Malachi 2:11

Authorized King James Version

Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the LORD which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּגְדָ֣ה
H898
hath dealt treacherously
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
#2
יְהוּדָ֗ה
H3063
Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#3
וְתוֹעֵבָ֛ה
H8441
and an abomination
properly, something disgusting (morally), i.e., (as noun) an abhorrence; especially idolatry or (concretely) an idol
#4
נֶעֶשְׂתָ֥ה
H6213
is committed
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#5
בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
H3478
in Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#6
וּבִירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
H3389
and in Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#7
כִּ֣י׀
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#8
חִלֵּ֣ל
H2490
hath profaned
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
#9
יְהוּדָ֗ה
H3063
Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#10
קֹ֤דֶשׁ
H6944
the holiness
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#11
יְהוָה֙
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#12
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#13
אָהֵ֔ב
H157
which he loved
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
#14
וּבָעַ֖ל
H1166
and hath married
to be master; hence, to marry
#15
בַּת
H1323
the daughter
a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)
#16
אֵ֥ל
H410
god
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
#17
נֵכָֽר׃
H5236
of a strange
foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Malachi. The concept of love reflects the development of salvation 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 the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, 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 salvation 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 love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection