Malachi 2:4

Authorized King James Version

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And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

Original Language Analysis

וִֽידַעְתֶּ֕ם And ye shall know H3045
וִֽידַעְתֶּ֕ם And ye shall know
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 1 of 14
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֚י H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 2 of 14
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שִׁלַּ֣חְתִּי that I have sent H7971
שִׁלַּ֣חְתִּי that I have sent
Strong's: H7971
Word #: 3 of 14
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם H413
אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם
Strong's: H413
Word #: 4 of 14
near, with or among; often in general, to
אֵ֖ת H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּצְוָ֣ה this commandment H4687
הַמִּצְוָ֣ה this commandment
Strong's: H4687
Word #: 6 of 14
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
הַזֹּ֑את H2063
הַזֹּ֑את
Strong's: H2063
Word #: 7 of 14
this (often used adverb)
לִֽהְי֤וֹת H1961
לִֽהְי֤וֹת
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 8 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּרִיתִי֙ unto you that my covenant H1285
בְּרִיתִי֙ unto you that my covenant
Strong's: H1285
Word #: 9 of 14
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)
אֶת H854
אֶת
Strong's: H854
Word #: 10 of 14
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
לֵוִ֔י might be with Levi H3878
לֵוִ֔י might be with Levi
Strong's: H3878
Word #: 11 of 14
levi, a son of jacob
אָמַ֖ר saith H559
אָמַ֖ר saith
Strong's: H559
Word #: 12 of 14
to say (used with great latitude)
יְהוָ֥ה the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֥ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 13 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְבָאֽוֹת׃ of hosts H6635
צְבָאֽוֹת׃ of hosts
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 14 of 14
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

Analysis & Commentary

And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. God explains the purpose of His rebuke (vv. 1-3): to preserve His covenant with Levi. My covenant might be with Levi (לִהְיוֹת בְּרִיתִי אֶת־לֵוִי, lihyot beriti et-Levi) refers to God's covenant with the Levitical priesthood (Numbers 25:12-13, Deuteronomy 33:8-11, Nehemiah 13:29). God chose Levi's descendants for priestly service, granting them perpetual priesthood conditional on faithfulness. The rebuke aims at restoration, not destruction—God desires to maintain covenant relationship.

This demonstrates a crucial theological principle: God's discipline serves covenant preservation. He rebukes those He loves to restore them to faithfulness (Proverbs 3:11-12, Hebrews 12:5-11, Revelation 3:19). The Levitical covenant pointed forward to Christ, the perfect High Priest whose priesthood supersedes Levi's (Hebrews 7:11-28).

Historical Context

The Levitical covenant granted Aaron's line (tribe of Levi) exclusive priestly rights and responsibilities. This arrangement was meant to be permanent (Exodus 29:9, 40:15, Numbers 25:13), yet conditional on faithful service. When priests violated their covenant, they forfeited blessing. Yet God's ultimate purpose was to bring the true High Priest—Jesus Christ—who would establish a new and better covenant. The Levitical system was always preparatory, pointing to Christ's perfect priesthood (Hebrews 8:1-13, 10:1-18).

Questions for Reflection