a href="/gwt/malachi/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel. "I hate the person who covers himself with violence," says the LORD of Armies. "Be careful not to be unfaithful." <a href="/gnt/malachi/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel. "I hate it when one of you does such a cruel thing to his wife. Make sure that you do not break your promise to be faithful to your wife." <a href="/isv/malachi/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Indeed, the LORD God of Israel says that he hates divorce, along with the one who conceals his violence by outward appearances," says the LORD of the Heavenly Armies. "So guard yourselves carefully, and don't be unfaithful." <a href="/msb/malachi/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?For I hate divorce,? says the LORD, the God of Israel. ?He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,? says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith. <a href="/net/malachi/2.htm">NET Bible</a> "I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and the one who is guilty of violence," says the LORD who rules over all. "Pay attention to your conscience, and do not be unfaithful." <a href="/nheb/malachi/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with violence." says the LORD of hosts. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously. <a href="/wbt/malachi/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith, that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. <a href="/web/malachi/2.htm">World English Bible</a> One who hates and divorces”, says Yahweh, the God of Israel, “covers his garment with violence!” says Yahweh of Armies. “Therefore pay attention to your spirit, that you don’t be unfaithful. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/malachi/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “For He hates sending away,” said YHWH, God of Israel, "" “And he [who] has covered violence with his clothing,” said YHWH of Hosts, "" “And you have been watchful over your spirit, "" And you do not deal treacherously.” <a href="/ylt/malachi/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> For I hate sending away, said Jehovah, God of Israel, And He who hath covered violence with his clothing, said Jehovah of Hosts, And ye have been watchful over your spirit, And ye do not deal treacherously. <a href="/slt/malachi/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For he hated sending away, says Jehovah God of Israel: and he covered violence with his clothing, said Jehovah of armies: and ye watched in your spirit, and ye shall not deal faithlessly.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/malachi/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> When thou shalt hate her put her away, saith the Lord the God of Israel: but iniquity shall cover his garment, saith the Lord of hosts, keep your spirit, and despise not. <a href="/cpdv/malachi/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> If you would hold hatred, dismiss her, says the Lord, the God of Israel. But iniquity will cover his garment, says the Lord of hosts. Preserve your spirit, and do not be willing to despise. <a href="/nabre/malachi/2.htm">New American Bible</a> For I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel, And the one who covers his garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. You should be on guard, then, for your life, and you must not break faith. <a href="/nrsvce/malachi/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel, and covering one’s garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So take heed to yourselves and do not be faithless.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/malachi/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For the LORD, the God of Israel, says that no one should conceal the iniquity in his robe; therefore take heed to your spirit, and do not deal treacherously. <a href="/hpbt/malachi/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts God of Israel says, and no one shall hide evil in his cloak. LORD JEHOVAH of Hosts says: “Be aware in your spirit, and you shall not be treacherous<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/malachi/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For I hate putting away, Saith the LORD, the God of Israel, And him that covereth his garment with violence, Saith the LORD of hosts; Therefore take heed to your spirit, That ye deal not treacherously. <a href="/sep/malachi/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> But if thou shouldest hate thy wife and put her away, saith the Lord God of Israel, then ungodliness shall cover thy thoughts, saith the Lord Almighty: therefore take ye heed to your spirit, and forsake them not, <a href="/parallel/malachi/2-16.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=406" 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> …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. 16<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">“For</a> <a href="/hebrew/8130.htm" title="8130: śā·nê (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To hate. A primitive root; to hate.">I hate</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: šal·laḥ (V-Piel-Inf) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">divorce,”</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/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: yiś·rā·’êl (N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">of Israel.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3680.htm" title="3680: wə·ḵis·sāh (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To cover. A primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. Fill up hollows; by implication, to cover.">“He who divorces his wife covers</a> <a href="/hebrew/3830.htm" title="3830: lə·ḇū·šōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A garment, clothing, raiment. Or lbush; from labash; a garment; by implication A wife.">his garment</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.">with</a> <a href="/hebrew/2555.htm" title="2555: ḥā·mās (N-ms) -- Violence, wrong. From chamac; violence; by implication, wrong; by meton. Unjust gain.">violence,”</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> <a href="/hebrew/8104.htm" title="8104: wə·niš·mar·tem (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-2mp) -- To keep, watch, preserve. A primitive root; properly, to hedge about, i.e. Guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc.">So guard yourselves</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: bə·rū·ḥă·ḵem (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 2mp) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">in your spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/898.htm" title="898: ṯiḇ·gō·ḏū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To act or deal treacherously. A primitive root; to cover; figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage.">break faith.</a> 17You have wearied the LORD with your words; yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him?” By saying, “All who do evil are good in the sight of the LORD, and in them He delights,” or, “Where is the God of justice?”…<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="/matthew/19-6.htm">Matthew 19:6</a> So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” <a href="/mark/10-9.htm">Mark 10:9</a> Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” <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="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Ephesians 5:31</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.” <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="/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="/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="/luke/16-18.htm">Luke 16:18</a> Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. <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="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Proverbs 6:32</a> He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. <a href="/romans/7-2.htm">Romans 7:2-3</a> For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. <a href="/colossians/3-19.htm">Colossians 3:19</a> Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4-7</a> Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ... <a href="/hebrews/13-4.htm">Hebrews 13:4</a> Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers. <a href="/isaiah/54-5.htm">Isaiah 54:5-6</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. / For the LORD has called you back, like a wife deserted and wounded in spirit, like the rejected wife of one’s youth,” says your God.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For the LORD, the God of Israel, said that he hates putting away: for one covers violence with his garment, said the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that you deal not treacherously.the Lord.<a href="/deuteronomy/24-1.htm">Deuteronomy 24:1-4</a> When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house… <a href="/isaiah/50-1.htm">Isaiah 50:1</a> Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother's divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.<a href="/matthew/5-31.htm">Matthew 5:31,32</a> It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: … that he hateth putting away.<a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Proverbs 28:13</a> He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.<a href="/isaiah/28-20.htm">Isaiah 28:20</a> For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it.<a href="/isaiah/59-6.htm">Isaiah 59:6</a> Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/habakkuk/2-17.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/malachi/2-12.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/malachi/2-12.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-14.htm">Break</a> <a href="/zechariah/6-13.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-3.htm">Covereth</a> <a href="/malachi/2-13.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-3.htm">Covers</a> <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/jeremiah/3-8.htm">Divorce</a> <a href="/malachi/2-14.htm">Faithless</a> <a href="/zechariah/13-4.htm">Garment</a> <a href="/malachi/2-7.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-17.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-14.htm">Hateth</a> <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/malachi/2-12.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/malachi/2-11.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/amos/6-10.htm">One's</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-8.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Treacherously</a> <a href="/malachi/1-13.htm">Violence</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-9.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/malachi/2-15.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/malachi/2-6.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-6.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Acts</a> <a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">Almighty</a> <a href="/malachi/3-1.htm">Armies</a> <a href="/matthew/5-19.htm">Break</a> <a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Clothed</a> <a href="/luke/8-16.htm">Covereth</a> <a href="/mark/14-65.htm">Covering</a> <a href="/luke/8-16.htm">Covers</a> <a href="/matthew/9-27.htm">Deal</a> <a href="/matthew/1-19.htm">Divorce</a> <a href="/matthew/12-39.htm">Faithless</a> <a href="/matthew/3-4.htm">Garment</a> <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/matthew/5-43.htm">Hate</a> <a href="/luke/14-26.htm">Hateth</a> <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Heed</a> <a href="/malachi/3-7.htm">Hosts</a> <a href="/malachi/4-4.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/matthew/19-3.htm">One's</a> <a href="/matthew/11-21.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/matthew/1-18.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/acts/7-19.htm">Treacherously</a> <a href="/matthew/11-12.htm">Violence</a> <a href="/matthew/8-24.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/matthew/1-6.htm">Wife</a> <a href="/matthew/3-6.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/matthew/3-9.htm">Yourselves</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>For I hate divorce, This phrase reflects God's view on the sanctity of marriage. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, marriage was a covenant not only between two individuals but also before God. Divorce was permitted under Mosaic Law (<a href="/deuteronomy/24.htm">Deuteronomy 24:1-4</a>) but was not part of God's original design for marriage (<a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a>). The strong language here underscores the seriousness with which God views the breaking of this covenant.says the LORD, the God of Israel. This designation emphasizes God's authority and His covenant relationship with Israel. It reminds the audience that these are not merely human opinions but divine declarations. The use of "the God of Israel" reinforces the idea that God is speaking to His chosen people, who are expected to uphold His standards.He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence, The imagery of covering one's garment with violence suggests that divorce is not a neutral act but one that brings harm and injustice. In ancient Near Eastern culture, garments often symbolized one's status and identity. This metaphor indicates that divorce stains one's character and reputation. The phrase may also imply that divorce leads to social and familial chaos, akin to violence.says the LORD of Hosts. This title for God, "LORD of Hosts," highlights His supreme power and command over the heavenly armies. It serves as a reminder of God's ultimate authority and the seriousness of His pronouncements. The use of this title underscores the weight of the message and the expectation of obedience.So guard yourselves in your spirit This admonition calls for self-examination and vigilance. It suggests that the root of marital unfaithfulness begins in the heart and spirit. The call to guard oneself implies a proactive stance against sin and a commitment to uphold one's covenantal promises.and do not break faith. Breaking faith refers to the violation of trust and covenant, both with one's spouse and with God. In the broader biblical context, faithfulness is a key attribute of God's character (<a href="/lamentations/3-22.htm">Lamentations 3:22-23</a>) and is expected of His people. This command serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and fidelity in all relationships, reflecting God's own faithfulness to His covenant with Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/malachi.htm">Malachi</a> A prophet in the Old Testament, Malachi delivered God's messages to the Israelites, focusing on their spiritual and moral failures. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord,_the_god_of_israel.htm">The LORD, the God of Israel</a> The covenant God of Israel, who expresses His disdain for divorce and injustice. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The original audience of Malachi's prophecy, who were struggling with faithfulness in their relationships and covenant with God. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord_of_hosts.htm">The LORD of Hosts</a> A title emphasizing God's sovereignty and command over the heavenly armies, underscoring His authority in the matter. 5. <a href="/topical/d/divorce.htm">Divorce</a> The act of dissolving a marriage, which God explicitly states He hates, highlighting the importance of faithfulness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_view_on_marriage.htm">God's View on Marriage</a> Marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God, and He desires it to be a lifelong commitment. <a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_divorce.htm">The Impact of Divorce</a> Divorce not only affects the individuals involved but also disrupts the social and spiritual fabric of the community. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_spirit.htm">Guarding the Spirit</a> Believers are called to protect their hearts and minds, ensuring they remain faithful to their commitments. <a href="/topical/i/injustice_and_faithfulness.htm">Injustice and Faithfulness</a> God equates divorce with injustice, highlighting the moral and ethical dimensions of breaking faith. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_love.htm">Reflecting Christ's Love</a> Marriages should mirror the love and faithfulness of Christ to the Church, serving as a testimony to the world.<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/bible's_stance_on_domestic_violence.htm">What does the Bible say about domestic violence?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_christian_marriage.htm">What defines a Christian marriage?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_divorce.htm">What does the Bible say about divorce?</a> <a href="/q/is_the_christian_divorce_rate_50%.htm">Is the Christian divorce rate truly 50%?</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>(16) For [I] hate divorce [of the first wife], saith the God of Israel, and he [the divorcer of his first wife] covers his garment with injury, saith the LORD of Hosts; therefore take ye heed to your spirit, and do not be faithless. According to our interpretation, the whole of these two verses must be taken as the words of the prophet. Any superiority.--We take Heb. sh'?r, "remnant" in the sense of yithr?n, "superabundance," "superiority." Any superiority of spirit--i.e., any such essential superiority as to justify him in treating his wife as a mere slave, and divorcing her against her will. This passage coincides more nearly with the spirit of <a href="/matthew/19-3.htm" title="The Pharisees also came to him, tempting him, and saying to him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?">Matthew 19:3</a> seqq. than with that of <a href="/context/deuteronomy/24-1.htm" title="When a man has taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favor in his eyes, because he has found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorce, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.">Deuteronomy 24:1-4</a>. To yourselves, or to your spirit. The expressions are equivalent. (Comp. <a href="/jeremiah/17-21.htm" title="Thus said the LORD; Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;">Jeremiah 17:21</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/4-15.htm" title="Take you therefore good heed to yourselves; for you saw no manner of similitude on the day that the LORD spoke to you in Horeb out of the middle of the fire:">Deuteronomy 4:15</a>; <a href="/joshua/23-11.htm" title="Take good heed therefore to yourselves, that you love the LORD your God.">Joshua 23:11</a>.) Let none be . . .--Observe the change of person, so common in Hebrew. (Comp. <a href="/isaiah/1-29.htm" title="For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which you have desired, and you shall be confounded for the gardens that you have chosen.">Isaiah 1:29</a>.) His garment.--Some take this to be an Oriental expression for "his wife." (Comp. Al Koran, 2:--"Wives are your attire, and you are theirs.") Or garment may be taken as the external symbol of the inner state of the man. (Comp. <a href="/zechariah/3-4.htm" title="And he answered and spoke to those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And to him he said, Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with change of raiment.">Zechariah 3:4</a>; <a href="/isaiah/64-5.htm" title="You meet him that rejoices and works righteousness, those that remember you in your ways: behold, you are wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.">Isaiah 64:5</a>; <a href="/proverbs/30-9.htm" title="Lest I be full, and deny you, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.">Proverbs 30:9</a>, &c.) Injury.--Heb., chamas. This word is especially used of ill-treatment of a wife. (Comp. <a href="/genesis/16-5.htm" title="And Sarai said to Abram, My wrong be on you: I have given my maid into your bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and you.">Genesis 16:5</a>.) Keil takes the first verse as follows: No man who had ever a remnant of reason [or a sense of right and wrong] has done [sc., what ye are doing, viz., faithlessly putting away the wife of his youth. To this the people are supposed to object.] But what did the one [Abraham] do? [To this the prophet answers] He was seeking a seed of God [viz., the child of promise: i.e., he dismissed Hagar, because God promised to give him the desired posterity, not in Ishmael through the maid Hagar, but through Sarah in Isaac, so that in doing this he was simply acting in obedience to the word of God (<a href="/genesis/21-12.htm" title="And God said to Abraham, Let it not be grievous in your sight because of the lad, and because of your female slave; in all that Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac shall your seed be called.">Genesis 21:12</a>).] Others vary the translation slightly, and render, And has no one done this who has a remnant of spirit in him? [This being supposed to be the objection on the part of the people. To this the prophet answers.] Wherefore did he so act? He was seeking a godly seed. Moore takes the verse quite differently, and refers it to the saying of <a href="/malachi/2-10.htm" title="Have we not all one father? has not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?">Malachi 2:10</a>. His words are, "The prophet at the outset had argued the return of the Jewish people . . . therefore these marriages that violated their oneness were wrong . . . He asks again . . . Did not [God] make [us] one? Did He not separate us from other nations into an isolated unity? Yet this was not done because the blessing was too narrow to be spread over other nations . . . for the residue of the spirit was with Him. There remained an inexhaustible fulness of spiritual blessing that might be given to other nations. Why [then did He choose] but one? He was seeking a seed of God [a nation which He should train up to be the repository of His covenant, the stock of His Messiah]." Many other interpretations have been proposed, but these are the only ones which are at all admissible. