Malachi 2:15

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#2
הָֽאֶחָ֔ד
H259
And wherefore one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#3
עָשָׂ֗ה
H6213
And did not he make
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
וּשְׁאָ֥ר
H7605
Yet had he the residue
a remainder
#5
בְּר֣וּחֲכֶ֔ם
H7307
of the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#6
ל֔וֹ
H0
#7
וּמָה֙
H4100
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
#8
הָֽאֶחָ֔ד
H259
And wherefore one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#9
מְבַקֵּ֖שׁ
H1245
That he might seek
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
#10
זֶ֣רַע
H2233
seed
seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity
#11
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
H430
a godly
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#12
וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙
H8104
Therefore take heed
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#13
בְּר֣וּחֲכֶ֔ם
H7307
of the spirit
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
#14
וּבְאֵ֥שֶׁת
H802
against the wife
a woman
#15
נְעוּרֶ֖יךָ
H5271
of his youth
(only in plural collective or emphatic form) youth, the state (juvenility) or the persons (young people)
#16
אַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#17
יִבְגֹּֽד׃
H898
and let none deal treacherously
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage

Analysis

Within the broader context of Malachi, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Malachi.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection