Malachi 2:16

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שָׂנֵ֣א

H8130

that he hateth

to hate (personally)

שַׁלַּ֗ח

H7971

putting away

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אָמַ֖ר

H559

saith

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

For the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֵ֣י

H430

the God

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְכִסָּ֤ה

H3680

for one covereth

properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)

חָמָס֙

H2555

violence

violence; by implication, wrong; by metonymy unjust gain

#10

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#11

לְבוּשׁ֔וֹ

H3830

with his garment

a garment (literally or figuratively); by implication (euphemistically) a wife

#12

אָמַ֖ר

H559

saith

to say (used with great latitude)

#13

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

For the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#14

צְבָא֑וֹת

H6635

of hosts

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

#15

וְנִשְׁמַרְתֶּ֥ם

H8104

therefore take heed

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#16

בְּרוּחֲכֶ֖ם

H7307

to your spirit

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

#17

וְלֹ֥א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#18

תִבְגֹּֽדוּ׃

H898

that ye deal not treacherously

to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Malachi. The concept of divine sovereignty 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 divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?