Malachi 2:10

Authorized King James Version

Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
הֲל֨וֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
אֲבֹתֵֽינוּ׃
H1
father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#3
אֶֽחָ֖ד
H259
Have we not all one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#4
לְכֻלָּ֔נוּ
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#5
הֲל֛וֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
אֵ֥ל
H410
God
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#7
אֶֽחָ֖ד
H259
Have we not all one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#8
בְּרָאָ֑נוּ
H1254
created
(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)
#9
מַדּ֗וּעַ
H4069
what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?
#10
נִבְגַּד֙
H898
us why do we deal treacherously
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
#11
אִ֣ישׁ
H376
every man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#12
בְּאָחִ֔יו
H251
against his brother
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#13
לְחַלֵּ֖ל
H2490
by profaning
properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin
#14
בְּרִ֥ית
H1285
the covenant
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
#15
אֲבֹתֵֽינוּ׃
H1
father
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Malachi. The concept of covenant reflects the development of covenant within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of covenant within the theological tradition of Malachi Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection