Malachi 2:7

Authorized King James Version

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

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

שִׂפְתֵ֤י

H8193

lips

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

כֹהֵן֙

H3548

For the priest's

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

יִשְׁמְרוּ

H8104

should keep

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

דַ֔עַת

H1847

knowledge

וְתוֹרָ֖ה

H8451

the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

יְבַקְשׁ֣וּ

H1245

and they should seek

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

מִפִּ֑יהוּ

H6310

at his mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

כִּ֛י

H3588

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

#10

מַלְאַ֥ךְ

H4397

for he is the messenger

a messenger; specifically, of god, i.e., an angel (also a prophet, priest or teacher)

#11

יְהוָֽה

H3068

of the LORD

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

#12

צְבָא֖וֹת

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

#13

הֽוּא׃

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Malachi chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?