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/malachi/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - He hateth putting away. This is another reason against divorce: God hates it. It is contrary to his original institution, and was only allowed for the hardness of men's hearts (see <a href="/deuteronomy/24-1.htm">Deuteronomy 24:1</a>, etc.; <a href="/matthew/19-3.htm">Matthew 19:3-9</a>). Septuagint, "If thou hate her and dismiss her," etc.; Vulgate, "If thou hate her, put her away," which seems to encourage divorce, whereas in the context divorce is strongly condemned. Hence Jerome considers these words to be spoken by the Jews, quoting in their defence Moses' precept. Others think that they are ironical - Put her away, if you please; but you must bear the consequences. For one covereth violence with his garment. He who thus divorces his wife shows himself openly to all beholders as an iniquitous man. So the clause is better rendered, And one (who does so) covereth his garment with violence, or, violence covereth his garment. Iniquity attaches itself to him plainly, encircling and enfolding him; the clothing of iniquity is the mark of the foul soul within. The notion of "garment" being here used figuratively for wife (as Hitzig supposes) is without proof. Such a metaphor is certainly unknown to Hebrew literature, though there is something like it in Arabic, "Wives are your attire, and ye are theirs" (Koran). Bishop Wordsworth considers that the phrase in the text refers to the custom of the bridegroom in espousals casting the skirt of his garment over her who was betrothed to him (see <a href="/ruth/3-9.htm">Ruth 3:9</a>). So the idea would be, "Ye cast your skirt over iniquity, and betroth violence to yourselves for a bride." But this seems somewhat forced. Take heed... treacherously. A repetition of the warning in ver. 15. <a href="/commentaries/malachi/2-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“For כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction I hate שָׂנֵ֣א (śā·nê) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8130.htm">Strong's 8130: </a> To hate divorce,” שַׁלַּ֗ח (šal·laḥ) Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out says אָמַ֤ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say the LORD, יְהוָה֙ (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 the God אֱלֹהֵ֣י (’ĕ·lō·hê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative of Israel, יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc “and [I hate when a man] covers himself וְכִסָּ֤ה (wə·ḵis·sāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3680.htm">Strong's 3680: </a> To plump, fill up hollows, to cover and his garment לְבוּשׁ֔וֹ (lə·ḇū·šōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3830.htm">Strong's 3830: </a> A garment, clothing, raiment with עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against violence,” חָמָס֙ (ḥā·mās) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2555.htm">Strong's 2555: </a> Violence, wrong, by meton, unjust gain says אָמַ֖ר (’ā·mar) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say the LORD יְהוָ֣ה (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 of Hosts. צְבָא֑וֹת (ṣə·ḇā·’ō·wṯ) Noun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign Therefore guard yourselves וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֥ם (wə·niš·mar·tem) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8104.htm">Strong's 8104: </a> To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to in your spirit בְּרוּחֲכֶ֖ם (bə·rū·ḥă·ḵem) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit and do not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no break faith. תִבְגֹּֽדוּ׃ (ṯiḇ·gō·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_898.htm">Strong's 898: </a> To cover, to act covertly, to pillage <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/malachi/2-16.htm">Malachi 2:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/malachi/2-16.htm">Malachi 2:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/malachi/2-16.htm">Malachi 2:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/malachi/2-16.htm">Malachi 2:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/malachi/2-16.htm">Malachi 2:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/malachi/2-16.htm">Malachi 2:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/malachi/2-16.htm">Malachi 2:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/malachi/2-16.htm">Malachi 2:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/malachi/2-16.htm">Malachi 2:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/malachi/2-16.htm">Malachi 2:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/malachi/2-16.htm">OT Prophets: Malachi 2:16 For I hate divorce says Yahweh (Malachi Mal Ml) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/malachi/2-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Malachi 2:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Malachi 2:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/malachi/2-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Malachi 2:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Malachi 2:17" /></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>